FAQs and Information on Accounting Careers

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.

ACCA supports apprenticeships as we offer two qualifications which are suitable for school leavers, which can be undertaken so that you earn while you learn. Our foundation level qualifications, which launched in 2011, are suitable for school leavers aged 16. If you decide to leave school at 18 with A-Levels, the ACCA Qualification is the qualification you will need to become a fully qualified accountant, and you can earn a degree while working.

ACCA's foundations level awards are the perfect stepping stone towards a successful career in finance.  The Foundations in Accountancy suite of awards are ideal for entry-level students, perfect if they are a school leaver and would like to progress with an accountancy apprenticeship but have no formal qualifications or experience of working in accountancy and finance.

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.  We work with many career related organisations who target students and careers advisors, these include UCAS, Career Academies, Inspiring Futures, Financial Skills Partnership, Pure Potential, Prospect Events and the Careers Development Institute.  Follow us on twitter @ACCA_OnCampus to find out where we will be, or visit the websites of the organisations listed above.

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.