How to Become an Accountant in Swindon: 4 Key Steps

Getting into the accounting profession in Swindon is a smart step towards a secure and lucrative career. The city's steady economic growth presents immense opportunities for those aiming to excel in this field. If you have an aptitude for numbers, meticulous attention to detail, and enjoy problem-solving, then becoming an accountant could be your ideal career path. 

Embarking on this journey requires strategic planning and dedication. Let's delve into how to become an accountant in Swindon and enjoy the numerous benefits this profession has to offer.

Step 1: Study the Right Accounting Qualifications

The AAT qualification is the minimum requirement to become an accountant, but if you’re interested in becoming a chartered accountant, you’ll need to progress further. 

While most accountants get a bachelor’s degree, it isn’t essential. However, it’s advantageous to get one as it can prepare you for the eventual accounting exam. There are various finance qualifications available for accountants, and that can get confusing during the job search.

Here are some common accountant qualifications you can get in the UK:

• AAT (Associations of Accounting Technicians): Combines industry knowledge and practical work skills and is made up of four qualifications across three levels.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): Covers topics of corporate and business law audits and has two levels: Professionals and Fundamentals. 
• AIA (The Association of International Accountants): The AIA is the highest accounting status you can achieve and makes you a member of an organization. 
• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England + Wales): This certification requires 15 exam modules and work experience. Also called the ACA.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Specifically for career management accounting. This one requires a certificate in business accounting.

It’s important to look into preferred accounting qualifications to ensure that you have the highest hireability. Some qualifications may mean you won’t have to take an exam at all. For example, if you have a masters in any subject, you may be exempt from the ACCA or AIA examinations.

What About Pursuing an Accounting Career Abroad, e.g., the USA?

Becoming an accountant requires different steps depending on the country you live in. If you’re staying in the UK, you won’t have to worry about different types of certification. However, if you’re interested in pursuing a CPA career in the USA, for example, an ACCA won’t transfer.

The ACCA is considered the UK equivalent of the CPA, except the ACCA is recognized globally (Europe, Asia, and Africa). The CPA is only recognized in the United States. The CPA also requires a bachelor's degree and experience, whereas an ACCA has flexible requirements. 

Long story short, if you want to pursue accounting in the US, get a CPA. If you want to practice in Europe, Asia, or Africa, or you’re interested in international accounting, get an ACCA.

Step 2: Where to Study in Swindon

Since we’re specifically looking at Swindon, it would be helpful to look at courses you can take near or in the town. New College Swindon is the closest option and gives you access to all levels of the AAT exam. The Lenta Business Centre in Swindon hosts ACCA training yearly.

For an AIA, you have to apply online, but you need to pass certain qualifications to become an AIA. Similar to the AIA, the ICAEW requires online registration and the compilations of certain tests. This can be done via an apprenticeship, a local testing center, or a Pearson Vue center.

Finally, the CIMA is also a test you can take at a testing site or Pearson Vue center. Many of the exams for accounting certifications are available online, making it easy for Swindon residents. 

Step 3: Choose Your Accounting Specialty

In the journey of becoming an accountant in Swindon, it's important to pinpoint your specialty in accounting. The field is vast and includes various areas like forensic accounting, tax accounting, audit, financial accounting, corporate finance, and management accounting. 

Understanding which niche aligns best with your interests and talents can make a big difference in your career trajectory. For example, if you have a knack for investigations, forensics could be a great fit for you. Your choice will influence the nature of your job and growth prospects.

Step 4: Secure an Apprenticeship or a Job

Seeking apprenticeships or junior accountant positions is an excellent step to progress in your career. This real-world exposure in Swindon's accounting sector will not only boost your Curriculum Vitae (CV) but also offer you invaluable hands-on experience. 

You'll gain insight into the daily operations of an accountant, apply the theories and principles you've studied, and face challenges that enhance your problem-solving skills. Remember that every task you undertake contributes to your development as a proficient accountant. 

Step 5: Receive Relevant Work Experience

After clinching your first job or apprenticeship, it's all about gaining practical work experience. 

This phase is a transformative period where you transition from a novice to a skilled professional. Engage avidly in varied tasks and responsibilities that come your way as they provide learning beyond textbooks. Stay engaged and learn everything you can.

You will gain knowledge of different accounting systems, business operations, and professional protocols adopted in Swindon firms. Moreover, real-life work settings allow you to build strong interpersonal skills, qualities that employers tremendously value in accountants.

In Conclusion…

Ready to start your journey to become an accountant in Swindon? By following these well-rounded steps, you're setting yourself up for a rewarding and stable career. Remember that every qualification you earn and experience you gain gets you one step closer to your goal.