Many students ask how to become an accountant in the UK and whether the path is long or costly. You can begin by choosing a recognised route, such as the AAT and ACCA, an apprenticeship or a university degree. Once you have chosen the route, you need to study and pass professional exams, get relevant work experience and complete the ethics training.
Prospects, UCAS and the National Careers Service provide you with dependable help- all of them point to accounting as a reliable and respected career option.
Your Route to Accounting- School, Degree, or Apprenticeship
You can enter accounting through three main routes in the UK. Each route suits different learners and life stages. Your choice will impact the cost, study style and speed to qualification.
The National Careers Service accountant profile details the daily activities and abilities required. UCAS provides information on degree paths and GOV.UK shows live apprenticeships. Pick the one that matches your marks, money and way of learning. If you’re still choosing a programme, compare the best courses to study in the UK before you apply.
Which route suits each person?
- School leavers- The AAT route or apprenticeships suit early starters.
- Graduates- Degree routes offer exemptions and faster progress, and apprenticeships after university can also be a strong option if you want paid training.
- Career changers- Apprenticeships or ACCA with flexible study work well.
Route 1: Start with AAT
You start this path right after your GCSEs or A-levels. Initially, you complete AAT Level 2, Level 3 and finally Level 4. AAT helps you to deeply understand bookkeeping, accounting and tax.
Many students get accounts assistant jobs while still studying, so you get work experience early on. After completing AAT, you have the option to continue with chartered qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW.
Route 2: University degree
Earning a degree in accounting or finance, especially if you plan to study accounting in the UK, significantly advances your career. Many degrees offer accounting degree exemptions from professional exams. UCAS lists the accredited courses and the requirements for admission, and this UCAS application process guide shows how to apply step by step. After graduating, most people go straight into training contracts or graduate schemes. If you need a visa-linked test for admission, review approved SELT options.
Route 3: Earn while you learn through Level 3-7 apprenticeships
An accounting apprenticeship UK lets you work and study together. Employers pay fees and wages. Levels range from 3 to 7, leading to AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW. You apply through GOV.UK “Find an apprenticeship”. This route suits practical learners who want no debt. Progress depends on job performance and study pace.
Pick the right qualification (AAT vs ACCA vs ACA/ICAEW vs CIMA vs CIPFA)
Choosing the right qualification is key when you think about how to become an accountant in the UK. Each qualification leads you into slightly different jobs and has different study paths. Your choice shapes what skills you learn, where you work and how fast you qualify. Below are simple, clear facts using official sources so you can decide with confidence.
ACCA- broad practice and industry mobility
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) qualification gives skills in accounting, auditing, tax and finance. It is widely recognised around the world and leads to roles in auditing, taxation, and business accounting. It includes exams, work experiences and an ethical skills module. ACCA requires three years’ work experience and up to 13 exams, depending on exemptions. You study practical and technical skills useful in many sectors.
ACA- structured training in practice and audit
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) offers the ACA qualification. It focuses on professional skills for practice, audit and financial leadership. You usually need a training agreement with an authorised employer. The ACA is highly respected and valued in UK firms and beyond.
CIMA (CGMA)- management accounting and business leadership
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) leads to the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation. This qualification centres on business planning, management accounting and financial strategy. It suits those who want to work inside businesses on budgets, performances and planning.
CIPFA- public finance and government roles
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the UK body for public finance accountants. The CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification focuses on public services such as councils, the NHS and government finance. You study audit, public budgeting and leadership.
AAT- practical starting point
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is ideal as a first step into accounting. You get to learn the essentials of bookkeeping, accounts and business finance. AAT can take you to ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or CIPFA with some exam exemptions. AAT is especially good for apprentices and school leavers.
Step-By-Step Roadmap to Chartered Status
Understanding how to become an accountant in the UK becomes easier when you follow a clear roadmap. All chartered routes follow similar steps. You first register with a professional body. You then choose a study mode that fits work or an accounting apprenticeship UK.
