How long does it take studying, to become a chartered accountant?
im 27 and thinking about becoming a chartered accountant and was wondering how long it will take me to reach my goal... i dont have gcse maths or english, so i take it i'll also have to study these subjects aswell
Careers & Employment - 3 Answers
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Answer 1 :
AAT is 3 years mate. Then you have to do (3 or 4?) more years after that. I did AAT and that was enough for me.
Answer 2 :
I'm a chartered accountant and I joined a firm of accountants straight from university and it was a 3 year hard slog with tough exams to get to the qualification. It is possible to do it without a degree by taking a year's foundation course (AAT or something similar) before embraking on the ACA training. In order to become a chartered accountant, you need to obtain audit experience and this will need to be provided by a registered training office (which is normally a professional firm of accountants). Your biggest hurdle will be to get a firm to take you on in the first place with your qualifications. You will definitely need GCSE maths and english. You don't say whether or not you have A levels? If not, then I would probably recommend a nigh school course in introductory bookkeeping to give you a taster. You will need to be proficient in bookkeeping and it will give an indication to any prospective employer that you are serious and also whether accountancy is for you. To be honest, I think you will struggle to get a firm to take you on as an ACA trainee if you do not have an A/B grade in GCSE maths already and you might find it easier to do certified (ACCA) or management accountancy (CIMA) exams as you can do this by getting a job as an accounts assistant in industry (ie in a company's accounts department) and then studying for the exams as you go. It will take longer (probably up to 5 years) but you will still have a recognised qualification and, if you go for the ACCA route, you will still be able to practice as an accountant, you just won't be able to provide an audit service. Good luck in having a challenging goal.
Answer 3 :
Usually you would need to do a 4 year Commerce degree in Accounting, and then do the Professional exams to be certified as a chartered accountant. The professional exams can take from 1 to 5 years. I think a certain number of years experience is also required. Going on what the first poster said - you might need to settle for a 2 year associate degree in acounting and just be a bookkeeper. Or maybe do payroll instead. I hear payroll can be a well paying job.
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