
The first step is to choose your route. The good news is accountancy is flexible and there is more than one route meaning you can choose the journey that is right for you.
Straight from school/college
There are a wide range of school leaver and apprenticeship programmes on offer, which provide an exciting alternative to university. These structured programmes often ask you to study for a qualification at the same time as working for your chosen employer. Employers and tutors support you during your training, ensuring you develop the knowledge you need to pass your exams. What’s more, because you’re in employment it means you get paid a salary too!
Depending on your employer, you may get the opportunity to progress onto a chartered qualification once you have completed your apprenticeship/school leaver programme.
After university
If you would prefer to go to university the good news is that most employers accept graduates from any degree discipline. So, if you would prefer to study archaeology rather than accounting, you’ll still be able to become an accountant once you graduate!
Graduate training programmes typically last three years and often give you the opportunity to study for a professional qualification. If you study an accountancy, finance or business related degree at university, you may be eligible to apply for exemptions towards some exams if you choose to study for a professional qualification once you graduate. More information about the qualifications can be found below.
Strategic degree programmes
There are an increasing number of employer linked degree programmes. These programmes give you the opportunity to go on one or more work placements/internships as part of your degree. Not only do these programmes give you an excellent insight into a career in accountancy, but you’ll gain valuable experience which may help you to secure a graduate role too.
Straight from school/college
There are a wide range of school leaver and apprenticeship programmes on offer, which provide an exciting alternative to university. These structured programmes often ask you to study for a qualification at the same time as working for your chosen employer. Employers and tutors support you during your training, ensuring you develop the knowledge you need to pass your exams. What’s more, because you’re in employment it means you get paid a salary too!
Depending on your employer, you may get the opportunity to progress onto a chartered qualification once you have completed your apprenticeship/school leaver programme.
After university
If you would prefer to go to university the good news is that most employers accept graduates from any degree discipline. So, if you would prefer to study archaeology rather than accounting, you’ll still be able to become an accountant once you graduate!
Graduate training programmes typically last three years and often give you the opportunity to study for a professional qualification. If you study an accountancy, finance or business related degree at university, you may be eligible to apply for exemptions towards some exams if you choose to study for a professional qualification once you graduate. More information about the qualifications can be found below.
Strategic degree programmes
There are an increasing number of employer linked degree programmes. These programmes give you the opportunity to go on one or more work placements/internships as part of your degree. Not only do these programmes give you an excellent insight into a career in accountancy, but you’ll gain valuable experience which may help you to secure a graduate role too.
What qualifications do I need?
Entry requirements vary depending on the qualification and employer that you are applying for and the qualification you want to study. Check your chosen employers’ website for more information.
What skills do I need?
As well as academic achievements, employers will look for you to demonstrate that you are passionate and motivated by a career in accountancy. Throughout the application process, they will also be looking to see that you have a range of other skills (below) which you will need to have a successful career in accountancy. Some of the most common are listed below:
You will develop these skills through a range of different experiences, both in and out of school. Access Accountancy will give you the perfect opportunity to develop these skills while showing a potential employer the skills you already have. However, all experiences can count when it comes to showing these skills off in an application or an interview. So, by being part of a sports team or other after school club, you’ll be getting experience and developing your team working, communication and even leadership skills without even knowing it.
- communication
- team working
- decision making
- problem solving
- adding value
- leadership
- commercial awareness.
You will develop these skills through a range of different experiences, both in and out of school. Access Accountancy will give you the perfect opportunity to develop these skills while showing a potential employer the skills you already have. However, all experiences can count when it comes to showing these skills off in an application or an interview. So, by being part of a sports team or other after school club, you’ll be getting experience and developing your team working, communication and even leadership skills without even knowing it.
What accountancy qualifications will I study?
There’s a range of different accountancy qualifications available for you to choose from. Opportunities range from technician and foundation level qualifications, through to chartered level qualifications. Below are some of the main awarding bodies in the UK that are also Access Accountancy members, visit their websites to find out more about the qualifications they offer.
- The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (CAI)
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
- The Association of International Accountants (AIA)