Private practice accountant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• training with a professional body

University

You could do a degree in any subject then apply for a place on a graduate training scheme to work towards a professional accountancy qualification.

If you want to take a more focused route onto a graduate scheme, you could study for an accountancy related degree, like:

• accountancy
• accounting and finance
• business and management
• maths

Some degree courses may give you exemptions from some of the professional accountancy training modules.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could take steps to gain your professional qualifications by applying for an apprenticeship. These include:

• Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Professional Accountancy Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Accountancy and Taxation Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship level you start at will depend on the qualifications you already have.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an accounting assistant with an organisation and do professional training on the job, with the support of your employer.

You'll usually need A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification to follow this route.

OtherRoutes

You could train with one of the following professional bodies to become a qualified accountant:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Association of International Accountants (AIA)

They all have different entry requirements and ways to qualify, so it's important to check with them which is the right route for you. If you already have relevant accounting or business-related qualifications, you may be able to qualify in a shorter time.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• knowledge of economics and accounting
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• administration skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• business management skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Private practice accountants prepare accounts and tax returns for businesses and individuals.

As a private practice accountant, you'll:

• prepare financial statements, business plans and budget reports
• produce accounts and financial forecasts
• audit books of accounts and check inventories
• manage clients’ spending and costs
• file tax returns and give financial advice
• investigate fraud - forensic accounting

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in an area like auditing or forensic accounting, or become a manager in a practice. From there, you could move into a partnership or become a finance director.

You might also become a self-employed consultant or set up your own company.

You could pass on your skills and knowledge through teaching in higher or further education .