It doesn´t matter if you haven´t studied accountancy or business before, you can still train to become a CA. In fact many students that don´t come from a business or accountancy background do really well, simply because they are starting fresh and with an open mind.
All you need is a university degree or an international degree formally recognised as a UK equivalent. Or you can be a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. Of course it will be an advantage if you're already experienced with figures, time management, analysis and communication, but these are all skills which will be developed during training.
Spoilt for choice
To become a CA, you start by applying for a three year training contract with an organisation that ICAS has authorised to train CA students. You´ll find an exciting and diverse range of firms to work with – from public practice to business and industry. From huge multinationals to smaller, dynamic companies and firms. So take your time and choose carefully – after all it´s a big commitment on both sides.
To help you with your job search, you can view most of our current opportunities on our CA vacancies page. You can search and sort vacancies by company, location and closing date and apply to as many different companies as you want directly online.
Think ahead
Bear in mind that while many employers take on new trainees all year round, others may have firm recruitment deadlines, so it pays to research your options in advance and make sure you don´t miss out.
Training with an accountancy firm
Many CA students will train in public practice, and the first three years you spend working will be devoted to achieving your qualification. You´ll be given plenty of responsibility from the outset – supervising junior staff, working with clients and be involved in many interesting and challenging projects. This all helps your development as a successful business professional.
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Training in industry
Designed specifically to meet the needs of industry and commerce, our TOPP (Training Outside Public Practice) scheme has been running for over 15 years. We train students to the same high standards and follow the same syllabus as those training within accountancy firms. The scheme was motivated by the increasing movement of qualified CAs into the wider area of industry and commerce. Rather than waiting to employ newly-qualified CAs from audit firms, many industry employers now choose ICAS to train Chartered Accountants directly to meet their specific needs from the outset.
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Training outside the UK
Thinking ahead, we have recently introduced ICAS training into mainland Europe. Based in the thriving, multi-cultural and multi-lingual business and finance centre of Luxembourg, this offers extra opportunities to our foreign students and adds an exciting new dimension to trainees from the UK.
Here we have secured training opportunities with the prestigious “Big 4” accountancy firms, major banks and asset management companies. Of course our European training is carried out to the same exacting standards as in the UK. And in English. This gives ICAS students a great opportunity to gain a real advantage, developing extra language skills while working in a situation with easy access to all the major European destinations.
As part of our further expansion plans, we are now also offering exciting new training opportunities on the island of Jersey.
“Many of our clients are expecting significant growth through the continued expansion of the Luxembourg financial services industry. We have found that the CA is admirably equipped to satisfy these and other demands from our clients and KPMG are therefore delighted to be at the forefront of supporting this initiative.”
Jon Li CA, Managing Partner, KPMG Luxembourg
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Training as an international student
ICAS also extends a warm welcome to international students. As long as you possess the minimum entry requirements (a recognised degree with a UK equivalent) and can meet the necessary three year work / study commitment, then you can apply.
UK NARIC provide useful information for international students and degree compatibility. You can find everything you need to know on their website: www.naric.org.uk
Once you´re satisfied you meet the entrance requirements, we suggest you visit our CA vacancies area and explore the appropriate employment opportunities on offer.
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