I have a BA Business degree, how long would it take to become an accountant?

Question

Degree was 4 year sandwich course, gained a 2:2.

I have been told it would speed up some processes involved in becoming an accountant, any knowledge here would be great!

for those unfamiliar with the term, a 'sandwich course' involves an industrial placement usually for a year.

Questioned aimed at the UK 'scene'

Answer 1

You don't say what sort of accountant you want to be.
Assuming you wish to be a chartered accountant you need to apply to firms of chartered accountants who are registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or Scotland or Ireland in order to obtain a training contract. You will then work for them while you study and train, they will have to pay for your exams/courses and give you study leave. Salary will be I guess around 12-15k. If you pass all exams 1st sitting you will qualify in 3 years. You may be exempted from some exams depending on the exact content of your degree.
There are other bodies which train accountants notably ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA. Look on their websites about whats involved. Depending on your ultimate carrer choice may well impact on which qualification it would be best to go for eg CIPFA in public sector, ICAEW/ACCA in practice or CIMA/ACCA in industry.
I know most about ICAEW as I work for a firm that trains them but it is not necessarily the best qualification for you.

Answer 2

how many accounting courses did you take in college. Accounting majors usually require 24 credits to get a Bachelors degree in Accounting. You might be able to get a job as an accountant with your current degree if you've taken at least 4 courses, but it would probably be a lower level position and/or pay. It you take some courses part time evenings... What's a sandwich course?

Answer 3

I recommend that you get a Master's degree in whatever field you see yourself in the future, and then add another MBA afterwards if think it necessary. It's completely feasible (that's what my dad did) and you save time. You say you want a fresh start, but wouldn't you get that if you were to go to graduate school directly? You've come so far, I really don't see the need to backtrack to the point you were at four years ago. Besides, would you really be willing to retake all the rigid core requirements from freshman and sophomore years? If you wouldn't mind, oh well, go for it, but if you want to hear my advice - go to graduate school!

Answer 4

I'm not aware that a general business degree will 'speed up' the process at all - you'll have to apply for positions as a trainee accountant.
Graduates from accountancy degrees can gain exemption from some accountancy exams - which can speed up their training.

Answer 5

i'm not familiar with the degree terms you use.

Over here in America, I'd suggest that your next step is to get a job doing accounting work. Don't hold out for working at a public accounting firm, just get a job doing the work in industry.


GL

Answer 6

I'd advise you to follow up your question with research.
Here is one link to entry requirements:

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showgrp&grpno=J1

You'll also be aware you can look at the regulatory bodies, like the ACCA.