By Caroline Furness, published 16 April 2026
If you’re exploring how to become an accountant in the UK, you’re considering a career that combines analysis, problem-solving and real commercial impact. Many people also ask “how can I become an accountant?” or “how can you become an accountant?” because there are several structured but flexible routes into the profession.
Accountants play a vital role in business decision-making, from ensuring compliance to supporting strategy and growth.
At Sheridan Maine, we work closely with aspiring and qualified finance professionals every day, supporting candidates at each stage of their accounting journey. This guide explains the main routes into accountancy, the qualifications available, and how to secure your first role in the profession.
What Does an Accountant Do?
Accountants transform financial data into meaningful insight that helps organisations make informed decisions.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing financial statements and statutory accounts
- Budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis
- Managing month-end processes and reconciliations
- Supporting audits, tax work and compliance
- Providing financial insight to support business strategy
Accountants work across practice, industry, public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Strong numerical ability, attention to detail, communication skills and commercial awareness are essential at every level.
Routes Into Accountancy
There is no single path for how to become an accountant in the UK, and if you’re asking “how can I become an accountant?” you’ll find several options that can suit diverse backgrounds.
Common routes include:
University route:
A degree in accounting, finance, or a numerate subject, often followed by graduate schemes that support ACCA, ACA or CIMA study.
Apprenticeships:
Levels 3–7 programmes that combine paid work with professional study, frequently leading into ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualifications.
Entry-level roles:
Accounts assistant, finance administrator or purchase ledger roles while studying part-time for ACCA, ACA or CIMA.
Many professionals begin in junior finance roles and progress through qualifications while gaining experience. If you’re wondering how can you become an accountant without a degree, these entry-level roles and apprenticeships are often the most accessible routes.
Accounting Qualifications (ACCA, ACA, CIMA and More)
Professional qualifications are central to becoming a qualified accountant and are a key part of any plan for how to become an accountant.
- AAT:Entry-level qualification covering core accounting and bookkeeping
- ACCA:Broad, internationally recognised qualification across accounting, audit and tax
- ACA (ICAEW):Highly respected, often practice-focused with strong technical depth
- CIMA:Focused on management accounting, business strategy and performance
- CTA / CIPFA:Specialist routes for tax or public sector finance
Most employers offer study support including exam fees, tuition and study leave, whether you choose ACCA, ACA or CIMA.
Key Skills for Accountants
To succeed in accountancy, employers look for:
- Strong analytical and numerical ability
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Communication and stakeholder management skills
- Commercial awareness
- Proficiency in Excel and finance systems
Soft skills often become more important as you progress into senior roles, regardless of whether you qualified through ACCA, ACA or CIMA.
Gaining Experience and Getting Started
Practical experience is key when starting your accounting career and is essential for anyone asking how can you become an accountant in a competitive job market.
Opportunities include:
- Internships and placements
- Entry-level finance roles
- Apprenticeships alongside study
- Volunteering or treasurer roles in clubs or charities
When applying for roles, highlight:
- Exam progress (AAT, ACCA, ACA or CIMA)
- Relevant systems experience
- Examples of process improvement or analysis
- Clear, structured CV formatting
Career Progression and Development
Accountancy offers strong long-term career progression.
Typical paths include:
- Trainee → Assistant → Accountant → Manager → Senior leadership roles
Progression is often linked to qualification completion (such as ACCA, ACA or CIMA), experience and continued development.
Long-term success relies on:
- Continuous professional development (CPD)
- Keeping up with accounting standards and systems
- Developing leadership and commercial skills
- Building experience across reporting, analysis and business support
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to become an accountant, the route is flexible but structured: choose a qualification (AAT, ACCA, ACA or CIMA), gain practical experience, and build your skills over time.
With the right combination of study and hands-on experience, accountancy offers a clear pathway from entry-level roles through to senior finance positions that influence business strategy and performance, regardless of whether you qualify through ACCA, ACA, or CIMA.
Sheridan Maine continues to support professionals across every stage of that journey, connecting talent with opportunity across practice and industry.
