There are a number of routes into the profession.  We recommend that students take the time to explore and understand the different options that are available to them, so they can make the choice which is right for them.  One thing is for sure, whichever route they choose to follow, ACCA will be there to support them every step of the way.  Entry routes for school leavers include –

• School leaver entry - Launch your career straight away, join a school leaver programme and earn while you learn. Be in a real job with a real salary and study for relevant qualifications at the same time.
• Apprenticeships - Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes and provide an opportunity to gain qualifications at the same time as earning a salary. Apprenticeships operate at a range of levels, relevant to a range of jobs roles.
• Graduate Entry - For those with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, one way to enter a career in finance, accountancy and financial services is through a graduate training scheme.

There are several professional accountancy bodies in the UK. All bodies offer similar quality of qualifications to maintain consistency throughout the industry.

The syllabus of the bodies share similarities but have distinctive differences, mainly relating to areas of specialisation.

ACCA has a broad syllabus which gives students knowledge and skills in all areas of accounting before enabling them to specialise, if they want to, at the final stage. This allows students to work in all sectors, all over the world and be in control of how they achieve the qualification. They choose where to work, how to study and how long it takes.

Find out more about ACCA Apprenticeships. 

If you have a request for ACCA to attend a careers related event at your school, please email schools@accaglobal.com

ACCA exhibit at a wide variety of careers fairs, deliver workshops and attend careers related events right across the UK, throughout the year. 

ACCA has developed a free resource pack to assist teachers and careers advisers based in schools and colleges. This pack contains useful careers information designed to assist you in outlining the benefits of a career in accountancy. You can download the pack here.