Your guide to becoming an accountant

Accounting is a dynamic and rewarding career with endless opportunities. From innovative start-ups to global corporations, government agencies, and charities, skilled accountants are in demand everywhere. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, understanding the best path to becoming an accountant will set you up for success.

Best ways to be an accountant | ACCA

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The most common route is through formal education. A degree in accounting, finance, or business gives a solid foundation in auditing, taxation, and reporting. But a degree isn’t always required – professional qualifications are another path, and are often essential for recruitment with top employers and progressing to senior positions.

The ACCA Qualification is an excellent choice if you’re seeking broad career opportunities, whether or not you have a degree. It’s globally recognised and highly flexible, allowing you to study while working or balancing family life. We also recognise many degree programmes, offering graduates exemptions that help them progress faster.

We're committed to removing barriers into the accountancy profession. So if you don’t yet meet the minimum entry requirements for the ACCA Qualification, our Foundations in Accountancy qualifications provide an accessible, entry-level pathway into both the ACCA Qualification and a career in accounting.

Keep reading to explore both qualification routes with ACCA in more detail.

Easiest way to become an accountant

We'll be honest – becoming a fully qualified accountant isn’t "easy" – it takes dedication, focus, and hard work. But the good news? Some paths can get you there faster. With the right strategies, you can make your journey simpler and step into your dream accountancy role sooner.

Considering not going to university
Considering going to university

Want a faster route into accountancy? You might be considering swerving university and going straight for a professional qualification. While some accountancy bodies require a degree, ACCA accepts students without a degree who meet the minimum entrance requirements – typically two A-Levels and three GCSEs (or equivalent) in five separate subjects, including english and maths – saving you the 3–4 years it usually takes to earn a degree.

1. Choose the right qualification level for the role you want

Eager to work in accountancy, but don't meet the minimum entrance requirements for the ACCA Qualification (or equivalent) and/or don't want to study for the length of time required to qualify as a chartered certified accountant? For entry to mid-level accountancy roles, qualifications such as ACCA’s Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) are a smart choice. They open doors to accounting roles without lengthy study.

However, to progress to senior positions you'll likely need to continue your studies and gain advanced accountancy qualifications – such as the ACCA Qualification. After completing FIA, some students move straight onto the ACCA Qualification, while others enter the profession – the choice is yours.

You can discover the wide range of career opportunities open to you with either FIA qualifications or the ACCA Qualification, and explore the learning paths and skills you need to land your next role with our Career Navigator.

Visit the Career Navigator website

2. Study with an Approved Learning Provider

Studying with an ACCA Approved Learning Provider (ALP) gives you the best chance of exam success – and the fastest route to becoming fully qualified. These providers are carefully assessed and approved by ACCA for their high-quality teaching, expert tutors, and proven pass rates. They offer structured study plans, up-to-date materials, and personalised support – helping you stay on track and build the knowledge and confidence you need to pass first time.

By choosing an ALP, you’ll also benefit from:

Expert guidance from tutors who understand ACCA’s syllabus and exam requirements
Quality-assured resources that are reviewed and approved by ACCA
Flexible study options (online, part-time, full-time) to fit your schedule
Better outcomes – with higher pass rates than self-study alone

Explore ACCA Approved Learning Providers

3. Boost your learning with ACCA's free study and tuition resources

Make sure to take full advantage of ACCA’s free study resources, such as the Study Hub and ACCA-X,* to boost your chances of success. These tools provide structured, high-quality learning materials directly aligned to ACCA exams. With interactive lessons, practice questions, and expert guidance, they make it easier to study effectively, build confidence, and stay on track.

*Only the first four ACCA-X courses are free.

4. Explore apprenticeships and employer-sponsored opportunities

Apprenticeships and employer sponsorships offer fantastic benefits for those looking to simplify their journey into the accountacy profession. You earn while you learn, gaining valuable practical experience. Since 36 months of relevant work experience is required for the ACCA Qualification, starting an apprenticeship or securing employer sponsorship early allows you to gain experience alongside your studies, rather than after exam completion – speeding up your path to qualification. These opportunities can also help reduce costs, as employers may cover your exam and/or tuition fees.

Enquire about ACCA apprenticeships

1. Explore university partnerships with accountancy bodies

Want to go to university and gain a professional accountacy qualification without delaying your career? Some universities partner with professional accountancy bodies to align their exams. This means you could earn significant exam exemptions and work toward your professional qualification while completing your degree. By graduation, you’ll have far fewer exams left, letting you become fully qualified and start your career faster.

ACCA has recently partnered with the University of London to make this possible for eligible ACCA students and affiliates, allowing them to study for a BSc in Professional Accountancy while simultaneously working toward ACCA membership.

