Accounting Qualifications | How to Get Them

National Careers Week is an annual event that aims to help people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities find the right career for them. It’s a great chance to learn more about what jobs are available and how you can get started in your chosen field.

So you want to become an accountant, but you’re not sure what qualifications you need?

There are so many different qualifications when it comes to finance and accounting and it can be tricky to navigate.

Our expert team specialise in recruiting accountants and finance professionals. They have a unique insight into the industry and how to get started.

Here’s an overview.

 

 

The Qualifications

• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) – made up of four qualifications across three levels (Levels 2-4). A great starting point for anyone looking to begin their finance career.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – Internationally recognised certified accountancy qualification. ACCA qualifications comprise of two levels: Fundamentals and Professionals.
• AIA (The Association of International Accountants) – by completing the AIA professional qualification, you are officially a qualified accountant which is recognised globally.
• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) – a.k.a ACA, the ICAEW is made up of 450 days of practical work experience and 15 exam modules. This is the most traditional route for accountants in the UK. Many people (but not all) go on to work in a practice environment.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) – If you’re looking for a job in management accounting, this one’s for you. You must have already achieved the postgraduate-level CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) to do this.

 

 

There is little difference between the ACCA and ICAEW qualifications however, ICAEW requires you to complete your training with an approved employer – ACCA does not. Take a look at our additional resources for more information on choosing the right qualification for you.

 

 

Where can I get my Accounting/Finance Qualification?

 

Local Institutions in the East Midlands and Staffordshire

• EMA Training, Derby – https://www.aat.org.uk/training-providers/ema-training-limited/courses
• Derby College – Level 2 AAT Certificate in Accounting (full time) – DCG (derby-college.ac.uk)
• Nottingham College – AAT Foundation Certificate | Nottingham College
• Kaplan Financial, Nottingham – AAT Accounting Qualification | AAT Courses | Kaplan
• Leicester College – Accounting and Finance – Leicester College
• Burton & South Derbyshire College – AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting | Level 2 | P12213 | Burton and South Derbyshire College (bsdc.ac.uk)
• NSCG College, Staffordshire – NSCG | Accounting, Business, Computing & Travel

 

Remote Learning Opportunities

• The Open Study College – Online AAT Courses | Distance Learning | Open Study College
• First Intuition – AAT Distance Learning Courses – First Intuition
• London School of Business and Finance – Study ACCA Online Courses | Distance Learning | LSBF

 

 

A lot of these course providers offer a range of courses, covering different qualifications and levels, that you can explore and choose from.

 

 

 

Our expert team of consultants here at Twenty2 are experienced in recruiting for accountancy practice and industry roles across the East Midlands and Staffordshire. If you’re searching for a new role or looking to begin your finance career, get in touch by contacting info@22consultancy.co.uk.

 

We regularly have opportunities in Derby and Leicestershire so don’t hesitate to get in touch today if you’re open to work in these areas.

 

Additional Resources:

• Comparison of the ACCA and ICAEW qualifications – So – what are the differences between ICAEW and ACCA qualifications? | Manx Professional & Educational Services Ltd (MPES)
• More information on the ICAEW qualification – Getting started | ICAEW
• All you need to know on the AIA qualification – AIA | Accountancy Qualifications and Membership (aiaworldwide.com)
• CIMA Overview – CIMA – Qualifications (cimaglobal.com)
• How to become an accountant | Prospects.ac.uk
• Accounting qualifications | AAT
• Countdown – NCW 2023 Virtual Careers Fair

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