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What is an accountant?
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Skills of an accountant
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Routes and qualifications
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Questions
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Preparing accounts and tax returns
Checking client accounts
but not just numbers……
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Advising on business strategy
Analysing current performance
Forecasting future performance
Assessing and mitigating business risk
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Basic mathematics
A questioning mind
Team orientated
Problem solving
Effective communication
Professional
Attention to detail
Sound morals
Apprenticeship AAT
Sixth
former
Relevant degree
e.g. Professional
Accounting
Other degree
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Association of Accounting Technicians
◦ Over 49,000 members working at senior levels
across all industry sectors
◦ Fast-track to CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA and
ATT qualifications
◦ Over 30 UK universities offer exemptions to
accountancy and finance related degrees
◦ AAT Apprenticeships offer a great way to kick-start
a career and provide a real alternative to university
◦ 18 – 30 months to complete
◦ Part-time study
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Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants
◦ 99% of members work in business rather than
practice
◦ Focus – management accounts, strategy
◦ 3 years
◦ Part time study
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Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants
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Strong focus on practice and industry
Focus - audit, tax and corporate reporting
3 years
Part time study
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Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
& Wales
◦ Majority of members within practice
◦ Big Four firms
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PwC
Deloitte
KPMG
Ernst & Young
◦ Focus - audit, tax and corporate reporting
◦ 3 years
◦ Part time study
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ICAS – Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Scotland
ATT – Association of Taxation Technicians
CTA – Chartered Tax Advisor
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Professional qualifications in Accountancy,
Tax, Finance, Law, Actuarial Education,
Human Resources, Marketing
Undergraduate degrees in Law, Business
Studies, Professional Accounting
A range of postgraduate degrees in Law and
Business
Career focussed and value for money
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