How to Become an Accountant in the UK

A career in accountancy offers stability, progression and a wide range of opportunities across different industries. Whether you want to work in finance, run your own practice, or support businesses with strategic decision-making, accountancy provides a solid foundation. But how do you become an accountant in the UK, and what qualifications or experience do you actually need?

What Is an Accountant?

An accountant is a professional responsible for managing, analysing and reporting financial information. Their work ranges from basic bookkeeping and tax returns to complex financial audits and business strategy. Some accountants work for large firms or corporations, others in the public sector, and many become self-employed or run their own accounting practices.

What Education and Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Accountant?

There are multiple routes into accountancy, depending on your background and career goals. If you're pursuing a formal route, the most common qualifications include AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), or ICAS (in Scotland).

While many people start with a degree in accounting or finance, this isn’t essential. You can begin with no academic background and work your way up through qualifications. AAT is a popular starting point for school leavers or career changers, providing a foundation in accounting before progressing to more advanced certifications like ACCA or CIMA.

What Training and Experience Do You Need to Become an Accountant?

Practical experience is just as important as qualifications. Most accountancy bodies require a period of supervised work experience—typically around three years—for full membership or chartered status. This might be gained through an apprenticeship, a training contract with an accounting firm, or through in-house roles in finance departments.

Many people work in junior finance positions while studying part-time. Employers often support training by covering course fees or giving study leave. Whether you’re assisting with invoicing or helping prepare accounts, hands-on exposure helps reinforce what you learn and prepares you for professional exams.

What Are the Different Types of Accountants?

Accountancy is a broad field. Some of the most common roles include:

• Management accountants, who support business decisions with internal financial analysis.

• Financial accountants, who prepare statutory accounts and ensure compliance.

• Tax accountants, who manage tax planning and submissions.

• Auditors, who independently check a company’s financial statements for accuracy.

• Forensic accountants, who investigate fraud or financial discrepancies.

• Bookkeepers, who maintain accurate day-to-day financial records.

You can specialise further within these areas depending on your interests and the industry you work in.

What Are the Main Accountancy Bodies?

In the UK, the main professional bodies that regulate and accredit accountants include:

• AAT – a foundation-level qualification and membership route

• ACCA – offering a globally recognised chartered certification

• ICAEW – the chartered accountancy body for England and Wales

• CIMA – focused on management accounting and business strategy

• ICAS – the chartered body in Scotland

These bodies provide the training frameworks, set ethical standards, and regulate professional conduct in the industry.

What Is the Difference Between a Chartered and a Non-Chartered Accountant?

A chartered accountant is someone who has completed advanced professional qualifications, passed rigorous exams, and gained practical experience, usually through ICAEW, ACCA, or ICAS. They are recognised as having a high level of expertise and are often required for senior roles or statutory audits.

A non-chartered accountant may still be highly competent, especially if they hold qualifications like AAT or have extensive experience. However, they may be limited in the services they can offer and might not have the same earning potential or professional recognition.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Chartered Accountant?

The journey to becoming chartered usually takes around three to five years. This includes studying for exams while gaining relevant work experience. The exact time frame depends on the body you’re training with, your prior qualifications, and whether you're studying full or part time.

For example, someone progressing from AAT to ACCA might take five years, whereas a graduate entering an ICAEW training contract might qualify in three years with full-time support.

What Is the Average Salary of a Chartered Accountant?

Chartered accountants in the UK earn strong salaries, especially as they gain experience. Entry-level positions typically start at £25,000 to £35,000. Once qualified, chartered accountants often earn between £40,000 and £70,000, depending on role and location. Senior or specialist roles can exceed £100,000, particularly in large firms, financial services, or consultancy.

Freelancers or those who run their own practices can earn even more, depending on client base and services offered.

How to Become an Accountant UK Without a Degree

You don’t need a university degree to become an accountant in the UK. Many successful accountants start with no formal qualifications beyond GCSEs or A-levels. The most common route is to begin with the AAT qualification, which introduces core accounting skills and gives you access to junior finance roles.

From there, you can work your way up. Once AAT qualified, many people progress to chartered qualifications like ACCA or CIMA. Apprenticeships are also a popular and supported route, combining on-the-job training with recognised qualifications.

Employers value practical experience as much as formal education, and you can build a rewarding career through a combination of qualifications, workplace learning, and consistent professional development.

What Are the Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Career as an Accountant?

Before committing, think about whether the profession fits your skills and interests. Accountancy suits people who are analytical, detail-focused, and comfortable working with numbers. Strong communication is also important—many accountants work with non-finance staff or clients who need clear guidance.

It’s also worth considering your preferred working environment. Some roles are office-based, while others involve client visits or even travel. You’ll need to be committed to continuous learning, as tax laws and reporting standards change regularly.

Finally, think about your long-term goals. If you’re aiming for senior financial leadership or want to specialise in areas like audit, forensic accounting, or international tax, you'll likely need to gain chartered status.

Conclusion

Becoming an accountant in the UK is achievable through multiple routes—whether you're starting with a degree, entering through an apprenticeship, or switching careers without formal education. With options to grow into high-paying and respected roles, accountancy offers clear career progression and strong job security. The key is choosing the right training path, gaining practical experience, and deciding whether to become chartered based on your goals.