Chartered Accountant in the UK

Did you know that CA graduates earn roughly £40,000 right from the start, and the average annual pay for a certified accountant in the UK is approximately £65,000)? These impressive numbers demonstrate the value placed on the knowledge and skills that CA in UK provide to companies in a variety of industries.

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you will perform essential financial duties like tax planning, auditing, and giving strategic recommendations while upholding strict professional standards.

Why Choose to Study Chartered Accountancy in UK

The following are the main reasons to pursue a degree in chartered accounting in the UK:

• Universities and colleges in the UK provide top-notch academic programs along with real-world employment experience.
• Professionals with extensive experience teach courses covering important topics such as financial reporting, tax planning, and auditing.
• To accommodate working students, several schools provide flexible study choices, such as part-time and online options.

• Worldwide recognition is accorded to chartered accountancy qualifications from organisations such as ACCA and ICAEW.
• International mobility is made easier by mutual recognition agreements, which let UK qualifications open doors to job prospects across the globe.
• Employers respect the technical proficiency, ethical behaviour, and professional standards of UK-trained chartered accountants.

• Studying in the UK gives you the opportunity to network with business executives, particularly in major financial centres like London.
• You may increase the size of your professional network by attending conferences and networking events hosted by organisations like ICAEW and ACCA.
• A strong network is essential for gaining access to opportunities and advancing one's profession.

• Chartered accountants have a wealth of career options because of the UK's thriving financial and accounting industries.
• In the UK, 87.7% of graduates of working age had jobs as of 2023.
• The average annual compensation for a chartered accountant in the UK is around £45,000.

• A degree in chartered accounting provides access to several fascinating employment options across numerous industries.
• Chartered accountants can engage in industry, commerce, public practice, or even launch their own advisory businesses.
• Because of the transferrable abilities acquired, there is opportunity for professional advancement into senior management and leadership positions.

Related Blog: Why Study in UK

How Can One Become a Chartered Accountant in the UK?

In the UK, being a chartered accountant requires following a set path that includes professional exams, schooling, and real-world experience. The following is a detailed guide on how to become a UK chartered accountant:

• Study for an Accredited Degree: Enrol in an undergraduate program in finance, accounting, or business administration. It's important to have this core information because it might get you access to several professional exams.
• Examine Other Certifications: If you don't have a degree, you can still work towards certifications like the ACCA by combining your A-level and GCSE results.
  
  

• Choose an Accredited Qualification: The following are the popular certifying bodies that are CA equivalent in UK:
  • The ACA qualification is provided by the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). To obtain the qualification, candidates must pass three exam levels and complete a training program.
  • The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) places a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills and requires three years of relevant work experience in addition to completing thirteen tests.
  • The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, or CIMA, places a strong emphasis on management accounting and demands a variety of exam levels in addition to necessary work experience
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, or ICAS, requires 450 days of relevant work experience in addition to completing three rounds of exams.
    
    

• Finish a Training Contract: To obtain real-world experience, work with a reputable chartered accounting firm. It usually takes three years to complete, and it is necessary to become a chartered accountant.
• Continue Professional Development While You're Employed: Attend workshops and training sessions offered by your preferred professional organisation to advance your knowledge and abilities.
  
  

Preparation and clearing professional certification exams are requirements for membership in any professional association. These exams vary depending on the organisation. These tests evaluate your proficiency in a variety of accounting and finance-related areas.

Submit an application for membership in the professional body of your choice after passing your examinations and gaining the required experience. This will enable you to work as a professional in the UK and award you the title of Chartered Accountant. 

Popular Courses for Chartered Accountant UK

The following are some of the most well-liked CA courses in UK:

• BSc Accounting and Finance: A strong foundation in accounting principles, financial management, and business planning is taught in this undergraduate degree. Typically, it consists of courses that prepare students for additional professional training by covering topics like financial reporting, auditing, and taxes.
• BCom (Bachelor of Commerce): Accounting, finance, and economics are just a few of the topics covered in a bachelor's degree in commerce. This course is highly recommended for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in accounting, as it is frequently necessary to obtain professional certifications.
• ACA Qualification (ICAEW): Obtaining the ACA certificate is a highly esteemed path towards becoming a chartered accountant. It entails passing a string of difficult tests encompassing subjects like assurance, law, and financial management in addition to a minimum of three years of practical training.
• ACCA Qualification: With 13 tests and three years of relevant work experience, the globally recognised ACCA qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. The main goal of this qualification is to increase your knowledge and practical accounting and finance skills.
• CIMA Qualification: An accounting-focused management certification is offered by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). CIMA courses are appropriate for people interested in company management roles since they include financial strategy, risk management, and performance management.
• Master's in Professional Accountancy: A Master's degree in Professional Accountancy, which expands knowledge in advanced accounting subjects and gets students ready for professional tests, is offered by numerous UK universities. Those who want to improve their credentials and professional chances should take this course.
• Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (CFAB): This certificate, provided by ICAEW, is a prerequisite for the ACA certification. It is a fantastic point to start for individuals who are new to the industry since it covers all the important themes in accounting and finance.

