How to Choose the Best Accountancy Qualification for You

You might think that the only way to build the accountancy career of your dreams is to slog it out at university, studying full-time while racking up student loan debt – but we're here to tell you that's not the only option! 

While academic degrees are a great achievement, university isn't suited to everyone. Instead, professional accounting qualifications offer a practical pathway into finance, often with no formal entry requirements.

The best part? You can study online, part-time, and around your existing commitments.

Since a quick online search for accountancy courses will bombard you with results, here, we outline the best accountancy qualifications on the market to help you take the next step in your career! 

1. AAT Qualifications

If you’re an accountancy newbie, qualifications from the Association for Accounting Technicians (AAT) are one of the most popular and practical ways to get started.

Rather than solely focusing on theory, these globally recognised and highly practical qualifications teach you the real-world accounting skills you need to excel in finance. 

AAT qualifications are also ideal if you want a flexible, affordable alternative to university, with the option to study AAT online and part-time.

There are three main AAT qualifications to choose from:  

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting

With no formal entry requirements, this entry-level accountancy qualification is ideal if you’re new to finance or looking to formalise your skills.

You’ll learn core accounting principles, including:

• Double-entry bookkeeping
• Elements of costing
• Using accounting software

After completing AAT Level 2, you could apply for entry-level roles such as:

• Accounts Assistant
• Accounts Administrator
• Accounts Payable Clerk

AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

If you already have practical accounting experience and a firm grasp of double-entry bookkeeping, AAT Level 3 builds on your existing knowledge. 

This advanced accounting qualification covers:

• Advanced bookkeeping
• Final accounts preparation
• Management accounting
• Ethics for accountants

Once you qualify, you'll be eligible to apply for roles such as: 

• Assistant Accountant
• Credit Controller
• Payroll Supervisor

You’ll also become a fully qualified bookkeeper and can apply for AAT Associate Bookkeeping membership (AATQB), adding recognised professional status and credibility to your CV.

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

The AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is the highest AAT qualification and prepares you for senior finance roles. Needless to say, this qualification is best suited to seasoned professionals (or those who've already studied at AAT Level 3). 

You’ll develop expertise in:

• Drafting financial statements
• Budgeting and financial performance
• Decision-making and management accounting

After completing AAT Level 4 and gaining relevant work experience, you can apply for MAAT (Full Member) or FMAAT (Fellow Member) status and officially call yourself an AAT Accounting Technician.

What jobs can I get with an AAT qualification? 

Once you're AAT-qualified, doors will open up to a wide variety of career opportunities. Depending on your qualification level, common careers include: 

• Senior Finance Officer
• Commercial Analyst
• Cost Accountant
• VAT Accountant
• Indirect Tax Manager

Alternatively, you'll also have the choice to: 

• Start your own accounting practice
• Work freelance or self-employed
• Join an accounting firm or an in-house finance team
• Fast-track to Chartered Accountant status

In fact, many UK Chartered accountancy bodies offer accelerated routes for AAT graduates — meaning AAT can be a faster path to becoming Chartered than university.

2. Chartered Accountancy Qualifications 

Many people think you need a university degree to become a Chartered Accountant in the UK. However, you can start your journey with just your high school qualifications and study directly with most UK chartered bodies – including ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAS. 

Talk about alphabet soup, right?  

Here's a breakdown of some of the leading Chartered accountancy qualifications you can pursue, depending on your career goals.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

With more than 227,000 members and 530,000 students worldwide, ACCA is one of the most prestigious and widely recognised Chartered Accountancy bodies, respected by employers across industries.

ACCA is ideal if you want a globally recognised qualification and the flexibility to study online, in person, part-time or full-time.

Entry route (no degree required): 

Two A Levels and three GCSEs (including English and Maths), or equivalent.

If you're AAT-qualified:

If you’ve completed the AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma, you can claim exemptions from the first ACCA exams and reduce your study time. Relevant work experience gained while you study your AAT qualification can also count towards ACCA’s practical experience requirements.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

CIMA qualifications have a narrower focus than the ACCA's, concentrating on management accounting and business strategy. CIMA qualifications are ideal if you want to work in large organisations where financial strategy is central. You can study in-person, online, or a mix of both.

Entry route (no degree required):

• CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting

If you're AAT-qualified:

AAT Level 4 Diploma graduates can skip the Certificate stage and begin the CIMA Professional Qualification directly.

The Chartered Institute of Public and Finance Accountancy (CIPFA)

If you’re passionate about public sector finance, government accounting or managing public funds, CIPFA is the specialist Chartered body focused on public financial management. 

Entry-route (no degree required): 

You can begin the ACA with two A Levels (grades A*–E) plus three GCSEs (grades 9–4/A–C), or equivalent. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can start with the ICAEW Certificate.

If you're AAT-qualified:

AAT graduates are often eligible for exemptions from several CIPFA exam papers. You may also be exempt from Audit and Assurance if you completed an External Audit as part of your AAT studies.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

ICAEW is one of the most respected chartered accountancy credentials in the UK and globally, with more than 200,000 members and students worldwide. Their qualification is known as the ACA (not to be confused with ACCA!), one of the most advanced accountancy programmes on the market.  

In particular, the ACA is highly regarded for careers in audit, corporate finance, advisory and senior accounting roles.

Entry-route (no degree required): 

You can begin the ACA with two A Levels (grades A*–E) plus three GCSEs (grades 9–4/A–C), or equivalent. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can start with the ICAEW Certificate.

If you're AAT-qualified:

ICAEW offers a fast-track route for AAT graduates, allowing you to claim credits for certain ACA modules and potentially reduce your study time. Work experience gained during your AAT studies can also contribute to practical experience requirements.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)

ICAS is the oldest professional body for Chartered accountants in the world, dating back to 1854 when they received their Royal Charter.

ICAS is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a traditional route into chartered accountancy with an emphasis on professional practice and leadership.

Entry-route (no degree required): 

You can enter through a formal apprenticeship or training contract with an ICAS-authorised employer. While there are no strict academic entry requirements, strong A Level or Scottish Higher results are recommended.

If you're AAT qualified:

AAT graduates may be eligible for exemptions from some ICAS units and exams, often reducing the number of modules to complete.

AAT Fast-Track Routes to Chartered Status

If you’re not ready to commit straight to a Chartered qualification, starting with an AAT qualification can be a strategic first step.

Many of the major UK Chartered bodies offer fast-track or exemption routes for AAT graduates, including:

• ACCA: Exemptions from early exam papers
• CIMA: Direct entry into the Professional Qualification
• ICAEW (ACA): Credits through the AAT-ACA Fast Track route
• CIPFA and ICAS: Exemptions from selected modules

This means you can:

1. Build practical accounting skills first
2. Gain recognised work experience
3. Reduce the number of Chartered exams you need to sit
4. Potentially qualify faster

For many students, AAT provides a structured pathway into Chartered accountancy without the pressure of starting at the highest level immediately.

The Right Accountancy Qualification for You

The right accounting qualification depends on where you are now and where you want your career to take you.

If you’re just starting out, AAT offers a practical and flexible foundation to hit the ground running. If you already have experience and want to progress further, a Chartered qualification could open the door to more senior and specialist roles.

Each pathway has its own focus, so taking the time to choose the best route for you makes all the difference.

Develop your career with a 100% online AAT accountancy qualification with ICS Learn.