Trainee ICAEW Chartered Accountant – ACA (Graduate)

What does it mean to be a chartered accountant?

Is it helping businesses make crucial decisions? Is it having a pivotal role and being at the forefront of an industry where your passion lies? Building sustainable change from the inside out? It’s all of it. Chartered accountants create, shape and build strong economies and communities globally.

The ACA is our globally recognised chartered accountancy qualification. It’s designed to provide trainees with the professional skills and strategic insight they'll need to make a real impact.

Prospective accountants can start the ACA qualification after completing an undergraduate degree in any subject. They don’t have to have studied accountancy, business, or finance. Employers are interested in graduates from a range of degree backgrounds, and you’ll learn everything you need to know in your training agreement.

What’s involved?

The ACA offers a structured training and development programme with four integrated elements. Emphasising professional development and nurturing skills, the qualification covers far more than technical accountancy. It’s designed to develop leadership potential, and its content is reviewed annually to make sure trainees are kept informed about the latest developments in finance, accounting, and business. Here’s what ACA students will be doing:

1. Practical Work Experience
   They need to record 450 days of relevant ‘on-the-job’ work experience during their period of approved training. If they have completed an internship or placement year with one of our authorised employers, they may be able to count up to 12 months’ experience towards their ACA training.
   
   
2. Ethics and Professional Curiosity
   Ethics and professional curiosity are an essential part of being a chartered accountant. Trainees will follow a structured programme to make sure they know how to apply them – focusing on areas such as integrity, objectivity, and independence.
   
   
3. Accountancy, Finance, and Business Modules
   The qualification involves a series of learning modules, each with its own computer-based exam. These modules are staged across three levels: the first introduces trainees to core concepts; the last two build on their growing technical knowledge and experience.
   
   
4. Professional Development
   Demonstrate their competence in seven key professional skills (such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making) by providing examples from their work experience.

For more information on what’s involved as part of the ACA, view our graduate brochure.

The ACA application process

To start the ACA after graduation, employers will typically expect two A-level passes (grades A*-E) or equivalent. They'll also need three GCSE passes (grades 9-4/A-C) or equivalent. However, entry requirements vary depending on the employer, so check their entry requirements before applying. GCSE, UCAS points, and degree result requirements vary.

Once qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountants can go into a wide range of career specialisms and industries, enabling you to align your passions and interests to your career in chartered accountancy.

Ready to get started? Find your graduate trainee role today and kick-start a dynamic career in chartered accountancy.