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Your career

Why choose a career in accountancy?

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What do you want to get from your career? Do you have your sights set on a role in a specific industry? Are you keen to travel the globe while you work? Do you want to progress to board level? Or make a difference to society?

Whatever you’re looking for, a career in finance and accountancy can help you get there. Here’s why…

Financial management is the discipline that drives all business. Finance professionals create the strategies and carry out the work that leads businesses to success. This is why all industries, all over the world, need the best finance professionals.

So when you choose finance and accountancy, you’ll be in demand – and doors to respected, hugely rewarding career opportunities will open for you. And if you want to work internationally, the right qualification can take you all over the globe.

Is a career in finance and accounting flexible?

Whether you want to work in fashion, politics, sport or business – accountancy could be your route in. The financial management and accounting skills you gain when you study accountancy turn you into a highly sought-after finance professional who can work across teams and in strategic, diverse roles  – all the way up to the boardroom.

Is a finance and accounting career rewarding?

A career in accountancy could come with generous salaries and opportunities to progress quickly. It’s a highly respected profession and is also immensely satisfying. You’ll draw on strategic, leadership, and communication skills, among the top traits of a good accountant and those in highest demand by employers. You'll also work with a variety of teams and really make an impact on your workplace and the wider world.

Is being an accountant interesting and varied?

You may now be asking, “what do accountants do?” Accountants do much more than crunch numbers – they are strategic partners in every organisation. From analysing financial data and providing insights that shape business strategy, to managing budgets, leading teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance, accountants play a vital role in driving business success. Their responsibilities also include risk management, performance monitoring, financial reporting, and advising on investments or cost-saving opportunities. Accountants work across industries – from healthcare and technology to retail and nonprofits – making this a career as diverse as it is rewarding. With opportunities to specialise in areas such as auditing, tax, or management accounting, the profession offers both depth and variety, providing a dynamic and highly valued career path.

Did you know?

Roles in the accounting and finance space in the UK range from £23,500 to £148,000 a year*

Global ACCA accountant salaries, be it part or fully qualified with the ACCA designation, consistently earn more than the national average salary.

*PQ magazine. January 2025

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When you choose finance and accountancy, you’ll be in demand – and doors to respected, hugely rewarding career opportunities will open for you.

Next steps

Where better to study than with the world’s most forward-thinking accountancy body?

If accountancy is the right career path for you, ACCA is the qualification that will get you where you want to go. We can help give your career the ultimate flying start.

Curious about studying accountancy?

Try studying accountancy for free with ACCA-X. With free and low-cost short courses, it’s a great way to see if accountancy’s right for you.

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Ready to begin your career journey?

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