Your guide to accountancy qualifications in the UK
Discover UK accountancy qualifications at BPP. Learn pathways to ACCA, AAT, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, CIOT, ATT and start your accountancy career today.
Accountancy qualifications explained
Accountancy qualifications provide a springboard into a wide range of careers in accountancy and tax. While an accountancy qualification is often seen as a direct path into an accounting career, they can also help you access senior positions in fields such as business development, data analysis, conveyancing, banking, and more.
There are many different options available for gaining accounting qualifications in the UK, with a range of different specialist professional bodies. Which professional body you train with will depend on what accountancy, finance, and tax skills and knowledge you need to secure your goal career.
If you’re wondering ‘how to become a qualified accountant’ or ‘what qualifications do I need to be an accountant in the UK?’, this guide is for you. Read on for a list of globally recognised accounting qualifications, including:
Having an understanding of each qualification will help you navigate your way to a career in accountancy and finance.
Undecided between an apprenticeship and university? Read the finance career guide.
AAT: a first-step to becoming a qualified accountant
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the world’s leading professional body for accountancy technicians. As a globally recognised and respected route, AAT is perfect for those with no previous accountancy or finance experience, and those looking to switch career paths.
Once you are an AAT qualified accountant, you can work as a self-employed accountant or apply for various roles at established firms.
Qualification – Qualified Accounting Technician
Typical AAT roles include:
Finance officer
Management accountant
Senior bookkeeper
Tax supervisor
Senior finance officer
Commercial analyst
Indirect tax manager
Cost accountant
VAT accountant
ACCA: how to become a chartered certified accountant
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) accounting qualification will help prepare you for a career in practice, audit, or tax. This accounting qualification is recognised in the UK and globally for the skills and knowledge that are relevant to any modern-day business.
If you are already AAT qualified, you can use the work experience gained during your qualification to count towards the three years’ experience required to become an ACCA member.
Qualification – Chartered Certified Accounting
Typical ACCA roles include:
Financial accountant
Auditor
Many advisory roles
CIMA: qualifying as a chartered management accountant
CIMA, or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, is the world’s largest body of management accountants. Grounded in industry, this internationally recognised qualification combines accounting, management, and finance to set the gold standard for management accountants.
Qualification – Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA)
Typical CIMA roles include:
Management accountant
Financial manager
Finance controller
ICAEW: how to become an associate chartered accountant (ACA)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales is a global, professional body offering one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. ICAEW’s qualification for trainee accountants is called the Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA). This is generally completed through an ICAEW authorised employer – many of which BPP work in partnership with.
Qualification – Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)
Typical ICAEW roles include:
Financial accountant
Accountancy and audit practitioner
Financial controller
ICAS: the pathway to becoming an associate chartered accountant in Scotland
Established in 1854, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) is the oldest professional body of chartered accountants in the world. An ICAS platform provides industry-recognised training for a successful career in business.
As the only training provider for the ICAS accounting qualification in England, BPP’s joint venture with ICAS combines industry insights with the knowledge and skills that will earn you can internationally recognised qualification.
Qualification – Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA)
Typical ICAS roles include:
Financial accountant
Accountancy and audit practitioner
Internal auditor
Financial controller
CIOT: how to become a chartered tax advisor (CTA)
The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) is the leading UK body for professionals specialising in taxation. With a focus on education, simplicity and efficiency, CIOT offers the highest-level tax qualification in the UK, the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).
Qualification – Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)
Typical CIOT roles include:
Tax accountant
Tax director
Partner
Tax manager
ATT: starting your career in tax accounting
For those looking for the perfect start to a career in tax, the Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) qualification is the ideal entry route. This qualification offers a comprehensive introduction to the basic UK tax system and can be studied as either a professional qualification or an apprenticeship.
The ATT path offers a stepping-stone to achieving Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) status, underscoring its flexible utility. There are two levels of ATT qualification: computer-based examinations and written examinations.
Qualification – Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)
Typical ATT roles include:
Tax accountant
Compliance assistant
Compliance manager
Final thoughts
Whether you’re interested in how to become a chartered accountant, how to get ACCA qualified, or how to become a chartered tax adviser, the path to becoming a qualified accountant is clear. With the right qualifications and training, you can access a rewarding career in accountancy, finance, or tax.
Interested in accountancy and tax qualifications?
