How to Become an Accountant

Accounting is an essential function in every business, ensuring financial health, legal compliance, and overall profitability. 

If you're considering a career in accounting, you're entering a sought-after and rewarding profession. However, there isn’t just one way to become an accountant! With a variety of career paths and qualifications available, it’s important to understand the best routes to achieve your goal.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key steps you need to take to become an accountant, from starting with accredited AAT courses to gaining certifications from prestigious accounting bodies. 

Why choose accounting as a career?

Accountants play a critical role in helping businesses navigate the complexities of tax, finance, and business strategy, all while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Becoming an accountant offers many opportunities, including a stable career, high earning potential, and the ability to work across various industries. Whether you're interested in tax, auditing, management accounting, or financial planning, accounting provides the flexibility to specialise in an area that aligns with your interests.

Additionally, the demand for qualified accountants continues to grow, making it a profession with strong job security in an uncertain economy. 

Key Skills You Need to Become an Accountant  

To succeed in accountancy, you need a combination of both technical skills and soft skills. Some of these key essential skills include (but are not limited to):

1. Attention to detail: Accurate calculations and financial reporting are at the core of accounting work.
2. Problem-solving abilities: Accountants often need to identify financial discrepancies and propose solutions.
3. Strong communication skills: You’ll be explaining complex financial information to clients and colleagues.
4. Time management: Balancing multiple tasks, especially during tax season or reporting periods, requires effective time management.
5. Technical proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software and financial systems is essential.
   
   

How do I become an accountant? 

You can take several routes to become a qualified accountant, depending on your experience, education, and career goals. Here, we take a closer look at some of the most popular options:

1. Start with an AAT qualification 

Completing an AAT qualification is one of the most accessible and respected routes into accounting.

The Association for Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the UK’s leading professional body for accounting technicians and offers a range of qualifications suitable for beginners to experienced professionals. The best part? AAT qualifications are fully accredited, meaning they’re recognised by employers across the industry and around the world. 

However, choosing the right AAT course depends on your current experience, career goals, and where you are in your education or professional journey. Here's a quick look to help you determine which AAT course is right for you:

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting:

Perfect for beginners or those with limited experience in accounting. This course provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and is equivalent to GCSE-level qualifications.

You'll learn key concepts like bookkeeping, accounts preparation, and costing, making it ideal for entry-level positions such as accounts assistant or bookkeeper.

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting:

Best for those with some prior accounting knowledge or experience. This qualification is equivalent to an A-Level and delves deeper into accounting, preparing you for roles that require more advanced accounting skills. These include Assistant Accountant, Credit Controller, or Payroll Supervisor.

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting:

Ideal for those with significant accounting experience, this qualification is equivalent to the first year of a university degree, covering areas like taxation, advanced financial accounting and business strategy. It's perfect if you want to pursue senior accounting roles or fast-track your way to becoming a Chartered Accountant. 

2. Advance with a Professional Certification 

For those who want to progress to become a Chartered Accountant, gaining a professional certification with a recognised Chartered Accountancy body is often essential. However, many of them require students to have specific prerequisites to enrol. 

Some of the most well-known accountancy bodies include: 

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): Offers a comprehensive route to becoming a Chartered Accountant, focusing on financial reporting, management accounting, and auditing.

• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Specialises in management accounting, focusing on strategic business skills and decision-making.

• ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants): Awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA is the gold standard for accountants in the UK and focuses on accounting, audit, and financial management.

The good news? When you complete an AAT Level 4 Diploma, you'll gain exemptions from these prestigious accountancy bodies and put yourself on the fast track to your career goals. 

3. Pursue a Degree in Accounting

If you're still unsure about pursuing your accountancy qualifications through AAT or a Chartered body, you could also choose the university route! While many accountants do hold a degree, it's generally seen more as a bonus than a requirement for entering the profession.

However, if you want a more in-depth and academic understanding of accounting, a Bachelor’s degree in accounting provides a solid foundation in business, financial reporting, and economic principles.

Many universities also offer accounting and finance degrees that give students the flexibility to specialise in areas like forensic accounting, financial management, or business auditing.

While this path may take longer to complete compared to AAT, it can give you broader business knowledge and open doors to higher-level positions in management and advisory roles.

Entry Requirements 

To meet entry requirements for an accountancy degree, A Level Maths (unsurprisingly) is the most advantageous qualification to have upon application. However, most universities are flexible and will accept A Level experience in other subjects including business, economics, or finance.

Upon completion, accountancy graduates usually aim for a spot in a graduate accountancy scheme to become professionally qualified accountants. Others often work towards gaining their accountancy qualifications with a professional body (like AAT!). Either of these routes generally takes around three years.

4. On-the-Job Training and Internships

While formal qualifications are crucial if you want to become an accountant, gaining practical experience is just as important in this industry. Many employers offer apprenticeships or internships, allowing you to learn while you work. By combining study with hands-on training, you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. 

Many firms will also support your journey to gaining professional qualifications, often covering exam fees and offering study leave to help you succeed. 

Is a Career in Accounting Right for You?

If you have a keen eye for detail, enjoy working with numbers, and have strong analytical skills, a career in accounting could be a great fit. With various career paths available and multiple routes to qualification, accounting will offer you a diverse and rewarding career.

At ICS Learn, we offer flexible, accredited AAT courses that allow you to study at your own pace, on your own terms – and gain the qualifications you need to progress in your accounting career.

Take the first step to becoming an accountant with a 100% online AAT qualification today.