Accountant careers from 118 student

Accountant careers

If you're thinking of becoming an accountant after university then here's what you need to study, what's it's like and your career prospects in your accounting career.

What is an accountant ?

Most people think of a grey boring man or a glorified book keeper counting beans but in reality a good accountant will keep the cash flow positive and ensure the whole organisation understands profitability. Only qualified accountants can approve accounts (see below) and you can have a career as a finance director or an auditor. It depends on what excitement you want ! Other accountants specialise in tax planning, insolvency or small businesses.

Studying to be an accountant

To become an accountant you'll generally need a reasonable degree then it's time to study for the accountant exams.

There are two main accounting bodies - The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Which one you follow is dependent on where you wish to end up in life. ICAEW and ACCAs are allowed to sign off audited accounts so if you want to go into practice (eg: PriceWaterhouse etc) then these are for you. The ICAEW is always the preferred option and they have a higher standing.

CIMA folks can not sign off audited accounts and people studying for this generally target commerce (ie: a Finance Director in a company) but many people who are qualified for the others end up as Finance Directors as well.

Accountant exams

If you join one of the big auditing companies you'll generally be sponsored to take your exams, have time off to revise and get paid as well.

It's a hard slog and takes about 3 years to complete all the exams but worth it in the end.

Accounting work

Working as an accountant in your early years will be as boring as hell - but it will give you a thorough grounding in how accounts work, what's required for an audit and how to manage finances.

As you move up your career you will take on vast responsibilities. It's not unusal for a 30 year old to be a Finance Director.

Below is job information on your chosen career after you get your qualifications. Read up loads before you commit to a new career or job.

Accountant careers from 118 student