How to become an accountant in the UK

Discover what it takes to become an accountant and plan for your dream career with this helpful guide.

The world of business relies on the meticulous work of the accountant. They keep a careful eye on a company’s income and expenditure and ensure the smooth operation of finances. If you are drawn to the world of numbers, then a course in accounting could be well worth considering.

Our comprehensive career guide will show you how to become an accountant by breaking down key steps, accountant qualifications, and career options for this rewarding and lucrative profession.

How to become an accountant

You might presume that you need to be a maths whizz with a finance degree to become an accountant, but that’s not actually the case. There are, in fact, multiple routes to becoming an accountant.

You could:

• Study a Maths A Level or Economics A Level and then complete an accounting and finance degree.
• Complete accountant qualifications offered by The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). These beginner-friendly courses are flexible and can often be completed while working. They also take into account existing skills and experience rather than having formal entry requirements, although a good standard of English and maths is recommended. Capital City College Group (CCCG) offers Level 2 and Level 3 AAT courses.

Do an Apprenticeship in Accounting at a college like CCCG. There are three levels of apprenticeship, intermediate, advanced and higher/degree – each leading to different employment opportunities.

You’ll need different professional accountant qualifications depending on the area you decide to specialise in. The CCCG Accounting Academy offers a fast-track route into accounting for those aged 16 to 24, including internships, mentoring and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

How to become a chartered accountant

The prestigious title of ‘chartered accountant’ indicates an in-depth knowledge of financial matters and is given to financial professionals who have completed a minimum of 3 years of training, passed a series of rigorous exams and agreed to abide by a code of ethics.

To become a chartered accountant you’ll need to get a training agreement from an approved company and follow a training route with one of the professional institutes of chartered accountants.

• Chartered Accountants Ireland (Ireland and Northern Ireland)
• ICAEW
• ICAS

Companies are often more likely to offer training contracts to candidates with a degree, but there are other options:

• A Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB) can bridge the gap between a degree and a training contract
• The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Accounting qualification doesn’t require a degree and can lead to Chartered Accountant training
• The National Audit Office (NAO) offers a Chartered Accountancy Training Scheme for both school leavers (5-year route) and graduates (3-year route)

A training contract usually lasts 3-5 years. While working as a trainee accountant, you’ll be expected to complete your studies at the same time, which can be demanding. It’s important to consider what a company can offer in terms of training, leave and salary before accepting a training contract.

People who complete chartered accountant qualifications through ICAS or chartered accountants Ireland will be awarded the letters CA (chartered accountant) and those who qualify through ICAEW will have ACA (associate of the ICAEW) after their name. You’ll also need to become a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

What do accountants do? The roles and responsibilities

The world of accounting is vast and varied, offering a multitude of roles to suit your interests and skills. Broadly speaking, accountants help businesses to manage their money while also working to maximise profits.

General duties involve:

• Preparing financial reports
• Checking financial records for accuracy (auditing)
• Providing financial advice
• Managing tax paperwork and payments
• Looking after budgets
• Forecasting profits and performance to support decision-making

There are many different types of accountant, each with different responsibilities, for example:

How much do accountants get paid in the UK?

The range of salaries for accountants varies in location, sector, firm size and field of work. 

• Accounting Technician £17,000 to £34,000
• Bookkeeper/Accounts Clerk £18,000 to £35,000
• Public Finance Accountants, Management Accountants, and Private Practice Accountants can earn £22,000 to £65,000

Generally, the average accountant salary is between £30,000 and £40,000 depending on the role, location and the type/size of the company.

Salaries tend to increase as you gain more accountant qualifications, with a typical chartered accountant’s salary easily rising above £40,000. Those working in the business sector have the potential to earn over £100,000 with attractive bonuses.

How long does it take to become an accountant?

The length of time needed to become an accountant depends on which route you take and which role you are aiming for.

You could become an assistant accountant by completing a Level 3 AAT course in as little as 6-12 months. Completing the work and training required to become a chartered accountant involves a longer investment of your time, and can take between 3 and 5 years depending on your training contract.

A career in accounting is full of opportunities for growth and progression, and the routes and timelines for each professional are varied and unique.

How much does it cost to become a qualified accountant in the UK?

The cost of becoming an accountant can vary considerably depending on the route you choose and your individual circumstances.

If you are able to do an apprenticeship, you won’t usually incur tuition costs and will earn a wage while you study. For those heading to university, you could pay tuition fees of up to £9,250 per year for an undergraduate degree depending on which university you attend.

Training fees for AAT courses are as follows:

• Level 2 – £600 to £2000 training provider fees (This fee covers your tuition and is paid directly to your training provider.) Standard qualification fee £424
• Level 3 – £900 to £2000 training provider fees. Standard qualification fee £472
• Level 4 – £1000 to £3000 training provider fees. Standard qualification fee £564

Try not to let course fees put you off if the world of finance interests you. CCCG offers a wide range of free courses to eligible students, ranging from a Level 1 Bookkeeping Award to a Level 2 Certificate (AAT) in Accounting.

The costs associated with becoming a chartered accountant vary greatly, but the current ICAS fee schedule comes to around £15,000. Remember, this may seem like a lot but your courses and exams will take place over a number of years, and you’ll be in paid employment while you’re studying.

Career Progression

Once you’ve worked out how to become an accountant, there are plenty of opportunities for progression within the field. Continuing professional development (CPD) is highly valued as it’s essential for accountants to maintain current knowledge of business and technical issues and practices. Once you’re a member of a professional organisation, you’ll be exposed to lots of learning opportunities as well as networking and industry events.

You might find that your employer offers in-house training to help you improve your skills and there may be specialised areas that you can explore which are specific to your role and company.

Most people who are completing the training to become a chartered accountant develop their experience and take on more responsibilities as they’re studying. As you progress, you’ll have more opportunities to manage other team members and have more direct contact with clients. Another way to spread your wings is to complete a secondment and work in another area of a company, often travelling to a new city or country.

Qualified chartered accountants often progress in the following way:

• Manager (2 years after qualification)
• Senior Manager (5 years after qualification)
• Partner (8-15 years after qualification, sooner in smaller practices)
• Finance director (10-15 years after qualification)

Conclusion

Accountancy professionals are crucial to all forms of economic activity so remain in demand and have consistent job security. The field opens the doors to a varied career with many transferable skills, competitive salaries and the opportunity to work with a range of clients to tackle an interesting array of challenges.

Apply now for our full-time, part-time or evening Accounting and Bookkeeping courses and Apprenticeships.

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