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.
To complete the ACA and qualify as a chartered accountant you must secure a training agreement with an ICAEW authorised training employer. The ACA training agreement is a formal signed document between an employer and a student. It is specific to ACA training, and it is not the same as an employment contract. The agreement outlines the support that you will receive from your employer and what is expected of you in return in relation to your training.
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:
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 by clicking on the button below.
Once you’ve secured a training agreement, you’ll be able to register as a student and start your studies.
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 trainee role today and
kick-start a dynamic career in chartered accountancy.
Imagine more with the Next Generation ACA
The role of the accountant is changing. To ensure ICAEW Chartered Accountants are prepared for the future, we will be introducing changes to our qualifications from September 2025. Learn more about the upcoming changes: Next Generation ACA
