Want a respected, high-earning career in finance? How to Become a Chartered Accountant in the UK is a question many ambitious professionals ask. Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) gives you practical expertise in audit, tax, and business advisory. Read this step-by-step guide — education, professional exams, training contracts, and how JustEducated.co.uk supports your path.

What is a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a professional who manages corporate and personal finances, audits, tax planning and business advice. CAs are qualified through professional bodies such as ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS and CIMA.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare financial statements and reports
• Provide tax advice and planning
• Conduct audits and manage business risk
• Offer management accounting and business consultancy

Entry Requirements & Pathways

Educational qualification is an important step to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in UK. Although no specific prescribed degree is mandatory to become a CA, one must have a “recognised qualification” in the words of the UK professional body ICAEW, which must be equal to or above a UK university’s prestigious level. This gives a guarantee that the student will start the training with adequate knowledge and skills.

School Leaver Route (A-Levels / GCSEs)

According to ICAEW’s approximate ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, 2 A-Level passes (grades A* to E) and 3 GCSE passes (ie grades 9-4 or A-C) are usually required. Vocational courses such as BTEC or GNVQ can also be applied for. Scottish Qualification Certificate for Scottish students and other international equivalent certificates are also acceptable for experienced students.

Graduate Route (any UK-recognised degree)

Any bachelor’s degree recognized in the UK will help you gain admission to the ACA course. This degree can be in any other subject, such as business, economics or even technology. However, proficiency in mathematics is more advantageous.

Those who have not completed the degree or prefer a different route, can gain ACA entry by taking the ICAEW CFAB (Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business) exams, which comprise the first 6 exams of the ACA course. Apart from this, AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) courses are exempted from some parts of CA exam.

Alternative Route (CFAB, AAT exemptions)

Additionally, those over the age of 25 and with 7 years of professional work experience – preferably related to finance, law or accounting – can also apply to ICAEW, where they can meet qualifications based on their experience and skills.

Which Professional Bodies Award CA Qualifications in the UK?

To become a Chartered Accountant in the UK you need to obtain training and certification from a recognized professional body. The four most popular and recognized professional bodies are: ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS and CIMA. Let’s know about each in detail:

1. ICAEW ACA

The ACA course from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is the UK’s most respected CA course. It consists of 15 modules in total, where 3 years of professional work experience (training contract) is mandatory in addition to comprehensive education and examination. Accuracy and professionalism are important in ACA examinations, which include ethics, tax, audit and other financial matters. It opens the way to a globally recognized and high paying career.

2. ACCA

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally best quality CA course. There are 14 exams to contribute as a CA, which means that ACCA is comprehensive and internationally accepted. ACCA has more chances of faster completion as its exam flexibility is more than ICAEW. In many other cases ACCA degree holders get jobs easily in CA companies and international finance.

3. ICAS

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) mainly for becoming CA in Scotland. It conducts tests at three levels: Test of Competence, Test of Professional Skills and Test of Professional Expertise. This is the main route to becoming a CA in Scotland. Those who have become CAs of ICAS are widely recognized in the UK and international markets.

4. CIMA

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) mainly focuses on managerial accounting and corporate finance. For those aspiring to become corporate finance or business controllers, CIMA is quite popular. Although it is not a direct CA, many consider it as a CA.

Training Contracts and Practical Experience

Practical work experience is essential along with professional qualifications to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) in the UK. Generally, you need to acquire at least 3 years of training contract to become a CA. This experience makes you adept at solving real problems, not just theory, which plays a major role later in your career.

This training contract is a formal agreement you make with your employer. In the UK these training contracts are arranged through ICAEW or other professional body approved employers, who provide training and guidance.

During training, you are involved in various accounting, auditing, taxation, financial planning and other important tasks. Not only accounting, communication skills, time management, teamwork and analytical thinking are also learned during this time.

How to get a training contract?