After this, you pass exams in stages, gain work experience, complete ethics training and apply for membership. ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA all follow this structure, with small differences.
Exams at a Glance
Exams are organised by level. For ACCA, you take Applied Knowledge, then Applied Skills, then Strategic Professional exams. For the ICAEW ACA, there are Certificate, Professional and Advanced Levels. CIMA has certificates at the operational, management, and strategic levels.
Typical time commitments vary. You may manage to finish your qualification within 3-4 years if you decide to study full-time. On the other hand, if you study part-time while working, it normally takes around 3-5 years. The pace is up to you and your employer.
Practical Experience: PER vs Training Agreements
Passing exams is only half the story. You must prove you can use the knowledge. This is the practical experience requirement (PER). ACCA calls it PER. ICAEW calls it a training agreement. You need to log a certain number of hours in relevant tasks. You must also demonstrate specific competencies. A workplace mentor will sign off on your experience. This ensures you are ready for real responsibility.
Ethics and Professional Skills Modules
All chartered bodies stress ethical behaviour. Before you qualify, you must complete an ethics and professional skills module. This course tests your understanding of professional codes. You work through case studies about ethical dilemmas in business. It prepares you to act with integrity in your career.
Apprenticeships and Options that Let You Earn While You Qualify
If you are exploring how to become an accountant in the UK, apprenticeships offer a smart and affordable route. You work, earn a salary and study at the same time. Employers pay your training costs. This route suits school leavers and career changers. It also reduces debt and builds real skills early. Many apprentices move into long-term roles after completion.
Levels 3-7: what each means and the attached qualifications
Apprenticeships run from Level 3 to Level 7.
- Level 3 links to AAT Foundation roles.
- Level 4 supports the AAT Professional Diploma.
- Levels 6-7 lead to ACCA, ICAEW (ACA), CIMA, or CIPFA routes.
These levels align with clear progress into audit, business, or public finance roles.
How to find and apply for live vacancies
- Search roles on GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship.
- Check entry rules and employer details.
- Apply online with a clear CV.
Simple application flow:
Search → Apply → Interview → Start work and study.
Costs, Funding and Exemptions (realistic budgeting)
Accounting costs include registration, exams, tuition and learning materials. Fees vary by body, but ranges are clear from official sources. ACCA charges around £89 for registration and £125-£278 per exam, depending on level.
ICAEW ACA students pay roughly £216 for registration and £99 -£297 per exam. CIMA charges about £95 for registration and £140-£330 per exam. Tuition can range from £1,500 to £3,500 per year if self-funded. If you’re budgeting as an overseas applicant, explore funding options for international students. Many employers cover most or all costs. If you’re studying through a university route, check UK student finance eligibility as early as possible. Accounting apprenticeship UK routes usually cost you nothing, as employers use the levy.
Sample budget overview:
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Cost type
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Annual range
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Exams and registration
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£800-£2,000
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Tuition and materials
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£1,500-£3,500
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Apprenticeships
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£0 (employer funded)
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Typical timelines and study load (part-time vs block release)
Part-time study spreads the cost and workload. Most students qualify in three to five years. Block release suits apprentices with paid study time.
Getting exemptions right (degree, prior quals, and mapping)
Degrees and AAT can give exemptions for prior learning. This cuts exams, time, and total cost. ACCA and CIMA publish official exemption tools.
Skills, Software and Specialisms Hiring Managers Expect
Accounting requires a lot of skills and practical tools. Hiring managers seek out clear financial reporting, audit awareness, basic tax knowledge, and management accounting knowledge. Data handling also matters. You are to be comfortable with numbers and explaining results in straightforward terms. These abilities assist in various positions and help you to progress faster at work.
The majority of employers require good software skills. Excel is still critical in reporting and analysis. Power BI assists in dashboards and insights. Many positions also utilise ERP systems and cloud applications like Xero or QuickBooks. CIMA also emphasises business analysis and management decision support. The National Careers Service gives an overview of daily tasks across accounting jobs.
