Guides

How to get into a career in finance & accountancy

Wherever you are in your life and career, ACCA qualifications create opportunities for you to have a flexible, rewarding career.

We live in a fast-paced world where change is constant. Every day, technological breakthroughs, global events, economic shifts – even the weather – shape the way we live and work.

These changes are transforming the choices we make about our futures. The world of work is evolving at lightning speed – career paths and entry points look entirely different from just a decade ago. University is still a great choice, but it’s no longer the only route to success. Jobs for life still exist, but they’re rare, and it’s now normal to switch companies, roles – even industries – multiple times. Many people are also seizing the freedom of freelance work or launching their own businesses as entrepreneurs.

So, what does an accountant do in this new world of work? The role is no longer just about numbers – accountants are analysts, advisors, and problem-solvers, helping organisations adapt and thrive in a fast-changing landscape.

The exciting part? No matter where you are in your life or career, there’s an ACCA qualification designed to take you further.

How do I study with ACCA after leaving school?

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Companies are expanding school leaver programmes. Nick Kirk, Managing Director of Michael Page UK, says:

"We can expect companies to increase opportunities for school leavers, accelerating efforts to recruit them and offering career paths once reserved for graduates. Entry-level programmes were historically aimed only at graduates, but this is changing as employers target ambitious school leavers eager to start their careers."

Dreaming of a career in accountancy or finance? The ACCA Qualification is your passport to success. Here are the pathways to help you get started:

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are no longer limited to traditional trades – they now open doors to professional careers like accountancy. An ACCA apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, avoiding university debt. Fully funded by government and employers, it costs you nothing and leads directly to the ACCA Qualification.

In the UK, ACCA apprenticeships are offered across a wide range of industries, combining paid, hands-on experience with classroom learning. If you’re outside the UK, check local government initiatives for vocational education programmes – these career pathways are rapidly expanding worldwide.

Explore UK ACCA apprenticeship schemes

Traineeships

Many multinationals, professional services firms, and the Big Four (Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY) offer paid trainee roles that include ACCA study support, leave, and mentoring. These competitive programmes are an excellent way to start your career while earning a salary.

Search traineeships on ACCA Careers.

Foundations in Accountancy

Don’t meet the minimum entrance requirements for the full ACCA Qualification? Start a little earlier with our Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) qualifications. It’s your stepping stone to junior accounting or bookkeeping roles or the full ACCA Qualification - its your choice.

Explore FIA

Learn more about ACCA for school leavers

How do I study with ACCA after university?

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Universities all over the world have had courses accredited by ACCA so that people who study them can claim exemptions from ACCA exams. This is a great choice if you want to combine university life with gaining a degree and getting a speedy first step on the career ladder. Ask your programme leader about ACCA Accelerate, which means that after graduating you can enter the workplace as an ACCA affiliate and become a qualified ACCA member in as little as 36 months. If you’ve already left university, don’t worry – you may still be able to claim exemptions from some of our exams.

If you have already graduated, you could also consider joining a company’s graduate scheme that provides the ACCA Qualification as part of its training programme. This is more common with large companies and is a really good step on a strong career path.

Discover ACCA for graduates

How do I study with ACCA while working?

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Gaining the qualification can give your career a boost and open doors to more varied and senior roles. The skills you’ll gain can really help set you apart from your peers, and it can show to prospective employers that you really mean business. Also, for people who already have both life and professional experience, adding ACCA qualifications to your CV can make you a truly valuable asset to an organisation.

If you're exploring career paths in accountancy, check out the accounting quiz designed to help you discover your inner accountant. These quizzes present various scenarios to gauge your suitability for the profession, focusing on ethical decision-making, numerical skills, communication, and leadership abilities. They provide a fun and insightful way to see if accountancy aligns with your strengths and interests.

Studying ACCA is flexible, based on your lifestyle and responsibilities. You can learn at your own pace, whether this be full-time or part-time, in a classroom or online learning services provider – our approved learning partners have a method to suit everyone.

Discover ACCA for career changers and restarters

What careers can you pursue with the ACCA Qualification?

The ACCA Qualification prepares you for a successful career in accountancy or finance across virtually every sector worldwide. Wondering what's the difference between accounting and finance? In simple terms, accounting focuses on recording, reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial information, while finance is centred on managing, investing and strategically growing an organisation’s resources. With ACCA, you can pursue opportunities in both areas and join a global community of over 250,000 members – professionals driving innovation and shaping the future of business.

Learn how our members are shaping the future with top businesses worldwide: