How to become an accountant in the UK

What does an accountant do, and why choose this career?

Accountants play a central role in managing financial records, offering tax advice, conducting audits, and providing consulting. Essentially, they help companies and individuals make informed financial decisions and ensure that finances are in order and compliant with regulations.

Accounting is a career well known for its stability and growth opportunities. Every industry relies on skilled accountants, creating a consistent demand for professionals in the field. Plus, accounting offers several avenues for specialising. 

Whether you’re interested in tax, auditing, management accounting, or consulting, there’s a path to suit nearly every interest. This flexibility helps accountants adapt to changing markets and find roles that match their evolving skills and career goals.

What qualifications do you need to become an accountant?

If you’re considering how to become an accountant, the qualifications generally start with GCSEs and A-levels in subjects like math, economics, or business.

Although a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance can be useful, it’s not always essential.

For those exploring how to become an accountant without a degree, the UK offers multiple pathways through professional qualifications.

Professional certifications are key to advancing in the field. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): This globally recognised qualification is flexible and covers a wide range of finance and accounting principles. This makes it ideal for those interested in international opportunities.
• ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant): Offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA includes extensive training and a three-year work experience component.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): This qualification is well-suited for those who prefer management accounting and want a strong focus on strategic financial management.
• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians): AAT provides an accessible starting point, covering core accounting skills, and is especially useful for those new to the field.

Choosing the right certification depends on your career goals. ACCA and ACA are excellent for those aiming to become chartered accountants, while CIMA suits those interested in corporate finance and strategic roles.

If you’re wondering how hard is it to become an accountant, the answer largely depends on the route you take and your commitment to meeting the certification requirements.

As for how much does it cost to become an accountant, this depends on the pathway you choose.

Like all undergraduate degrees in the UK, the cost of a bachelor’s degree in accounting is capped at £9,250 per year. Over the standard three-year period, this brings the total cost to around £27,000 at most public universities.​

How can you gain practical experience in accounting?

Practical experience is invaluable in accounting, and there are many ways to gain it. Internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level roles in accounting all give you hands-on experience and allow you to build your skills while applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To find these opportunities, explore job boards, attend career fairs, or connect with professionals in your network. Networking can be particularly valuable in accounting, where many positions are filled through recommendations. Practical experience improves technical expertise and also builds the essential soft skills that are crucial in this field.

What skills do you need to succeed as an accountant?

A well-rounded skill set that blends technical knowledge with key interpersonal skills is essential to succeed in accounting.

• Technical skills: Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel is crucial, as are skills in data analysis and financial reporting. These tools enable accountants to manage and interpret data effectively, making them indispensable in daily tasks.
• Soft skills: Accountants need strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial data, along with analytical thinking to interpret complex information. Effective communication is equally important, allowing accountants to convey financial insights clearly to clients and colleagues.

With new technologies and regulations emerging regularly, continuous learning is critical. Staying updated with industry trends ensures your knowledge remains relevant.

What are the different career paths in accounting?

Accounting offers a variety of career paths to explore:

• Auditor: Focuses on examining financial statements to ensure they comply with regulations, often working with government agencies or public accounting firms.
• Management Accountant: Works within companies, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial management.
• Tax Specialist: Provides expertise in tax planning and compliance, helping businesses and individuals navigate tax laws.
• Financial Analyst: Assesses data to guide financial decisions and identify trends, often within corporate finance or investment firms.
• Forensic Accountant: Specialises in investigating financial discrepancies and fraud, often in collaboration with law enforcement or legal teams.

Accountants can work in public practice, corporate finance, or private practice, and each offers unique benefits.

Public practice accountants handle a range of clients, while corporate accountants benefit from the stability of working within a single company.

How long does it take to become an accountant?

The timeline for becoming an accountant varies based on your qualifications and experience. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, it typically takes around three years. Afterward, professional qualifications can add another three to four years, depending on the certification and your study pace.

For those wondering how to become an accountant without a degree, professional qualifications like AAT or ACCA offer alternative routes. These qualifications allow you to work while studying, making it feasible to become qualified within three to five years through a mix of study and practical experience.

What is the potential salary and job outlook for accountants?

Accounting salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, company size, and location.

According to recruitment consultancy, Morgan McKinley, corporate accounting salaries in the UK start around £23,000 to £27,000 for graduate roles.

With three to five years of experience, professionals in roles like Management Accountant and Financial Accountant typically earn between £60,000 and £70,000. 

The job outlook for accountants remains strong. The role is also evolving as technology advances, and emerging fields like AI, data analytics, and automation create new ways for accountants to add value. 

With options to specialise, advance, and make an impact on the companies you work for or with, accounting offers a fulfilling and dynamic career with strong prospects. Whether you’re focused on finance, compliance, or consulting, there’s always room to grow.

Want to work with Unbiased?

Knowing how to become an accountant is important if this is a career path you are considering following.

As a profession, accounting is filled with opportunities for specialisation, growth, and financial reward. From guiding companies through complex regulations to helping individuals make sound financial decisions, accountants play a vital role in every industry. 

With varied pathways and consistent demand, accounting offers a dynamic career where skills are highly valued, and new challenges arise continuously. Whether your goal is to work in corporate finance, tax consultancy, or start your own practice, accounting provides a stable and rewarding foundation for a fulfilling career.

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