As specialists in providing high quality accountancy courses since 1972, Reed Business School has supported thousands of students to gain the skills and knowledge they need to become qualified accountants.
Think ahead
As there are more than 14 possible career routes for those with accounting qualifications, thinking ahead about the type of finance role you want in the future is essential. Whether you are aiming for the top as a chartered accountant or looking to head into industry, choosing the right accounting qualification can open doors to a rewarding and successful career in finance. Our latest guide on accounting qualifications in the UK will help you decide which course is right for you.
Here are some of the leading globally recognised accounting qualifications available in the UK:
Understanding each qualification will help you navigate your way to a career in accountancy and finance.
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
If you're considering a career in accounting or finance, AAT courses are a great way to get started. AAT qualifications provide a strong foundation in essential accounting skills, are structured into different levels depending on the stage you are at in your career and are widely recognised by employers. In fact, many finance roles are conditional on having an AAT qualification so studying with Reed Business School is sure to put you on a pathway to success.
We currently offer five AAT qualifications for you to choose from:
Bookkeeping Qualifications
Accounting Qualifications
Each qualification builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous level, helping you to progress from basic bookkeeping to advanced financial management. Every AAT qualification is certified as a standalone qualification in their own right, so if you have previous knowledge or skills, you could start at a slightly higher level.
Career opportunities with AAT
Once you are AAT qualified, you can work as a self-employed accountant or apply for a range of roles including:
Finance officer
Professional accounting technician
Senior bookkeeper
Assistant auditor
VAT accountant
To find out more read our guide AAT qualifications and levels explained.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
ACCA is an internationally recognised professional body for those looking to become qualified in finance. The ACCA qualification offers a broad focus on financial and management accounting and will prepare you for a career in practice, audit or tax. Ultimately the qualification leads to becoming a chartered certified accountant.
ACCA consists of 13 exams (from Applied Knowledge upwards) covering areas such as financial accounting, taxation, and audit over four levels:
Foundation
Applied knowledge
Applied skills
Strategic professional
You must also complete at least three years of work experience plus an ethics module.
Reed Business School offers the following ACCA qualifications:
Career opportunities with ACCA
Chartered accountant
Financial controller
Audit manager
Advisory roles
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
CIMA focuses on management accounting and strategic business skills, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to work in leadership roles within organisations.
Management accountants play a vital part in all kinds of companies and industries worldwide. Their role is to provide accurate financial data to help business leaders make better strategic decisions to support growth. Management accountants are always looking for ways to improve the company.
The best way forward to build your career as a management accountant is to undertake the accounting qualification levels with CIMA. The global leader in management accountancy training, CIMA qualifications can lead to Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), the only globally recognised designation for management accountants.
We offer the following CIMA qualifications:
Career opportunities with CIMA
Management Accountant
Business Analyst
Finance Manager
Chief Finance Officer
To find out more read our guide What is a Management Accountant? Duties, skills and salary
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
Becoming a chartered accountant is a prestigious and rewarding career that requires in-depth accountancy training, education and dedication. Chartered accountants are trusted professionals who provide financial expertise in a wide range of industries and sectors. ICAEW offers the prestigious ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification, which is highly regarded by employers.
ACA currently consists of 15 exams divided into three levels:
Certificate
Professional
Advanced
Plus 450 days of practical work experience and ethical and professional development before qualifying.
Once you have completed all your exams, ethics training and practical work experience you can apply to become a member of ICAEW. Once approved, you’ll be granted the status of chartered accountant and can use the letters ACA or FCA (Fellow Chartered Accountant after ten years of ICAEW membership) after your name.
We currently offer the following ICAEW qualifications:
Coming soon – Next Generation ACA
An important point to note is that ICAEW is launching a refreshed, future-fit syllabus in September 2025 to keep pace with changes in the profession. The Next Generation ACA qualification will feature 14 business, finance and accountancy modules that will be split across three levels: Certificate, Professional and Advanced. Watch this space for more information!
Career opportunities with ICAEW
As a chartered accountant, a variety of career options are available to you including senior positions in the following areas:
Audit and assurance
Taxation
Corporate finance
Consulting
Risk management
Business recovery and insolvency.
To find out more read our guide Becoming a chartered accountant – a step-by-step guide
Which accounting qualification should you choose?
Your choice will depend on your career aspirations, current experience, and the area of finance you want to specialise in so to summarise:
Starting out – AAT qualifications are a great place to begin
Broad focus and global opportunities as a fully chartered accountant - ACCA or ICAEW
Strategic and leadership roles in organisations - CIMA
To find out more read our guide What’s the average accountant and chartered accountant salary in the UK
Final note
Accounting qualifications in the UK offer a structured path to build expertise, gain industry recognition, and advance your career. Research the options carefully, consider your goals, and take the first step toward a successful future in finance.
Thinking of a career in accounting? Start your journey with Reed Business School to reach your career goals. Gain the skills and knowledge you need to stand out in the finance profession.
Contact us today to explore your options and find out more.