Great earning potential
Globally ICAEW Chartered Accountants earned on average £108,000 in 2018.
Benefits
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Global recognition
Accountants who have completed the ACA qualification are sought after by employers all over the world
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Chartered profession
The ACA qualification enables you to use the title 'chartered accountant' distinguishing you from other accountants
01
What do accountants do?
Chartered accountants play a vital role in the running of organisations. They offer advice, assurance and information that shape business-critical decisions.
Founded in 1880, ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales) is one of the oldest accountancy bodies in the world and has more than 189,500 members and students in 147 countries.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants are the largest source of business advice in the UK, reaching more than 1.5m organisations. They undertake a large variety of work which can see them preparing financial statements and developing profit projections one day, and identifying strategic risks or advising on business improvements the next.
You can only become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant by completing the ACA qualification, which involves three years' on-the-job training, a series of rigorous examinations and continuing professional development.
This means that ICAEW Chartered Accountants are highly qualified individuals and in demand from all types of organisations, all over the world, and command an average annual salary of £51,000 in the first two years after qualifying.
Work varies and can include:
- Negotiating finance for organisations
- Investigating criminal financial activity
- Planning the allocation of budgets
- Maintaining financial records
- Conducting risk analyses
- Advising on management of capital
- Communicating with senior stakeholders
- Completing internal and external audits
Key skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work well in a team
- Commercial awareness
- Strategic planning and decision-making skills
- Professionalism and sensitivity
- Excellent time-management skills
- Attention to detail
02
Where do accountants work?
Accountancy with ICAEW. More than you'd imagine
ICAEW Chartered Accountants work at the highest levels of business across all economic sectors. They hold positions within the finance departments of companies and not-for-profits all over the world. They work in accountancy firms, large and small, offering vital services to individuals and business clients. And they operate within public sector organisations helping to shape spending on education, health and other vital services.
03
What do accountants earn?
As a chartered accountant you can look forward to a very competitive salary both while you train and once you are qualified.
Salaries for those studying to become a chartered accountant depend on the size and type of organisation, the industry sector and the location.
Graduates working in the Accounting and Professional Services sector in the UK enjoy average starting salaries of £30,000 (Source: High Fliers: The Graduate Market in 2018).
The good news doesn’t end there, many students are able to double their salary during training and earnings for newly qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountants are on a par with those in law and banking.
Working in practice
Many chartered accountants work within accountancy practices providing their financial expertise to clients.
Accountancy firms vary in size from multinational giants, to small firms with a single office or a specialism in one area of finance, such as tax.
Regardless of the size of the company, working across a portfolio of clients means that chartered accountants enjoy a variety of work.
You could find yourself working with a new tech business start-up, a global retailer or a national charity.
Potential services you could offer include:
- Audit and assurance – visiting client premises and providing independent checks on their financial situation, systems and records.
- Corporate finance – supporting commercial decision-making including involvement in mergers, acquisitions and developing business strategies.
- Forensic accounting – investigating fraud and other financial misrepresentations and working with lawyers, insurance companies and clients to resolve disputes.
- Insolvency – providing guidance to businesses in difficulty, such as advice on improving cashflow or selling assets.
- Tax – advising clients on tax law and tax planning, alongside completing and submitting tax returns and working with HMRC.
Working in industry
All types of businesses from football clubs and fashion houses, to manufacturers and media companies, have chartered accountants working within their financial departments.
In-house accountants forecast and monitor revenue coming into and leaving an organisation, as well as having a broader operational role.
They undertake work, including:
- developing cash-flow forecasts;
- drafting tender documents;
- planning the allocation of funds;
- identifying operational risks; and
- guiding the board on strategies for growth.
Working in not-for-profits
Chartered Accountants also play a key role in the running of public services and charities.
They work in local authorities helping to decide how money is spent on schools, housing or policing, for example, and for government departments, including the Treasury, supporting decisions that have an immediate, positive impact on society.
Others work in charities ensuring resources are being managed effectively and raising the profile of fundraising projects.
You might be involved in:
- ensuring donations are accurately allocated;
- creating financial records;
- preparing annual reports;
- developing cash-flow forecasts; and
- keeping up to date with legislative changes.
Working in financial services
Chartered accountants are also helping to shape the future of the financial services sector. They work within high street and investment banks making key recommendations on investments, risks and strategy.
Others meanwhile work for insurance companies helping to assess the risk of insurance deals and advising on costs.
You will also develop a comprehensive understanding of:
- investments;
- risk management;
- strategic planning and decision making;
- insurance; and
- valuations.
