Starting out as a certified accountant in the UK can open up global career opportunities. However, as a non-UK national, you might think it's harder for you than for local students.
Worry not! As an international student, you can easily start your journey to becoming a professional accountant. So, what are the simple steps to get there?
Read on and find out how to become an accountant in the UK without any stress! Here, we’ll walk you through each step, from education and certification to gaining hands-on experience. So, why wait? Scroll down to explore all the insider scoops.
A quick glance at how to become an accountant in the UK
Short on time? Here's a quick guide from our AHZ team to kickstart your journey to becoming a successful accountant in the United Kingdom.
| Step | Action | Details |
| 1 | Complete basic education | Complete your HSC/A-Level qualifications to start your further studies. |
| 2 | Choose a university and course | Study accounting and finance-related courses at a UK university. |
| 3 | Get a student visa | Apply for a UK student visa. This is essential for study and work opportunities. |
| 4 | Consider foundation courses (optional) | If needed, join a UK foundation course to fill any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. |
| 5 | Earn professional qualifications | Complete qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA—they're well-respected in the UK. |
| 6 | Gain practical experience | Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in accounting. |
| 7 | Apply for a graduate visa | After completing your studies, apply for a Graduate Visa and gain work experience for up to two years. |
| 8 | Register with a Professional body | Join ICAEW , ACCA, or similar bodies for certification. |
| 9 | Engage in CPD | Stay updated with industry trends and regulations for continuous professional development. |
| 10 | Apply for relevant roles | Start applying for roles like auditor, financial analyst, or management accountant. |
Now that you know the steps, let’s make it easy to climb them! There are more insights to learn, and our experts have shared everything you need to know.
Top 10 detailed steps to become a certified accountant in the UK
Whether you’re aiming for a Chartered Accountant (CA) or another accounting qualification, following the right route is key to success.
Here, we’ve outlined the top 10 steps to help you navigate the process and achieve your goal.
Step 1: Complete basic education
You'll need to complete your Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or A-Levels to start your accounting career journey. These qualifications are the first step towards studying accounting or finance.
It’s important to have a good understanding of subjects like math and economics, as they’ll be key in your accounting career.
- Quick tip: If your background doesn't include math or economics, you can bridge the gap with foundation courses.
Step 2: Choose a UK university and course
The second step is to pick a good university and course. It might seem easy, but it's actually a big decision. The wrong choice can affect your future, but the right one can lead to a great tomorrow.
There are lots of top UK universities offering degrees in Accounting, Finance, and similar subjects. These courses usually take 3 years and give you all the theory and hands-on skills you'll need.
- Smart move: You can receive direct support from aBritish Council-certifiedcounsellor at AHZ to complete the admission process. And the best part? It’s completely free!
Step 3: Get a student visa
As an international student, getting a student visa is an important step. Once you have your university acceptance letter, you can apply for the UK student visa. This will let you study in the country and, in some cases, work part-time (up to 20 hours a week during term time).
- Extra note: You can apply for your student visa up to 6 months before your course start date. It’s wise to apply early to ensure everything is sorted on time!
Step 4: Consider foundation courses
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your undergraduate programme, a foundation course could be a good way to prepare and fill in any gaps.
These courses are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need, especially if you haven’t studied accounting or finance before.
- Insider scoop: MIE Pathways, partnered with NCUK, is preparing Bangladeshi students for higher education abroad by helping them get into UK foundation programmes from their home country.
Step 5: Earn professional qualifications
A university degree will give you the basics, but to really stand out, you'll need qualifications like:
- ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
These qualifications are recognised around the world and are highly valued by employers. You'll need to pass exams and do practical training to become a Chartered Accountant.
- Smart move: You can work towards these qualifications during or after your degree, depending on the path you choose.
Step 6: Gain practical experience
Employers in the UK value practical experience as much as academic qualifications. While you're studying, think about applying for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in accounting roles.
Getting hands-on experience will help you learn better and make you stand out when applying for full-time jobs. An apprenticeship could be a great option if you want to earn while you learn.
- Quick tip: You can study BSc Accounting with placement years to get industry experience. A placement year indeed counts as practical experience!