2. Choose a degree programme accredited by an accountacy body

Considering a particular university to studying accountancy? If so, make sure it’s recognised by your preferred accountancy body. If it is, you’ll typically receive exam exemptions based on the subjects and level of your degree, allowing you to skip some exams and progress through the syllabus much faster than those who studied at an unrecognised university. A fee usually applies for each exemption. At ACCA, we currently recognise over 2,100 programmes from 97 institutions.

Use ACCA's exemption calculator

3. Study with a learning provider

Studying with an ACCA Approved Learning Provider (ALP) is strongly recommended to help you achieve success and take the fastest, smoothest route to becoming fully qualified. These providers are officially endorsed for their expert teaching, experienced tutors, and proven track record of helping students pass. With structured study programs, up-to-date materials, and personalised support, you’ll stay motivated, build confidence, and be fully prepared to pass your exams first time.

By studying with an ALP, you’re guaranteed:

Expert guidance from tutors who know the ACCA syllabus inside out
High-quality, ACCA-approved resources you can trust
Flexible learning options – online, part-time, or full-time, to fit your lifestyle
Stronger results, with higher pass rates than self-study alone

Explore ACCA Approved Learning Providers

4. Seek employer-sponsored opportunities

Employer sponsorship is an excellent option if your goal is to gain your professional qualification as quickly after graduating as possible. Since 36 months of relevant work experience is required for the ACCA Qualification, securing employer sponsorship early allows you to gain experience alongside your studies, rather than after exam completion – speeding up your path to qualification. These opportunities can also help reduce costs, as employers may cover your exam and/or tuition fees.

View trainee positions on ACCA Careers.

Why accountancy?

01 Go global

Accounting skills are needed in every industry, worldwide.
02 Earning potential

Accountancy offers clear progression and competitive salaries.
03 Job security

Strong demand for qualified professionals, even in uncertain economies.
04 Flexibility

Opportunities for remote work, part-time roles, or international moves across almost every sector
05 Impact

Help organisations grow, make strategic decisions, and stay compliant.

Best way to become a chartered accountant

young person looking up between two urban bridges

Chartered accountants are highly qualified and recognised worldwide. Achieving chartered status opens doors to senior roles, higher salaries, and international career opportunities. The ACCA Qualification grants certified chartered status once students have completed the final exams and modules, alongside the practical experience requirement.

Certified chartered accountants take on complex advisory work, lead audits, and influence business strategy. They have broader responsibilities and greater professional prestige compared to regular accountants.

Start your journey to certified chartered status

Takeaway tips to kickstart your career in accounting

When choosing the best route into the accountacy profession for you, it is important to consider factors such as career goals and personal circumstances.

The route you choose should align with your professional ambitions, open relevant career opportunities, and offer long-term value in terms of recognition, flexibility, and progression.

Many employers of top accountancy talent value a professional qualification, such as the ACCA Qualification, over a degree. So, if your goal is to become a fully qualified accountant as quickly as possible, skipping university and going straight for a professional qualification could be your best option.

ACCA's FIA qualifications are also a great option if you want to secure entry-mid level accountacy roles – no need to go to university.

We understand that not everyone wants to climb the career ladder. Some pursue a qualification to secure a specific role. If your chosen role doesn’t require it and you dont want to progress upwards, there’s no need for a full advanced qualification like the ACCA Qualification.

Focus on qualifications that match the role you want – this ensures your learning is relevant and the time you invest is appropriate. ACCA offers a suite of Foundations qualifications that can be taken individually or together, designed to support a wide range of entry to mid-level roles and responsibilities.

Select a university that partners with or is recognised by professional accountancy bodies. This allows you to earn exam exemptions, work toward your professional qualification while completing your degree, and progress faster in your accountancy journey.

ACCA partners with the University of London to offer the BSc in Professional Accountancy to eligible ACCA students and affiliates. In addition, ACCA grant exam exemptions for over 2100 programmes from over 90 instituions.

Studying with a learning provider can significantly boost your chances of exam success. Structured guidance, expert insights, and tailored study plans help you stay on track, understand complex topics, and pass exams faster. Providers also reduce the risk of costly resits, saving both time and money. Whether you study online or in person, a learning provider adds structure, accountability, and personalised support, complementing free resources like ACCA's Study Hub to make your journey to qualification smoother and more effective.

Seeking employer sponsorship early can give you a head start in your accountancy career. It allows you to gain the required practical experience alongside your studies, rather than after completing exams, which speeds up your path to qualification. Employer-sponsored opportunities often cover tuition and exam fees, reducing costs, and provide valuable real-world experience that enhances your skills and employability. Starting early ensures you combine learning and work effectively, making your journey to becoming a fully qualified accountant faster and more practical.