• Create a good CV and cover letter that highlights your recommendable skills and interests.
• Search job postings from different firms and apply, big firms like PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and EY have smart training programs.
• Give interview preparation and prepare answers to relevant questions.
• Add skills like Excel, Time Management, Analytical Position, Communication.

On the official website of ICAEW this training agreement and list of affiliated institutes are available.

This practical experience is also necessary for passing, because becoming a CA is not just about passing the exam, but gaining skills through practical experience.

Professional Exams Explained

To become a certified public accountant in the UK one must pass the professional examination. These exams test skills in various aspects of the profession such as accounting, auditing, taxation, business law and financial management.

ACA exam structure (certificate → professional → advanced level)

There are a total of 14 to 15 exams under ICAEW’s ACA course, which is divided into three phases:

• Certificate Level: Basic accounting and finance concepts are taught.
• Professional Level: More in-depth financial and business topics.
• Advanced Level: High level case study and real problem solving.

ACCA exam structure (papers + flexibility)

The ACCA exam consists of a total of 14 regular papers, including expert topics including financial reporting, auditing, taxation and management accounting.

Success Strategies and Tips:

• Prepare with regular study and mock tests.
• Use literature and video resources to prepare a schedule for the test.
• Take the help of friends or group study to master the exam.
• Have a good understanding of ethics, as almost all exams include ethics.

Both ICAEW and ACCA set a 50% pass mark in the exam, and the pass rate is usually between 30-50%. So hard work and consistency is required.

ACCA Exam Tips and ACA Syllabus details from our Guide to Job Interview Tips

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

Once you become a Chartered Accountant, the job is not over, you have to do Continuing Professional Development (CPD) regularly, so that you can always be aware of new rules, technology and professional skills.

Organizations like ICAEW, ACCA have made CPD mandatory. A certain number of hours per year are required to participate in educational activities. CPD can include training, seminars, online courses or workshops.

Its importance is, it makes CA strong to face new generation challenges and maintain professionalism.

Adherence to this CPD ethical code is also taught, which protects the credibility and reputation of the profession.

ICAEW’s CPD Policy follows CA all improves regularly.

Salary and Career Prospects in the UK

Salary and career prospects after becoming a state-certified accountant in UK are very good. The average salary for a new CA starts at around £40,000 per annum, rising to £70,000+ with experience. Good opportunities are available in large corporates, banks, audit firms or international finance.

Demand for CAs is increasing in various sectors, especially in corporate finance, risk management, audit and tax consulting firms. According to data from the ICAEW and ONS, CA profession growth will be good over the next decade and new job opportunities will be created.

Career opportunities in the CA profession are international as well as the possibility of setting up one’s own consulting firm.

Type of work, size of organisation, location, etc, affect salary determination. Learn more about the career path as a CA from BSC Accounting and Finance courses 

Why Choose JustEducated.co.uk?

Proper guidance and career support is very important for pursuing the Chartered Accountant course in UK. JustEducated.co.uk is your most trusted and efficient partner in this field. Our expert team has in-depth knowledge of the UK education system and professional qualifications and helps you every step of the way from choosing the right course to the admission process, visa consultancy and career planning.

Our services are completely free, and you can also get personalized career advice, which will help you to successfully complete your CA course and build your career. From JustEducated.co.uk you will find:

• Detailed idea about Chartered Accountant course in UK
• Adequate resources and study material
• Finding suitable opportunities for training contracts and jobs
• Personalized support and career guidance

Conclusion

Becoming a CA in UK is difficult but not impossible. This dream can be realized if you go step by step in the right direction. Good education, training, hard work and efficient career guidance play the biggest role. JustEducated.co.uk is ready to make this journey easy and secure.

Take the first step on your path to becoming a CA today whatever it may be Admission to BSc Hons Accounting & Finance course or consult our experts. We will help you make the right decision, handle the admission process and take your career to a successful destination.

Feel free to contact us if you have any doubts or queries. Start preparing for a better future with CA today. Your dreams will come true with the trust and support of JustEducated.co.uk.