What A-levels do you need to become an accountant?

Question

Do you need maths?

Answer 1

That was adorable.

Answer 2

Not really, but it might show that you have an interest in that area. I have known many accountants who have done subjects like Geography or Chemical Engineering at Uni and who have not done A level Maths. I am a qualified accountant and the most maths I have ever done as an accountant has been one simultaneous equation and a small amount of linear regression.

However, whatever A levels you do will always be looked at by potential employers, sometimes even more so than your degree. Make sure you do very well in them as they will serve you well for the rest of your career. Bear in mind that the accountancy exams are tough as you have to do 2 - 3 hours' study a night on top of a full day's work. Good luck, whatever you decide.

Answer 3

I don't know what you mean when you say "A-level," but speaking as someone who teaches accounting, let me say that there are a variety of skills needed.

Math is definitely one of them, but we're not talking rocket science or calculus. But accounting is definitely a numbers-oriented field, and so you do need to be pretty comfortable with math.

It also requires the ability to look at things and make an assessment as to what's going on here. For example, when looking at financial statements, you need to be able to read things properly and make decisions and/or recommendations based upon your reading of the numbers.

Accounting is also a detailed-oriented field, and so "dotting the I's and crossing the T's" is important. But it all depends on what you ultimately want to do within the field of accounting, because it's such a varied profession. It can range from basic bookkeeping (the recording of transactions) to supervising others to writing reports and providing advice, and even to "doing it all!"

Now as far as training you'll need, you'll need at least an Associates (2 year) Degree, but most will earn their Bachelors (4 year) Degree. And if you want the CPA designation, then you'll need to pass a series of exams.