How to become an accountant?

Question

I would like to become an accountant!!!!

What is the recongnised qualification in the U.K. and where would be the start of the path???????

I am fluent in Sage, Quick books and deal with bank rec's etc its the tax side of things that I have not got a clue about???

What would be a starting salary and would the last part of the course be work based graded??

I was looking at a CIMA I think..........

I have already been told that I could start on the course with the knowledge I have if you are over 25 it goes on life experience....

But I didnt know if this was the way to go, its a part time course up until the final 18 months then I would need a placement somewhere..........................

The salary advised below is less than I am on now so is it worth doing?!?!?!?

Answer 1

It depends on how you want to train.

If you want to train as an ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) you will need to work for a firm of accountants, and it involves a lot of auditing etc. Usually they are very good at giving you study leave though!

If you want to work for a company while you study, then the best qualification is CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Most firms only give limited study leave though. An average of 2 weeks per set of exams, unlike the average 6 weeks or more which ACA trainees get.

If you want to work in industry I would recommend CIMA, but if you prefer to work for a firm of accountants, and maybe work towards becoming a partner, then go for ACA.

Once you decide which one you wish to go for, contact the relevant institute, and find out what preliminary qualifications they recommend. I'm afraid I qualified a few years ago, so I'm not sure what the entry standards are now.

ACCA is a kind of half way house between the 2.

Answer 2

Become An Accountant

Answer 3

You may start AAT. The AAT Accounting Qualification is a vocational qualification and students typical work in accountancy whilst studying at the same time. The real advantage of this is that you are putting into practice what you learn in the classroom. AAT also provides a fast-track, non-graduate route into chartered accountancy. A school leaver could become a chartered accountant more quickly than someone who goes to university because they are granted exemptions from the charted bodies CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS.
The best place to study AAT in London is Osborne Training Centre, they are based in London, they have high quality Tutors and High Pass Rates.

Answer 4

the best way is to become an accountant is to get a 1st class degree from there you will have companies begging to employ you. But if you havent got such a degree then write to all the top accountancy firms; PWC, KPMG, Delliots etc and asking for jobs. Usually you get replys and inteviews there are ok employment prospects but not brilliant. If all that fails you should get a degree at the open univeristy and repeat the last step.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How to become an accountant?
I would like to become an accountant!!!!

What is the recongnised qualification in the U.K. and where would be the start of the path???????

I am fluent in Sage, Quick books and deal with bank rec's etc its the tax side of things that I have not got a clue about???

What would be a...

Answer 6

Hi. I'm a tranee chartered accountant in London. There are 4 recognised qualifiactions in the UK which are recognised by the governement: ACA (from ICAEW), CA (from ICAS), ACCA and CIMA (management accountants).

ACA is the more mainstream one and probably the one with the best salaries.

Starting salary ranges from £18k to £25k.

for ACA you need to pass 9 exams (paid by your office) and work for 3 years.

If you do not have a uni degree do an AAT course first. (any uni degree is acceptable). your experience in sage and quickbooks can help you get a job.

www.accountancyage.com has a list of the top 50 firms in the UK... start sending applications.

Answer 7

there are a few job agencies who specialise in accountacy (depends on where you live) and they often come up with low-level jobs for people with no experience, like data input or something where you can get experience of working in an acounts dept. After a while a vacancy will come up (it happened to me quite often, i'd see them all the time) with a company willing to put you on the ACCA or CIMA course and you'll be an accountant in no time! Good Luck!

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Chartered Accountant is the really worthwhile qualification. Damned hard work, especially if you are not already a graduate.

http://www.icaew.co.uk/careers/

Good Luck, come back and say hello in twenty years when you are a partner in Touche Deloitte

Answer 10

I think you need a degree in accounts, then you need to train for several years with an accountancy firm.