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Finance & Accounting

Accountant

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Accountants are responsible for managing financial records, preparing accounts, and ensuring organisations follow financial regulations. They analyse financial information to help businesses operate efficiently, plan for the future, and comply with tax laws. Day-to-day tasks may include preparing financial statements, analysing budgets, conducting audits, and giving financial advice to clients or employers. Accountants can work in a wide range of industries, from private firms to public sector organisations, and many choose to specialise in areas such as tax, audit, or management accounting. To become a qualified accountant in the UK, you usually need to complete recognised qualifications such as those offered by ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW.

Accountant

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an accountant in the UK is around £35,000 per year, with newly qualified accountants earning between £25,000 and £35,000, and experienced accountants earning up to £60,000 or more.

Number of Positions

There are approximately 90,000 chartered accountants in the UK, with thousands of additional roles for other types of accountants and trainees.

Job Growth

Demand for accountants is expected to grow steadily, with around 7,000 new job openings annually across the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Forensic Accountant

A specialist who investigates financial records to uncover fraud, money laundering, or other financial crimes, often working with law enforcement.

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Tax Adviser

A professional who helps individuals and businesses plan their finances to minimise tax liabilities and ensures compliance with UK tax laws.

Management Accountant

An accountant who analyses financial information and provides advice to help organisations make strategic business decisions.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs or Equivalent

Achieve good grades in GCSEs, especially in Maths and English, as these are often required for further study.

Strong results in GCSE Mathematics are particularly important for pursuing a career in accountancy. English is also valued, as communication skills are essential. Some sixth forms or colleges may also require good grades in other subjects, so aim for a well-rounded set of results.

Study A Levels or Equivalent

Take A Levels or equivalent qualifications, ideally including Maths, Business Studies, or Economics.

While there are no strict subject requirements, A Level Mathematics is highly recommended and can make you a more attractive candidate for accountancy courses. Other useful subjects include Economics, Business Studies, and ICT. Alternatively, relevant BTEC qualifications may also be accepted by some employers or universities.

Choose a Route: University or Apprenticeship

Decide whether to study for an accountancy-related degree at university or pursue a professional apprenticeship.

University degrees in Accountancy, Finance, or related fields can provide a strong foundation and may offer exemptions from some professional exams. Alternatively, higher apprenticeships such as the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) allow you to earn while you learn and gain practical experience.

Gain Professional Experience

Apply for Entry-Level Roles or Graduate Schemes

Start working in an accounting or finance role to gain practical experience.

Many large accounting firms offer graduate schemes or school leaver programmes that include on-the-job training and study support for professional qualifications. Smaller firms may have entry-level roles where you can gain experience and study part-time.

Study for Professional Qualifications

Work towards recognised accountancy qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA.

These professional bodies set the standards for accountancy in the UK. You will need to complete a series of exams and gain practical work experience (usually around three years) to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. Many employers support their staff through this process.

Develop Your Career

Choose an Area of Specialisation

Decide whether to specialise in areas such as audit, tax, management accounting, or forensic accounting.

As you gain experience, you may find you prefer certain aspects of accountancy. Specialising can open up opportunities for advancement and higher salaries. Each area has its own training requirements and challenges, so consider your interests and strengths.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with industry changes through ongoing training and membership of professional bodies.

Accountancy is a constantly evolving field, with regular changes in regulations and technology. Most professional bodies require members to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year, which includes attending courses, seminars, or online learning.

Advance to Senior Roles

Progress into senior positions such as Finance Manager, Financial Director, or even start your own practice.

With experience and further qualifications, you can move into leadership positions or specialise further. Some accountants choose to become self-employed, offering services to individuals and businesses, while others work in large corporations or public sector organisations.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Accountant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A private practice accountant typically works independently or within accounting firms, providing financial and tax services to clients. This role closely aligns with the general qualifications of an Accountant, who also manages financial records, prepares statements, and offers accounting advice, making it the most similar career title listed.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • training with a professional body

University

You could do a degree in any subject then apply for a place on a graduate training scheme to work towards a professional accountancy qualification.

If you want to take a more focused route onto a graduate scheme, you could study for an accountancy related degree, like:

  • accountancy
  • accounting and finance
  • business and management
  • maths

Some degree courses may give you exemptions from some of the professional accountancy training modules.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You could take steps to gain your professional qualifications by applying for an apprenticeship. These include:

  • Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Professional Accountancy or Taxation Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Accountancy and Taxation Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship level you start at will depend on the qualifications you already have.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start as an accounting assistant with an organisation and do professional training on the job, with the support of your employer.

You'll usually need A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification to follow this route.

Other Routes

You could train with one of the following professional bodies to become a qualified accountant:

They all have different entry requirements and ways to qualify, so it's important to check with them which is the right route for you. If you already have relevant accounting or business-related qualifications, you may be able to qualify in a shorter time.

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Professional and industry bodies

If you've qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), you can offer most accountancy services in private practice but you'll need to register as a 'member in practice' with CIMA to do this.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a private practice accountant from:

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