Expert advice: how to choose your ideal accounting career path

Article

There’s more to an accounting career than an affinity for numbers. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, accounting professionals are taking ownership of ESG reporting, strategic planning, and business partnering to guide leadership into brand-new territory.

An accounting career doesn’t limit you to the finance or accounting sector, either — almost every industry requires accounting professionals in some capacity.

With 52% of hiring managers planning to expand their permanent headcount this year, there are plenty of opportunities available for graduates or individuals looking for a career change to accounting.

Here’s everything you need to know about the various options on offer.

Planning your accounting career path

Before you decide which accounting qualification/s you’d like to do, we recommend taking time to plan your career path. Consider which industries you’d like to work in, the salary range you’d like to aim for, the roles on offer, whether you’d like to relocate to another country, and where you’d like to be in five or ten years. It's also worth noting that tech has created a slew of more unconventional roles to explore, including working with blockchain, cyber security, data analytics, and cloud accounting. Chaz Malan, Talent Director for Robert Half Finance & Accounting, says, "For those interested in fintech, data analytics, or blockchain, additional certifications in programming (Python, SQL) or data analysis can provide a competitive edge."

The career path you choose will determine the route you take into the industry, the qualifications you do, and which entry-level roles you apply for. It's also not always necessary to have a degree to become a qualified accountant — some accounting qualifications allow enrolment straight from secondary school or can be done alongside an unrelated day job. However, Chaz advises, "ACA qualifications have stricter requirements, often requiring an undergraduate or equivalent degree."

Choosing an accounting qualification

ACA

An ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification from the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) is internationally recognised and has several flexible study options. ACA training is designed to go beyond the numbers to mould students into ‘leaders, creators and big thinkers’ who are equipped to work across all aspects of management, finance, and accounting.

ACCA

An ACCA qualification is accepted worldwide and is open to individuals with advanced or no qualifications. It is designed to hone a variety of accountancy skills, so you’ll be able to work in various sectors, such as tax, audit, or advisory roles, or as an accountant within a firm. You also have the option to work for yourself as a freelance accountant. An ACCA qualification allows you to progress quickly towards more senior roles.

CIMA

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world’s largest professional body of management accountants. Their CGMA Professional Qualification will give you a specialised focus on management accounting in a business context, teaching the skills needed to occupy roles that require a strategic financial business mind. With a CGMA qualification, you could work in sectors where cost analysis and business performance are crucial, like the manufacturing and retail sectors or accounting in tech.

AAT

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) offers the option to do an apprenticeship as you train to become an accountant, making it an excellent choice for people who prefer hands-on learning. ATT offers internationally recognised qualifications in accounting, bookkeeping, and business skills, with three levels of qualification available, depending on your skill level and desired career path.

Expert insight: how to land (and grow) an accounting career

“As a Recruitment Senior at Robert Half, I’ve seen what makes candidates stand out and what holds them back,” says Chaz. “If you’re looking to break into accounting or level up your career, here are the three factors that matter.”

1) Add value to the business through qualifications

Your qualifications are important — they open doors. But once you’ve got them, don’t stop there. Employers want accountants who don’t just have qualifications but also use that knowledge to drive business decisions. Focus on how your skills can improve processes, reduce costs, and provide actionable insights that directly impact the business.

2) Tech & data skills will set you apart

Accounting is evolving fast, and hiring managers seek professionals who understand automation, data analytics, and AI-driven finance tools. If you’re comfortable with Power BI, SQL, or cloud-based accounting systems, you’ll have a huge advantage in today’s job market.

3) Be a strategic thinker, not just a number cruncher

The best candidates don’t just report numbers; they interpret them and offer solutions. Employers love accountants who ask, “How does this affect cash flow? What financial risks should we prepare for?” If you can think like a CFO, you’ll climb the career ladder much faster.

To stand out in the hiring process, go beyond the basics. Show your commercial awareness, embrace finance tech, and always be ready to prove the value you bring to a business. That’s what gets candidates hired (and promoted!).

Accounting recruiters answer your FAQs

Is accounting a good career?

There are many positives to a career in accounting. It’s a sector which offers its professionals a diverse range of career options — you can work in almost any industry, work overseas, and have the option to take a role in-house or set up your own practice.

An accounting career also allows you to stick to traditional roles, use new tech innovations to explore uncharted territory, or take a role that allows for a blend of both. The finance function has now become responsible for new regulations and ESG reporting, which creates new potential for exciting career moves and advisory roles. An accountant starting salary is fairly competitive and can start at an average of £23,000, with wages usually sitting much higher in London, with plenty of potential to climb the ladder and increase your worth.

How do I gain experience as an accountant in the UK?

As an intern or junior in an accounting firm, you can shadow more experienced team members or offer to pitch in and help on larger projects (especially during the close of the financial year) so you can learn on the job while being mentored.

What are the entry-level roles in accounting?

You can learn the basics of accounting by working as an Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable Clerk. By handling incoming payments from customers or outgoing payments to suppliers, you’ll gain valuable experience using accounting software. You could also opt to become a Trainee Accountant while you study for an accounting qualification.

If you have a degree or are currently studying for a professional accounting qualification, you might like to apply for a role as a Junior Financial Accountant to gain valuable exposure to accounting principles that can help you climb the career ladder.

How long does it take to become a qualified accountant in the UK?

The time it takes to fully qualify as an accountant in the UK depends on your chosen qualification. For example, an ACA qualification can take between three to five years. ACCA and CIMA qualifications vary depending on your starting level (although ACCA advises working and studying simultaneously for the fastest results, which they predict could take as little as three or four years). AAT offers three accounting qualifications, each taking approximately six to 18 months to complete.

Browse open accounting roles now or upload your CV to be matched with opportunities that could kickstart your accounting career. To learn more about skills, salaries, and hiring trends in accounting for 2025, visit the Robert Half Salary Guide.

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