We have taken a look at 4 different financial qualifications available in the UK, as well as the typical entry requirements for courses studying the qualifications.
Finance and accounting can present an excellent career opportunity for anyone who is good with numbers.
1) ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
The ACCA qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a world-wide accounting organisation, is professional qualification designed to provide those who study it with skills and knowledge relevant to a range of different businesses and roles.
The qualification has a focus on values, ethics and governance, which has increasing importance as the industry moves towards stricter codes of conduct.
You can take the ACCA qualification through a range of organisations in the UK, or you can do this direct with ACCA.
The ACCA professional qualification is the equivalent of taking a university degree.
Find out more about the ACCA qualifications, entry requirements and more on the ACCA UK website here.
2) CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
The CIMA qualification is overseen by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, a UK based professional accounting organisation.
The course is suitable for people who may wish to work as financial managers and accountants, as well as those who work in industry, the public sector or not for profits.
The CIMA syllabus is designed to be commercially relevant for people who want to qualify to be financial managers, and is continuously updated to reflect the latest business developments.
You can take the CIMA qualification at a range of different organisations in the UK.
Find out more about the entry requirements, exam time-tables and more on the CIMA Global website here.
3) Accounting and Finance Degree (BA Hons)
An Accounting and Finance Degree (BA Hons) is a degree level globally recognised accounting qualification, that can usually be taken as a 2 or 3 year course.
This degree is for those who wish to become a qualified accountant in the UK, or who may wish to pursue a future career in accounting and finance.
On completion of an Accounting and Finance Degree at this level you will be eligible for exam exemptions from the ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA.
Different organisations will have different entry requirements, so check the website of the organisation you are considering studying at.
You can find out more about the accounting and finance degree on this website here.
4) ACA (ICAEW)
The ACA is a professional qualification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
Successfully finishing the ACA qualification can lead to careers in chartered accountancy and result in an increased earning potential.
The ACA course can be studied with your employer (if they are a participating employer) or with a range of organisations.
You can find out more about the ACA qualification on the ICAEW website here.
We hope you have found this article useful. For further information visit the website of one of main accountancy bodies in the UK, or speak to a professional careers advisor.
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