Chartered accountants provide financial advice to clients ranging from global organisations to government bodies.
Who can I work for?
As a chartered accountant you can expect to work for a variety of different employers, from not-for-profit organisations to commercial and corporate ones.
Where and when can I work?
Weekdays and office hours are the norm. However you may also be required to work overtime, when required, as well as travelling from time-to-time.
What can I earn?
Starting salaries vary depending on the company and its location. Trainees will earn from £12,000 – £18,000, and graduates £18,000 – £28,000.
The typical salary for a newly-qualified accountant is £26,000 to £50,000+ while a chartered accountant in a senior role may earn up to £100,000.
What are the benefits?
Competitive salary packages are usually supported with bonuses, profit-sharing schemes, medical insurance, pensions, car allowances or a company car.
Are there chances of promotion?
Progression is often controlled. There are management opportunities for accountants with two to three years' experience and senior manager opportunities three years after that.
By working towards the CA or ACA qualification, chartered accountants can open the door to a variety of different opportunities including tax, corporate finance or management consultancy.
What will I be responsible for?
Typical duties include preparing accounts and tax returns, auditing financial information, managing payrolls and controlling income and expenditure.
As well as dealing with insolvency cases and analysing financial risk, chartered accountants also compile and present financial reports and statements, business plans and budgets.
Do I need any experience?
As part of the training, graduates must complete three years of relevant work experience. A degree in any academic discipline will allow graduates to train as accountants. You will need a strong academic record with an honours degree (2.2 or above).
Qualification as a chartered accountant takes at least three years, and can be demanding; study for exams takes place alongside full-time employment and graduates should carefully consider the package offered in their training contract.
What attributes are needed?
Chartered accountants usually possess natural mathematical ability.
A rigorous recruitment and qualification process awaits, with employers looking for graduates that are self-motivated, have strong business acumen, are organised and responsible and have analytical ability.