First consider if you want to work for a range of clients (Chartered Accountant or Chartered Certified Accountant); in-house for one organisation (Management Accountant), or for the public sector (Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants – CIPFA).
Talk through your options, face-to-face, with accountancy firms and organisations at The University’s Finance, Business Management Fair, Wednesday 24 October, 10.30am-4.00pm. Information is on www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/careers/aboutus/events/careersfairs
Some of the largest private accountancy practices allow students to study for Chartered Accountancy qualification (ACA) through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Some commercial firms offer CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualifications. The CIMA qualification does not allow you to conduct audits; the main role of the Management Accountant is internal management accounting within an organisation.
Professional examinations can be difficult, particularly balanced with a day job, and many employers try to ensure their candidates will pass by selecting those with a strong academic record. For example, the ACA route is not an option for all, due to the high academic selection criteria set by some firms.
The following professional websites should help:
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