Phedra, KPMG
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More TestimonialsCareer profiles
Take a look at our career profiles to discover more about the variety of opportunities open to you with the ACA qualification and see how your career can progress.
Schools
Rosanna, Calcutt-MatthewsMy view of accountancy was very limited before I looked into the ACA qualification, but once I did, the breadth of the qualification really impressed me.
Stephen, BDO LLPI decided that if I was going to become a chartered accountant, then I needed to study for the ACA qualification which will ensure flexibility and variety when it comes to my future career.
- Rachael, Deloitte LLP
One of the things that put me off going to university was the debt I would have accrued. I liked the idea of earning while I learn!
Abbie, HMRCAfter my A - Levels I went straight into work at HM Revenue and Customs in their finance area. I was then accepted onto their training scheme where they put me through the stages of the ACA.
- Rebecca Bennyworth, Judge
I think that the young people taking part would be a credit to any profession that they choose, and it would be great to think that some of them might join us as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant
Graduates
- Cathryn Hayhurst, The National Trust
As a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant you will gain amazing skills and experience in all sectors, this is individual to you and what you want to achieve. Accountants are critical friends and advisors not simply number crunchers.
Gavish, Deloitte, Ebène MauritiusSince I can remember, I have always wanted to become a chartered accountant. At the age of 18 I decided to leave Mauritius and head to the UK to develop my skills to enable me to gain a competitive edge and enter the accountancy profession.
- Laura, Shorts, Chesterfield
Every day is different! One day I might be preparing a client’s VAT return and the next I’m out on-site conducting an audit.
Chris, AV Pictures, LondonI didn’t always want to be a chartered accountant, in fact one of my early aspirations was to be a film director! It was actually while working in my first job after graduation that I first considered chartered accountancy.
- Funke, FBN Capital, Nigeria
I knew I wasn’t cut out for pure sciences, biology and chemistry, but I was drawn towards social sciences and economics and chose a degree course in economics at Brunel University.
Nicholas, EY, LondonFollowing the successful completion of a degree in Business Management at the University of Leeds, I decided to pursue a career in forensic accounting and become a chartered accountant.
- Kenneth, PwC, London
The international recognition enjoyed by ICAEW is the main reason I chose the ACA qualification. If I decide I want to work in Hong Kong, Singapore, China or indeed globally later in my career, I know it will definitely open doors for me!
Joseph, Clement Keys LLP, BirminghamI wasn’t sure what I wanted to do before university but I didn’t think I would become a chartered accountant! However I knew that I wanted a client-facing role and a few years later I can honestly say that I love my job.
- Jennifer, MacIntyre Hudson LLP, Northampton
It was only when I realised that I couldn’t imagine myself sitting in the same office all day long that I looked into chartered accountancy as a career.
William, York RacecourseBeing involved in both sport and a business which has broad elements including media rights, betting and venue management is exciting, challenging and thoroughly rewarding.
- William, BDO, Hatfield
I studied Sports and Exercise Science at Essex University, which is a far cry from accountancy but I’m a numerate person, and excelled at mathematical subjects, so I knew this was a strength.
Xander, Brand FinanceAfter researching the ACA I decided that it would give me a really solid grounding for a career in business.
- James, Francis Clark
I chose to apply for ACA roles because of its value as a qualification and the broad understanding of business and finance that you achieve.
Rachael, PwCI enjoy the constant variation and relative autonomy to work how and as I choose in order to get the job done. I am increasingly given more responsibility and tasks that challenge me to develop further.
- Alex, Barclays
Before beginning university I had potential aspirations to be a doctor but decided that I enjoyed Economics more, so I chose that instead. I chose the ACA because it is a well-recognised, prestigious qualification which has a lot of history.
Dan, BDOI've learnt so much from working within different sectors. The knowledge I have developed through this will be invaluable in the future.