Step 7: Apply for a graduate visa
After you graduate, you can apply for a Graduate Visa, letting you stay in the UK for up to two years. This is a great chance to gain experience in the UK, whether as a trainee or in a junior accounting role.
The best part is that the postgraduate visa (PSW) doesn’t require a sponsoring employer. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to build more job experience after their studies!
- Insider scoop: If you land a job with a sponsoring company willing to sponsor you, you can easily switch from the Graduate Visa to the Skilled Worker Visa. This could be your route to permanent residency (PR) in the UK.
Step 8: Register with a Professional body
If you’re aiming to become an accountant, it’s important to register with a UK professional body like:
- ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
These organisations offer certifications, training, and networking chances that can boost your career.
- Extra note: Membership with these organisations gives you recognition not just in the UK but internationally. This can open up career opportunities worldwide.
Step 9: Engage in CPD
The accounting world is always changing with new rules, tools, and technologies. To keep your skills up to date and maintain your certification, you’ll need to take part in CPD (Continuous Professional Development).
This means attending workshops, doing extra courses, and staying on top of industry trends. CPD is important to make sure your skills stay sharp and that you keep meeting the standards.
- Bonus tip: Browse and explore different CPD networks like CAEW, ACCA, CIMA, AAT, IPA, or AccountingWEB. Then simply join one that suits you!
Step 10: Apply for relevant roles
You're now at the final step! After finishing your degree, earning your qualifications, and gaining some work experience, it’s time to apply for accounting jobs. You can work in different areas like public accounting, corporate finance, or auditing.
Some common job titles for accountants are:
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Tax Advisor
- Forensic Accountant
- Financial Accountant
Smart move: Don’t limit yourself to big firms when looking for accounting jobs. Small businesses and startups also need talented accountants. Keep your options open!
How long does it take to become a chartered accountant?
Becoming a Chartered Accountant usually takes around 3 to 5 years. It mostly depends on your accountancy qualifications and the route you choose.
Here’s an approximate timeline:
- University Degree: 3 years (Bachelor’s in Accounting or related field)
- Professional Qualifications: 2-3 years (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
- Work Experience: Gaining practical experience may overlap with your qualification process and take 2 years.
So, if you follow a straightforward path, you could become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant in about 5 years.
What other careers are available for those interested in accounting?
There are plenty of alternative career paths you can explore beyond the usual accounting jobs.
Here are some exciting options to consider:
- Actuary: Specialising in financial risk assessment and insurance
- Financial Planner: Helping people and businesses on managing their finances
- Management Consultant: Advising companies on financial planning
- Tax Consultant: Offering services on tax planning, filing, and compliance
- Internal Auditor: Checking that companies follow regulations & have proper financial controls.
You can also tap into the resources at university career centres to help you choose the perfect career related to accountancy. With so many exciting options, your future in accounting is full of possibilities.
Wrap up
Congratulations! You’re now all set to become a successful accountant in the UK! Whether you want to work in finance, government, or the corporate world, the UK is full of opportunities waiting for you.
The key is to stay focused, keep building your skills, and make the most of the chances you get during your studies and career.
If you ever feel overwhelmed with all the information, don’t worry! You can get a free consultation from the AHZ expert team in your home country. You’ll even get one-on-one advice, all for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are CPAs in demand in the UK?
Yes, Certified public accountants (CPA) are in demand, especially with expertise in areas like tax or audit.
- Can I become a non-chartered accountant?
Yes, but it limits certain career opportunities compared to chartered accountancy.
- Is ACA harder than ACCA?
Both ACA and ACCA are challenging, but ACA is often considered tougher because it has more in-depth exams and requires more work experience. ACCA is flexible with fewer restrictions.
- Is accounting a stressful job in the UK?
Yes, especially during busy periods like tax season or year-end. You can manage stress by breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focus on high-priority items first.
- Is it easy to get a job in accounting in the UK?
It can be competitive, but with the right qualifications and experience, you can get your desired job in accountancy.
- What skills do employers look for in accountants?
Employers value strong analytical skills, attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of financial regulations.