Skills checklist:
- Financial reporting and controls
- Audit and tax basics
- Management accounting and data analysis
- Excel and accounting software
Keep a simple portfolio. Add study casework and PER logs.
Practice, industry or public sector?
In practice, accountants work with many clients and handle audits, taxes, and reports under strict deadlines. In industry, accountants support one business, focusing on budgets, planning and management reporting. This links closely to FP&A and business partnering. In the public sector, a public finance accountant with the CIPFA manages public budgets, spending control, and accountability. The work focuses on value for money rather than profit.
Salaries, Job Outlook and Progression
Accounting offers steady pay growth and strong long-term demand. According to the National Careers Service and ONS ASHE data, entry roles pay fairly and rise quickly with experience. A trainee accountant salary UK usually starts between £22,000 and £37,000 per year. Qualified accountants often earn £40,000 to £55,000. Senior roles pay more, especially in London and the South East. ICAEW Jobs and Ashdown surveys show a clear regional uplift.
Typical salary guide:
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Role
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Salary range
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Trainee / Graduate
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£22,000-£37,000
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Qualified accountant
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£40,000-£55,000
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Senior / Manager
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£59,000-£75,000
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Graduate and trainee pay vs minimum wage context (why PER matters)
Trainee pay often starts above minimum wage. Completing PER increases skills, value, and salary growth speed.
Progression paths- senior accountant, manager, head of finance, CFO
Clear steps exist from trainee to senior roles. Experience and qualifications open paths to leadership and CFO roles.
Land Your First Role
Your first job is a key step in your accounting career in the UK. Begin by selecting the right employers. Major firms such as the Big Four provide excellent training. Mid-tier firms and SMEs offer more varied practical experience.
Where to look (practice firms, industry schemes, public sector traineeships)
Search graduate schemes, trainee roles, and apprenticeships. Use professional body job boards and UCAS careers advice. Check company websites and public sector portals.
How to show skills before you have them
You can accomplish this step through projects, volunteering and internships. Also, part-time work and study of case tasks will help you. Keep clear records that link to exam skills.
10-step job search checklist:
Research firms → tailor CV → apply early → prepare interviews → practise case questions → network online → attend events → track applications → follow up → accept offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become an accountant in the UK?
No, you do not. You can start with AAT qualifications straight after GCSEs or A-levels. You can also do an accounting apprenticeship. A degree is one good path, but it is not the only one.
How long does it take to qualify as chartered?
It typically takes 3 to 5 years. This depends on your route, how many exams you take at once, and if you get any exemptions.
Which is better: ACCA, ACA or CIMA?
It is not about better. It is about fit. Choose ACA for a career in audit and practice. Choose ACCA for broad options in practice or industry. Choose CIMA for management accounting within companies.
Can I switch from AAT to ACCA/ACA/CIMA later?
Yes, absolutely. This is a very common and smart path. Your AAT credits will give you exemptions from the early exams of the chartered bodies.
What’s the starting salary for trainee accountants in the UK?
Starting salaries range from about £18,000 to £30,000. Location and employer type make a big difference. London salaries are usually higher.
Are apprenticeships a good alternative to university for accounting?
Yes, for many people, they are excellent. You earn a salary, gain experience, and avoid tuition fees. You end up with the same professional qualification.
How do public sector routes (CIPFA) differ?
CIPFA focuses on public money and services. The work has a strong public service mission. The syllabus covers different rules and priorities than private sector accounting.
Conclusion
Learning how to become an accountant in the UK is easier when you understand the routes clearly.
Start at school, jump in at university, or dive into an apprenticeship; the choice is yours. Any of these routes can land you chartered status with ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or CIPFA. It comes down to what fits your goals and your budget.
Make a plan for your exams, lock in work experience, and wrap up your ethics training. Accountancy offers solid pay, real career growth, and job security.