Becoming a qualified accountant can open doors you may not have imagined. At First Intuition, we’re here to help you navigate every opportunity along the way. On this page, we’ll guide you through the key steps of your accountancy journey. From choosing the right qualification, to exploring the careers it can lead to, you’ll also gain a clear understanding of what life is like as a fully qualified accountant.
Choosing the right accountancy qualification starts with you. Think about your career goals and the areas of accounting you enjoy. Any experience or qualifications you already have, could also help you progress faster. ACCA and ICAEW are great for broad technical accounting. CIMA suits those interested in management and strategy, and AAT is the perfect starting point if you’re new to accounting.
Not sure which path is right for you? Get in touch with the First Intuition team: we’ll help you figure out the best route for your goals.
Contact usBeing fully qualified opens a whole new world of opportunities and responsibilities. Hear from Tom as he shares his experience in more depth, giving insight into the day-to-day reality, challenges, and rewards of being qualified:
Whether you’re curious about the roles you could take on, the industries you could work in, or the impact you can make, Tom’s experience shows what life looks like once you’ve reached this milestone.
Tom's Learning Success with First Intuition
I chose First Intuition after seeing it recommended by so many people on LinkedIn, especially for its engaging approach to learning, and flexible course options.
— Tom Sanger, First Intuition alumnus
Completing an accountancy qualification opens doors to a wide range of roles across industries. Even at entry-level, AAT can lead to positions like Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper, or Payroll Officer. While progressing to AAT Level 4 or ICAEW CFAB opens roles such as Assistant Financial Accountant, Tax Supervisor, or Senior Finance Officer.
At the professional level, ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA can take you into senior positions like Financial Accountant, Management Accountant, Forensic Accountant, Finance Manager, or even CFO. Your qualification shapes your career path, and there are plenty of routes to grow and specialise.
I enjoy taking complex financial data and analysing it, finding patterns and results, and using that to help make key strategic decisions, as well as communicating that information to non-financial stakeholders.
— Tom Sanger, First Intuition alumnus
For our full FAQs, please visit our FAQ page.
Yes, accountancy remains a resilient and rewarding profession. It offers strong career stability, solid earning potential, and diverse roles across industries, making it a smart long-term career choice.
No, a degree isn’t strictly required. In the UK, for example, you can begin your accountancy career through professional routes like AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW, which don’t require university study.
Focus on building foundational skills via certification programs (e.g., bookkeeping, accounting principles), gain practical experience through entry-level roles or apprenticeships, and proceed to professional qualifications.
Accounting qualifications equip you for a wide range of professions, including audit, tax, financial reporting, management consulting, forensic accounting, and more, across nearly every industry.
Yes, though tech is transforming the profession, accountants are increasingly valued for strategic insights, financial analysis, and decision-making roles that AI can’t replicate.
