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How to become a Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountant

Career progression and salary expectations for a Chartered Accountant

1

Junior Accountant

| Up to £22,000
2

Accountant

| Up to £35,000
3

Chartered Accountant

| Up to £50,000

The role of a Chartered Accountant

Have you got a great head for figures? Do you like the idea of working on a variety of different financial projects for various clients? Then why not train to be a Chartered Accountant?Such professionals can work in public practice, for charities or in industry and are tasked with providing detailed and reliable advice on financial records.You might be required to carry out tax audits, for example, or do forensic accounting and manage business accounts for small firms.Day-to-day activities will vary depending on which industry in which you work, but typical tasks for a Chartered Accountant include:
  • Managing budgets
  • Carrying out independent financial audits
  • Offering financial advice
  • Tax planning
  • Preparing annual accounts
  • Analysing risk and preventing fraud
If you hated maths at school and struggle with the numbers round on Countdown, then Chartered Accountancy isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you enjoy meticulous investigations and excel at mental arithmetic, then read on.A good Chartered Accountant will be:
  • Highly motivated and committed to every project
  • Able to communicate well with all types of clients
  • Highly organised
  • Good with IT such as spreadsheets
  • Excellent at problem-solving
  • Trustworthy and reliable
"Everyone believes the old stereotype that accountancy is boring, but I actually think it's tremendously interesting. I get to put my detective's hat on to investigate problems for clients almost daily, plus I'm effectively paid to be nosy. I love number puzzles and each case is just like an extended logic game - some days don't even feel like work at all."

Get qualified as a Chartered Accountant

There are a number of different routes into this profession, but the most common is via university; graduates have the highest chance of securing a job once fully trained, although it may also be possible to train with an employer straight from school or sixth form. However, in order to become a Chartered Accountant, you will need to be a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Recommended Chartered Accountant courses

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  • Sage 50 Training in Chartered Accountancy Firm

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    ...methods Understanding gains and losses on disposals of assets Suspense account reconciliation Director’s loan account Loan amortisation account Treatment of dividends Preparing VAT using Standard VAT Scheme, Cash Accounting Scheme, Flat Rate Scheme, Marginal VAT Scheme Preparing closing …
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