How to become an accountant?
I would like to become an accountant!!!! What is the recongnised qualification in the U.K. and where would be the start of the path??????? I am fluent in Sage, Quick books and deal with bank rec's etc its the tax side of things that I have not got a clue about??? What would be a starting salary and would the last part of the course be work based graded?? I was looking at a CIMA I think.......... I have already been told that I could start on the course with the knowledge I have if you are over 25 it goes on life experience.... But I didnt know if this was the way to go, its a part time course up until the final 18 months then I would need a placement somewhere.......................... The salary advised below is less than I am on now so is it worth doing?!?!?!?
Other - Business & Finance - 6 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
I think you need a degree in accounts, then you need to train for several years with an accountancy firm.
Answer 2 :
Hi. I'm a tranee chartered accountant in London. There are 4 recognised qualifiactions in the UK which are recognised by the governement: ACA (from ICAEW), CA (from ICAS), ACCA and CIMA (management accountants). ACA is the more mainstream one and probably the one with the best salaries. Starting salary ranges from £18k to £25k. for ACA you need to pass 9 exams (paid by your office) and work for 3 years. If you do not have a uni degree do an AAT course first. (any uni degree is acceptable). your experience in sage and quickbooks can help you get a job. www.accountancyage.com has a list of the top 50 firms in the UK... start sending applications.
Answer 3 :
Chartered Accountant is the really worthwhile qualification. Damned hard work, especially if you are not already a graduate. http://www.icaew.co.uk/careers/ Good Luck, come back and say hello in twenty years when you are a partner in Touche Deloitte
Answer 4 :
It depends on how you want to train. If you want to train as an ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) you will need to work for a firm of accountants, and it involves a lot of auditing etc. Usually they are very good at giving you study leave though! If you want to work for a company while you study, then the best qualification is CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Most firms only give limited study leave though. An average of 2 weeks per set of exams, unlike the average 6 weeks or more which ACA trainees get. If you want to work in industry I would recommend CIMA, but if you prefer to work for a firm of accountants, and maybe work towards becoming a partner, then go for ACA. Once you decide which one you wish to go for, contact the relevant institute, and find out what preliminary qualifications they recommend. I'm afraid I qualified a few years ago, so I'm not sure what the entry standards are now. ACCA is a kind of half way house between the 2.
Answer 5 :
there are a few job agencies who specialise in accountacy (depends on where you live) and they often come up with low-level jobs for people with no experience, like data input or something where you can get experience of working in an acounts dept. After a while a vacancy will come up (it happened to me quite often, i'd see them all the time) with a company willing to put you on the ACCA or CIMA course and you'll be an accountant in no time! Good Luck!
Answer 6 :
by knowing the basic skill of debit and credit
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