- Teo, Boustead Holdings Berhad
The part I enjoy most about my job is the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, particularly after a gruelling year end. I work in an environment where success is rewarded and this keeps me motivated.
Simon, PwCThe [Flying Start] programme integrates ICAEW exams, annual work experience with PwC and a degree into a single course which seemed the perfect way to really gain knowledge of the subject.
- Laura, Barratt Homes
After completing a placement year at Barratt Homes during university I was really encouraged to continue with a career in Finance, and was offered a job when I finished my degree!
Sarah, Moore and Smalley LLPEveryone always says that the ACA open doors and it’s true. People look favourably on the word chartered. For all the hard work that is needed to get the ACA, it is definitely worth it in the long run.
- Jenny, NAO
As expected for such a highly-regarded qualification, the training was intense and demanding, yet incredibly valuable, providing a sound footing for a career in the public or private sector.
Richard, DeloitteI like the variety of businesses that I get to work with, it is amazing experience to say that I have only just started my career. Such a broad spectrum means that I am constantly learning and building up my knowledge as an advisor.
- Alexandra, Clement Keys LLP, Birmingham
After researching the accountancy profession, I decided that the ACA qualification meant that I would become a member of a globally recognised accountancy community.
Eammon, Bloomer Heaven Ltd, BirminghamI can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. It wasn’t until I studied business with finance at the University of Sheffield that I became very interested in accountancy.
- Charles, Yorkshire CCC
Since being here I have setup a charity, two trading subsidiaries, cricket coaching and looked after the finances of this great club.
Jane, DeloitteA career in accountancy was attractive to me as I saw it as a way of working in the business world and gaining experience of how a diverse range of businesses and industries operate in reality.
- Simon, Barclays
My role allows me to analyse the performance of the business and offers insights into business risks and opportunities, as well as the wider market developments.
Arnab, KPMGI chose to do the ACA because I believe it is the premier accountancy qualification and provides a solid base for a future career in business.
- Tim, Manchester United
If we get to a domestic final we get taken to Wembley. But more than that, the privilege of working for such a great brand outweighs any financial perk.
Ahmed, PwCI was always interested in a career in finance and accounting but I chose to study for the ACA because of its reputation.
- Phedra, KPMG
I decided upon the ACA qualification as it’s the most prestigious and acknowledged accountancy qualification in Cyprus. Qualifying as an ACA offers diverse employment opportunities, both in the accountancy profession and beyond.
Will, Highways AgencyWorking in the public sector tends to offer greater flexibility in terms of working hours, allowing you to balance your responsibilities both inside and out of work.
- Ricky, DWP
I liked the idea of working in the public sector, and it offered the ACA alongside a management development scheme.
AAT to ACA profiles
- Gail, Ensors Chartered Accountants
The most enjoyable part of my job is that every day is different! When I start in the morning I don’t know which clients may call with a query.
Emma, Cooper Parry Group LtdI have developed so many skills as a result of the ACA training, from general accounting, organisation and time management skills, through to managing a team and giving feedback.
- Tanya, HW Fisher
The idea of starting my training sooner rather than later appealed to me. Thanks to the AAT-ACA Fast Track programme, this was a possibility.
Hayley, Rickard Keen LLPThe ACA qualification stood out for me as a professional finance, accounting and business qualification due to its reputation and presence globally.
- Jimmy, CLB Coopers LLP Lancaster
Premiership and European cup rugby to chartered accountancy couldn’t have been more of a career change!
Building skills
- Amrit, Associate, Ernst & Young
Being offered an ACA training agreement at the end of my placement was the best thing!
Nicholas, Audit Assistant, KPMGNo two days are the same. I can be at a client’s office or back at KPMG’s offices but always meeting and working with new people across different businesses and diverse cultures.
- Peter Budden, Placement Year Student, PwC (Tax Associate)
Deciding to do a placement was the best decision I have ever made. It really helped to build up my confidence and professional network, and led to a graduate job offer!