How to become an accountant

If you’re considering a career in accounting, becoming an accounting technician is an ideal entry point into the finance profession. Accounting professionals play a vital role in every business, managing finances, supporting decision-making, and ensuring organisations run efficiently. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to become an accountant, including the qualifications you need, what you’ll learn, and how to get started.

 

What does an accountant do?

Accountants support businesses with a wide range of financial responsibilities, including:

• Preparing financial statements
• Managing bookkeeping and financial records
• Supporting budgeting and forecasting
• Handling tax processes and compliance
• Analysing financial performance

It’s a versatile role that gives you insight into how businesses operate, without needing to have a university degree.

 

Why choose the accounting route?

Becoming an accountant is a rewarding career that offers the following:

• High demand across all industries
• Does not require a degree
• Flexible study options
• Clear progression routes
• Opportunity to earn and grow

Entry-level roles can start from around £22,000, with experienced professionals earning £45,000+ or more, and even higher if you become self-employed. It’s also a great starting point if you later decide to pursue chartered qualifications (such as ACCA or CIMA). Starting with an accounting qualification can be far more cost-effective than university, helping you avoid large tuition fees while still gaining practical, job-ready skills.

 

What qualifications do I need?

A degree is not a necessity to begin your career in finance. A common route is to study qualifications from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), which is the world’s leading professional body for accounting technicians.

Typical progression looks like this:

• Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping – this is a practical course to prepare you for junior and entry level bookkeeping roles
• Level 2 Certificate in Accounting – an entry-level qualification covering basics like bookkeeping, costing, and accounting software
• Level 3 Diploma in Accounting – builds on your knowledge with financial accounting, tax processes, and management accounting
• Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting – prepares you for more senior roles and specialisms

These qualifications can also be completed as part of an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship allows you to work in a finance role while you study towards your qualification. You’ll gain hands on experience, earn a salary, and your training is funded by the government and your employer, making the course free to you as a learner.

With these qualifications, you can move into roles such as:

• Accounts Assistant
• Finance Assistant
• Bookkeeper
• Assistant Accountant

From there, you can continue progressing or specialise in areas like tax, audit, or management accounting.

 

Do I need to study full time?

No – you can study an accounting qualification part-time around your current job. It is also available as an apprenticeship.

To make learning as accessible as possible, consider blended learning, such as Mindful Education’s award-winning Online and On Campus delivery model. This flexible approach to learning means you will study at a time and place that suits you, using high-quality online learning materials which feature engaging video lectures and motion graphics. You will also attend in-person sessions with a college tutor, without having to commit to multiple evening classes each week. This flexibility allows you to easily fit your studies around your existing work and family priorities.

Cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting started. Funding may be available for part-time courses, depending on your age, circumstances, and location.

Explore the benefits of studying with Mindful Education on our Learner Hub.