How to Become an Accountant in the UK
- 1). Study and pass General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in at least three subject areas, including English and mathematics. Strong scores in mathematics is essential for a future career as an accountant.
- 2). Take A level courses as part of your secondary education in the UK. In American educational terms, this is equivalent to your junior and senior years of high school. Most accountant programs at the university level, as well as paid positions, require you to have performed satisfactorily in at least three A levels, particularly in business, accounting and economics.
- 3). Enroll in an ACA (associate chartered accountant) program at an accredited university in Britain. The ACA is a internationally known credential in the world of business and accounting. Requirements for the ACA include between 3 and 5 years of coursework, work experience and qualifying exams. The Institute for Chartered Accounting in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a top-rated academic institution offering an ACA program (see Resources).
- 4). Search for accounting jobs in the UK upon completing your ACA requirements (or before, if you choose to forgo the degree route). UK Net Guide is an online resource for jobs in the accounting, auditing and finance fields (see Resources).
