Introduction to Accounting Careers
The UK accounting sector employs over 500,000 professionals, with 150,000+ vacancies annually. Whether you’re exploring how to become an accountant without a degree UK or aiming for chartered status, this guide covers all options – including:
✔ School leaver programmes
✔ University routes
✔ Apprenticeships
✔ Career change pathways
“Accounting offers exceptional job security, with 95% of qualified accountants employed full-time” – ICAEW Labour Market Report 2025
What Qualifications Do You Need?
The core UK accounting qualifications:
| Qualification | Level | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAT | 2-4 | 1-3 years | £1,000-£3,000 |
| ACCA | 4-7 | 3-4 years | £2,000-£4,000 |
| ACA | 6-7 | 3-5 years | £10,000+ |
| CIMA | 4-7 | 3-4 years | £2,500-£5,000 |
Entry requirements vary:
- University route: Typically 112 UCAS points
- Apprenticeships: 5 GCSEs (inc. Maths/English)
- Mature students: Often no formal requirements
7 Pathways to Qualification
1. University Degree Route
Best for: Those wanting full accreditation
- Step 1: 3-year accounting/finance degree
- Step 2: Graduate training scheme with ACA/ACCA
- Top University: LSE, Warwick, Manchester
Pros: Highest earning potential
Cons: £27k+ tuition fees
2. School Leaver Programmes
Answering “how to become an accountant at 18”
- Earn £18k-£25k while training
- Big Four firms offer 4-6 year programmes
- Typically lead to ACA qualification
3. Accounting Apprenticeships
Best for: Hands-on learners
- Levels: AAT (2-4) → ACCA/ACA
- Salary: £15k-£22k during training
- Employers: PwC, NHS, local councils
4. ACCA Without a Degree
Perfect for “how to become an accountant without a degree UK”
- Entry: 3 GCSEs + start at ACCA Foundations
- Path: AAT → ACCA Strategic Professional
- Key perk: 30-50% cheaper than university
5. AAT Foundation Route
Best for: Career changers
- Start with Level 2 Certificate
- Progress to full ACCA/ACA
- Many study part-time while working
6. CIMA Management Route
Specializes in: Business accounting
- Focuses on strategy/analysis
- Better for corporate roles than practice
7. Career Change Options
For “how to become an accountant later in life”
- Evening AAT courses
- Online ACCA qualifications
- Accounting technician roles
- Mature student apprenticeships
“35% of new accounting trainees are now career changers” – ACCA 2023 Report
Becoming a Chartered Accountant
Addressing “how to become a chartered accountant in UK”
Two main routes:
- ACA (ICAEW) – 3-5 years
- Requires training contract
- 450+ days workplace experience
- ACCA – 3-4 years
- More flexible study options
- Recognized globally
Key differences:
| ACA | ACCA | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Practice accounting | Flexible |
| Training | Mandatory contract | Optional |
| Cost | £10k+ | £4k-£6k |
Chartered Accountant Salary UK
Answering “chartered accountant salary UK”
2024 Salary Benchmarks:
- Newly qualified: £40k-£55k
- 5 years PQE: £60k-£85k
- Partners/Directors: £100k-£500k+
Top paying sectors:
- Investment banking
- Big Four accounting firms
- FTSE 100 companies
Accounting Without a Degree : How to become an accountant without a degree UK
Detailed answer to “how to become an accountant without a degree UK”
Step-by-Step:
- Complete AAT Levels 2-4 (12-18 months)
- Secure accounting assistant role (£18k-£25k)
- Progress to ACCA/ACA
- Gain 3 years’ experience
- Achieve chartered status
Key benefits:
- No student debt
- Earn while you learn
- Same qualification as graduates
Qualifications Compared
Which is right for you?
| AAT | ACCA | ACA | CIMA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | 2-4 | 4-7 | 6-7 | 4-7 |
| Duration | 1-3y | 3-4y | 3-5y | 3-4y |
| Cost | £1-3k | £2-4k | £10k+ | £2-5k |
| Best for | Entry-level | Flexibility | Audit/tax | Management |
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to qualify?
A: 3-5 years depending on route
Q: Can I study accounting online?
A: Yes – ACCA/AAT offer distance learning
Q: What’s the hardest accounting qualification?
A: ACA is considered most rigorous
Q: Is 40 too old to start?
A: No – many qualify in their 40s/50s
Read More : How Long Should a CV Be? The Definitive UK Guide for Job Seekers in 2024
Next Steps
Your action plan:
- Choose your path (degree vs non-degree)
- Research qualifications (ACCA/ACA/AAT)
- Find training opportunities (apprenticeships/jobs)
- Start studying (many begin with AAT Level 2)
“Accounting offers unparalleled career stability – 98% of qualified accountants are employed full-time” – ICAEW 2025
