What job will my qualification lead into?
With so many potential routes of study available to you it can be difficult to decide which qualification you should be aiming for. If you're struggling to decide on a route, take a look at our chart to see where each qualification can take you.
| Qualification |
Description |
Potential Jobs/Companies |
| AAT: Association of Accounting Technicians or CTA: Chartered Institute of tax |
This is the first qualification to start a career in accounting. It is equipped for people working in Financial Services, Professional Services, Commerce and Public Sector. The scheme has 3 stages:
- Foundation – Accounting Level 2
- Intermediate – Accounting Level 3
- Technician – Accounting Level 4
|
Accountant |
| ACCA: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
Offers a number of Accountancy qualifications. To qualify you will take 3 levels of examination and complete a minimum of 3 years’ supervised practical experience. |
Chartered Accountants |
| ATT: Association of Tax Technicians |
This qualification was established from the Institute of Taxation to recognise the increasing demand for tax services and requirements. |
Tax and Public Sector |
| CA: Chartered Accountant Qualification |
To practice as a Chartered Accountant you need to be a member of 1 of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales; Scotland or Ireland. |
Chartered Accountant |
| CF: Corporate Finance Qualification. |
This qualification indicates expertise in fraud prevention, detection and investigation. For anti-fraud professionals this is the preferred certification of their status. |
Fraud Specialists |
| CIMA: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants |
Offers strong strategic and financial management focus. To pass you will need 3 years’ assessed practical experience + exams. You do not have to take this qualification to become an Accountant; it is also relevant to the full remit of finance and business management. |
Strategic and Financial Management |
| CIOT: The Chartered Institute of Taxation. |
This is the recognised professional body for taxation in the UK. Tested by practical experience and examination. |
Tax specific |
| CIPFA: Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. |
This is specified training for Accountants who work in the public sector. There are 2 stages to obtaining the qualification:
|
Local Government; NHS; Private Sector Organisations |
| IAQ: Investment Administration Qualification |
This qualification is for support staff who oversee administration activities; for example, financial services administration, settlements and junior Analysts. |
Financial Services;Investment |
| ICAEW: Institute of CharteredAccountants in England and Wales or ACA: Associate Chartered Accountants. |
This is the largest professional body in Europe. It is a 2 stage ACA course and will require involvement in business issues, case studies and 3 examinations to qualify. |
Business Finance; Financial Reporting; Tax |
| JIEB: Joint Insolvency Examination Board or CPI: Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency. |
Tested by an annual set of exams to enable you to join the IPA (Insolvency Practitioners Association). Qualification will make you eligible to become a fully licensed Insolvency Practitioner. |
Insolvency |