What Makes the Role of an Accountant Highly Sought-After in the UK?

In the UK, pursuing a career as an accountant can be highly lucrative and fulfilling on a personal level. Qualified accountants can ascend to senior positions within an organization or an accounting firm, thanks to a well-defined career path. This career choice is appealing to many because of the clear-cut route to advancement as they gain more experience, skills, and qualifications.

Junior accountants are regularly hired by accounting practices, which provide support for their study leave and qualification costs. As all businesses require assistance in managing their finances, accountants are in high demand. Their development of excellent business acumen and strategic skills makes them particularly suitable for senior roles, where they can work towards increasing profitability and efficiency while reducing costs.

Career Opportunities for Accountants in the UK Job Market

Some of the job titles available for Accountants in the UK are

  1. Senior Accounts Manager
  2. Accounts and Finance Manager
  3. Corporate Accounts Manager
  4. Financial Accountant
  5. Accounting Specialist
  6. Cost Accountant
  7. Accounts and Payroll Specialist

The finance industry presents a demand for accountants in various sectors of the UK economy, with several significant employers including 

  1. Accounting firms
  2. Building societies
  3. High street banks 
  4. Insurance companies
  5. Investment banks
  6. Management consultancies
  7. Public sector organizations

Top Reasons Why Accounting is a Sought-After Profession in the UK

Accountant Salaries and Benefits in the UK:

The average salary for an accountant in the United Kingdom is £36,000 annually or £18.46 hourly, based on a sample of 10,000 salaries. Entry-level accountant positions typically offer a starting salary of £28,500 per year, while seasoned professionals can earn up to £50,000 per year.

Here are the benefits of pursuing a career as an accountant:

  • Varied Career Options: The accounting field offers a diverse range of career paths beyond the basic accountant title, including staff accountants, financial consultants, and forensic accountants.
  • Industry Flexibility: Accountants can work in various industries, allowing them to choose a specialization that interests them.
  • Specialization Opportunities: Accountants can specialize in areas such as taxes, payroll, or consulting, or choose to specialize in a particular industry, such as finance or insurance.
  • Competitive Pay: Accountants typically earn a good income.
  • Job Security: Since every business needs an accountant to manage its finances, accounting positions are constantly in-demand, providing great job security.
  • Travel Opportunities: Some accountants can travel as part of their work, often to meet with clients.
  • Strong Job Availability: There are always available accounting jobs, with some of the most in-demand positions being staff accountant, auditor, and financial analyst.
  • Financial Understanding: Accountants possess a strong understanding of finances, which can benefit them in various situations, including investing and tax filing.
  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities: CPA licensed accountants can open their own businesses, offering entrepreneurial opportunities within the accounting industry.
  • Opportunities for Advancement: With experience, accountants can seek advanced roles within the financial industry, such as a forensic accountant or personal financial advisor.
  • Professional Prestige: Accounting is a respected profession, and accountants are held in high regard by businesses and organizations for their core values and skill set. Therefore, the importance of continuing professional development for accountants in the UK is high.

All the reasons mentioned above show that accounting job satisfaction in the UK is high.

Accounting Certifications and Qualifications Required in the UK

If you plan to become an accountant in the UK, you need to follow certain steps.

  • Study accounting qualifications. Although a university degree is desirable, it’s not always essential, and professional bodies offer courses for students and workers at all levels. 
  • Choose your accounting specialism, such as management accounting or financial accounting. Accounting careers can offer many opportunities, including audit, business recovery and insolvency, corporate finance, forensic accounting, and tax. 
  • After completing your qualifications, secure a job or apprenticeship to gain practical skills while earning a wage. 
  • Get relevant accounting work experience, such as through a work placement, voluntary part-time role, or summer accounting internships with larger financial institutions.

Popular accountant qualifications from the industry’s leading professional bodies include AAT, ACCA, AIA, ICAEW, and CIMA. You can become a chartered accountant through ACCA by studying for the qualification and having three years of relevant work experience. 

The Impact of Technology on the Accounting Profession in the UK

Accounting firms are investing in technology to remain competitive and to deliver better services to their clients. Manual accounting processes are being replaced with highly efficient and specialized accounting technology, which completes once-manual processes in a fraction of the time, eliminates human errors, and frees up accountants to focus on more value-adding tasks. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, with an increased demand for remote working and flexible procedures that champion collaboration from any location. Accounting firms are investing in technologies like advanced and predictive analytics, automation including RPA, and Artificial Intelligence.

Job Search Strategies for Aspiring Accountants in the UK

  • Stay Updated. Create a profile on Job posting sites and be updated with the relevant job postings.
  • Do your research. Before applying, make sure you know what the job entails and which service and line suit you best. Read employer hubs, talk to professionals, and apply for internships to gain more knowledge.
  • Apply early. Don’t procrastinate when applying, as some firms have limited spots. Keep in mind that it’s often easier to enter graduate programs through internships.
  • Stay resilient. Despite feeling attached to a specific firm during the application process, it’s important not to let rejection discourage you too much.

ALLEN Career Institute has been offering coaching for competitive exams, such as engineering and medical programs, for over 34 years. If you aspire to become an accountant in the UK, we can help through our ALLEN Global Studies Division. 

Our goal is to prepare students to become exceptional professionals by providing them with knowledge and skills. We understand the significance of pursuing an international career, and our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and support throughout the entire application process. With our expertise and resources, we can assist you every step of the way. If you want to expand your global perspectives, we encourage you to consider joining the ALLEN Global Studies Division.

Conclusion

The role of accountants in driving financial stability in the UK is crucial, resulting in high demand for these professionals. Accountant roles are in high demand in the UK because of skill shortages, security threats, and stringent reporting systems. The career of an accountant in the UK is highly rewarding, both financially and personally. With a clear path for progression, qualified accountants have the opportunity to advance to senior positions within an organization or accounting firm. This career path is attractive to many individuals due to the defined route for promotion, as they acquire more experience, skills, and qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of accounting in the UK?

Accountants manage financial systems and budgets.

Are accountants in high demand in the UK?

The job market for finance and accounting professionals appears optimistic. Although employers may face difficulties due to skill shortages, it could prove beneficial for candidates seeking career advancement opportunities.

What accounting does the UK follow?

UK follows International Accounting Standards.

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