I want to work in ... Accountancy
This list of links and resources has been carefully compiled by our Careers Consultants and Careers Information Team to provide you with the key knowledge you need if you are considering a career in this line of work. All the links are reviewed regularly to ensure the source is reliable and the information is accurate and relevant.
If you need any further information or clarification please Email us
Accountancy
Accountancy is a broad career area with many specialisms such as Tax, Audit or Corporate Finance. The graduate route to becoming a qualified Accountant usually involves getting a graduate role with a relevant employer and undertaking a professional qualification with one of the relevant professional bodies. This usually takes three to four years after graduating.
Depending on the professional body you qualify through you might refer to yourself as a Chartered, Certified or Management Accountant. You can find out more about each of these routes, the linked qualifications and places to find graduate vacancies in the sections below.
Sector overview
- Accountant (TARGETjobs)
Typical job profile
- Chartered Certified Accountant (allaboutcareers)
- Chartered Certified Accountant (Prospects)
Useful online resources
- ACCA Student Accountant
- ACCA Graduates
- ACCA-X: online learning programme to support learners interested in accountancy
- TARGETjobs: How do I get a job in Accountancy and Financial Management
- TARGETjobs: Top tips and advice for aspiring finance and accounting professionals
Jobsites and specialist recruiters
Professional bodies
Sector overview
- Chartered Accountancy (Inside Careers)
Typical job profile
- Chartered Accountant (Prospects)
- Accounting Technician (Prospects)
Useful online resources
- TARGETjobs: Top Tips and Advice for Aspiring Finance and Accounting Professionals
- TARGETjobs: How Do I Get a Graduate Job in Accountancy and Financial Management
- allaboutFinanceCareers
- RJP.co.uk: Accountancy Career Guide
- ACCA-X: online learning programme to support learners interested in accountancy
- APA (The Association of Practising Accountants): Why train with an APA firm?
- AccountancyAge
Jobsites and specialist recruiters
- ICAS job portal: becomeaca.org.uk
- GAAPWeb.com
Professional bodies
- Association of Accounting Technicians AAT
- Assocation of International Accountants AIA
- Association of Practising Accountants APA
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales ICAEW
- Chartered Accountants Ireland
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland ICAS
- The Institute of Internal Auditors IIA
Sector overview
- Management Accounting (TARGETjobs)
Typical job profile
- Management Accountant (TARGETjobs)
- Chartered Management Accountant (Prospects)
- Chartered Management Accountant ((allaboutcareers)
Useful online resources
- CIMA: CIMA Professional Qualification
- CIMA Brochure: Time for Business
- CIMA: Employers that support CIMA study
Jobsites and specialist recruiters
- CIMA My Future
- CIMA My Future (register your interest)
Professional bodies
Sector overview
- Public Sector Accounting: Graduate Area of Work (TARGETjobs)
Typical job profile
- Chartered Public Finance Accountant (Prospects)
- How to become a Public Finance Accountant (allaboutcareers)
Useful online resources
- CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PDF)
- CIPFA's Professional Accountancy Qualfications
- CIPFA Training
- Public Finance News and Insight for Public Finance Professionals
- AllAboutFinance
- GOV.UK Government Finance Function (part of the Civil Service and HM Treasury)
Jobsites and specialist recruiters
- CIPFA Trainee and Apprenticeship Vacancies
- pfjobs.co.uk Find the latest public sector finance vacancies
- Civil Service job search for jobs in the Civil Service and central government organisations
Professional bodies
News
- The Economist - a weekly newspaper/magazine part-owned by FT. The online edition offers insight and opinion on business and finance as well as international news, politics, science and technology.
- Financial Times - one of the world’s leading business information brands with a website full of finance and news information.
- Reuters - provides business and financial news.
- Wall Street Journal - the US equivalent to the FT and also highly respected, you can read about business and markets in the States and worldwide.
General finance resouces
- Scottish Financial Enterprise - provides information on the financial services industry in Scotland and has a useful directory of companies.
- eFinancial Careers - is a useful site which covers various areas of the financial sector, explains the differences between them and offers valuable careers advice.
To find out more about what it's like to work in this career, use the linkedin alumni tool to make contact with strathclyde alumni working in this area.