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How to become a Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountant

Career progression and salary expectations for a Chartered Accountant

In this entry-level role, Junior Accountants handle bookkeeping, assist with tax returns, and prepare financial reports under the supervision of Senior Accountants. It's a crucial position for learning the basics of accounting.
With more experience and certifications, Accountants take on more responsibilities such as managing financial statements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing financial advice to clients or internal teams.
After becoming fully qualified, Chartered Accountants lead complex financial operations, offer strategic advice, and ensure the organisation’s financial practices align with legal and industry standards.

The role of a Chartered Accountant

Have you got a great head for figures? Do you like the idea of working on a variety of different financial projects for various clients? Then why not train to be a Chartered Accountant?

Such professionals can work in public practice, for charities or in industry and are tasked with providing detailed and reliable advice on financial records.

You might be required to carry out tax audits, for example, or do forensic accounting and manage business accounts for small firms.

Day-to-day activities will vary depending on which industry in which you work, but typical tasks for a Chartered Accountant include:

  • Managing budgets
  • Carrying out independent financial audits
  • Offering financial advice
  • Tax planning
  • Preparing annual accounts
  • Analysing risk and preventing fraud
If you hated maths at school and struggle with the numbers round on Countdown, then Chartered Accountancy isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you enjoy meticulous investigations and excel at mental arithmetic, then read on.

A good Chartered Accountant will be:

  • Highly motivated and committed to every project
  • Able to communicate well with all types of clients
  • Highly organised
  • Good with IT such as spreadsheets
  • Excellent at problem-solving
  • Trustworthy and reliable
"Everyone believes the old stereotype that accountancy is boring, but I actually think it's tremendously interesting. I get to put my detective's hat on to investigate problems for clients almost daily, plus I'm effectively paid to be nosy. I love number puzzles and each case is just like an extended logic game - some days don't even feel like work at all."

Get qualified as a Chartered Accountant

While a degree in accounting, finance, or business can be beneficial for aspiring Chartered Accountants, professional qualifications such as ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) from the ICAEW, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) will also help you to get qualified. Practical experience through training contracts, internships, or hands-on work in accounting and auditing is also crucial for developing the necessary skills.

Recommended Chartered Accountant courses

  • Accounting & Bookkeeping Training Course

    Centre of Accountancy
    Classroom based or available online with study materials and tutor support
    • Online
    • 3 weeks · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Accounting & Bookkeeping Training: If you are looking for basic accountancy position or new to this industry than bookkeeping and payroll training course is suitable for you. In this entry level program you will be dealing with financial transactions and posting of informatio …
    from £380

  • Accounts Assistant Training Course

    Centre of Accountancy
    Remote & On-Site
    • Online
    • 1 month · Self-paced
    Great service
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    Are you looking for an accounting job or take your accounting skills to the next level? Look no further! Our Practical Accounting Course is the perfect solution. Our course will provide you with the real-world knowledge and hands-on experience you need to become a successful acco …
    £500
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