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.