Chartered certified accountant : Entry requirements

Although entry to the profession without a degree is possible, accountancy is highly competitive and graduates will have greater opportunity to enter the profession. Large employers are unlikely to accept HNDs however some smaller firms may be more flexible.

To become a chartered certified accountant you must have studied for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)  qualification and become an ACCA member.

Any discipline is accepted to enter the accountancy profession. The following subjects may be helpful in obtaining a role in chartered certified accountancy:

• accounting or finance;
• business or management;
• mathematics;
• economics.

Depending on the relevance of the qualification there may be the opportunity to claim a maximum of nine exemptions from the ACCA qualification. Further details are available through the ACCA website.

There are a number of entry points onto the ACCA qualification, depending on the individual’s previous qualifications. To qualify to become an ACCA qualification student the minimum entry requirement is:

• at least two A-levels and three GCSEs or equivalent in five separate subjects including English and mathematics;
• a degree/HND from a recognised institution in any subject;
• a pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not required.

ACCA has introduced Foundations in Accountancy for those who wish to enter the accountancy profession or are already working in accountancy but have no formal academic qualifications. There are five different entry level qualifications to chose from, see the website for more information.  

Large employers require a good A-level and degree performance (usually a minimum of a 2:1). Good GCSEs in English and mathematics are also required. Language skills can be beneficial.

Gaining pre-entry business or financial work experience can be highly beneficial, either via vacation work, summer or year-long work placements, part-time employment voluntary work and shadowing.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• general all round business interest and knowledge;
• commercial awareness;
• self-motivation and commitment, in order to combine working and studying;
• strong written and verbal communication skills;
• ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds;
• good interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• organisational and time management skills;
• methodical approach;
• IT proficiency;
• strong analytical, problem-solving and accuracy skills;
• strong numeracy skills;
• flexibility and adaptability;
• leadership qualities and effective teamworking skills;
• a proactive approach and ambition;
• tact and discretion;
• integrity and trust.

Competition is high for positions within large companies as well as for graduate schemes and industry jobs with good study packages. It is advisable to apply early in your final year for jobs in larger organisations, though smaller companies can be more flexible and tend to recruit throughout the year.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.