Top Universities for Chartered Accountants UK

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the following table lists the best universities to pursue CA course in UK:

Aspiring chartered accountants can receive top-notch instruction and training from these prestigious universities in the UK. They are well known for their solid industry ties, knowledgeable instructors, and fantastic employment opportunities for graduates.

Prominent talent from all over the world is drawn to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which distinguishes out for having the greatest international student ratio (71%). At 60%, Imperial College London likewise has an extremely high percentage of enrolled overseas students. 

Related Blog: Best Universities to study in UK

Cost and Duration of Chartered Accountants UK

Depending on the professional body and course selection, there are differences in the cost of becoming a chartered accountant in the UK. CA course fees in UK for undergraduate studies typically cost between £11,400 and £38,000 per year for overseas students, while postgraduate courses can cost anything from £9,000 to £30,000.

Exam fees, study materials, and annual membership fees are additional costs that students must account for and can add several hundred pounds to their overall expenses.

Undergraduate degrees in chartered accountancy usually require three to four years to finish, whereas postgraduate courses normally take one to two years. The entire time commitment, however, comes to approximately 5 to 7 years, since obtaining full chartered accountant status often necessitates an extra 2 to 3 years of hands-on instruction and professional experience.

A fulfilling career in accounting and finance is ultimately the result of this extensive investment in education and training.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for Chartered Accountants UK

Mentioned below are the key criteria for eligibility that candidates must meet to become a chartered accountant in the UK, along with a stepwise procedure for admission:

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be qualified for a CA course UK, you normally need:

• A minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) and two A-levels with good results, typically with at least a B in maths.
• A 2:1 degree in any discipline and a stellar academic record are requirements for graduate programs.
• Good GCSE results, particularly in maths, are required for school leaver programs.

Admission Process

In the UK, the admissions procedure for courses leading to chartered accountancy includes:

1. Selecting an accreditation body: ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAS are the professional bodies to choose from, along with the corresponding certifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
2. Applying for a training contract: Get a training contract with a company that has been approved. These contracts usually last three to five years. Passing tests and interviews is necessary for this.
3. Finishing the academic component: Enrol in a fast-track program if you have prior qualifications, or pursue a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree while working.
4. Clearing tests: Get through a demanding series of tests on subjects including financial reporting, audit and assurance, tax, and business strategy, administered by the professional organisation of your choice.
5. Getting real-world experience: Work under the guidance of an authorised employer for at least three years to gain appropriate job experience.
6. Membership application: To be recognised as a chartered accountant, submit an application for membership with your professional organisation after fulfilling all prerequisites.

Career Opportunities for Chartered Accountants UK

There are many different industries in which you might pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant. Your credentials provide you access to high-paying positions with great income potential and career advancement possibilities.

In the UK, some of the most well-liked career choices for chartered accountants are as follows:

Chartered accountants can find employment in the public sector, or maintain private practice in multiple businesses and industries. The firm's size, location, and the candidate's experience level and area of expertise are some of the variables that affect the compensation range.

In the sector, Chartered Accountants can become Financial Controllers, Heads of Finance, Finance Directors, and even Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). In public practice, they can rise from entry-level roles to high positions like partners. In comparison to private practice, job advancement in various industries is frequently quicker.

You can also investigate entrepreneurial options by launching your own accounting company or consulting business if you hold a chartered accountancy qualification. 

Takeaway

 Top UK universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses of CA in UK for international students, who can also benefit from exemptions from some professional exams and a strong foundation. The path entails completing professional tests, gaining three to five years of real-world experience, and abiding by moral principles.

Although the program is tough, students who complete it will have highly sought-after skills in financial reporting, auditing, tax planning, and corporate strategy. 

International students can use their education and degree from the UK to start lucrative careers in the fast-paced accounting and financial industry with commitment and hard work. AECC can help you achieve this. With personalised guidance provided by our expert counsellors, you can find yourself enrolled in a professional chartered accountancy course in the UK in no time. Delay no more; contact AECC today!