How important is choosing which firm to do ACA at?

Companies like Big 4 trained accountants. I know some FTSE 100 companies specifically ask for Big 4 trained. Some positions also ask for accountants trained in the top 20. This is the main benefit of training with a big firm, the opportunities post qualification in industry. However, even if you train with a smaller firm, you'll still have huge opportunities in industry too.

Mid tier (top 20) offers a good mix of large clients, but also a better work-life balance than Big 4. Like you said, you can easily move to the Big 4 as a newly qualified. They're always recruiting in this area since so many of their ACAs jump ship post qualification. How big is your firm in the rankings?

The firm I'm looking at is only in the top 70 as it's a pretty medium/small-sized firm, but it has a really nice work environment. I knew about it from a family friend and that's how I got involved in choosing to apply.

What sort of job opportunities in industry do you think I would be excluded from if I chose this firm (other than the FTSE 100 companies you mentioned)? Also, if I were to just want to stay as an accountant, do you think there are any disadvantages with my choice (i.e. much less pay, inability to move)?

I'm wondering whether it's worth applying elsewhere. I have good qualifications, so I could try, but I'm not sure about the benefits - so thank you for providing some insight!

Not too much apart from the FTSE 100. Some finance positions might ask for Big 4 or top 20 as well, but for the most part, you'll have a plethora of options and opportunities - companies love ACA trained accountants.

Do you mean if you stayed in practice? Lots of newly qualified ACAs go into industry. There's better work-life balance, better pay and benefits too depending on the company. The problem with staying in practice is that a lot of people find themselves stuck in middle management and it can be hard to make that push to a senior position. There are loads of different service lines you can go into post qualification though. There's so much more to accountancy than just audit and tax.

Thanks for this, it's given me a lot to think about. I was set on a very different career path and this has all been a whim as I like the firm I'm considering, so I'm not as informed as I'd like to be. I assumed I would stay in practice, but it's good to keep options open. If there's so many opportunities for any ACA qualified person, I'm surprised people try so hard for the Big 4 and I guess I was scared that I was missing something by wanting to go to a less intense company. But I'm willing to give up a few job opportunities at other intense firms for an easier life.

Thank you for your help.

Having the Big 4 on your CV is a huge plus. You'll have to work your ass off for it, but people do since they want the opportunity to apply to top positions in FTSE companies. That being said, the ACA qualification will set you up for a good career wherever you train really. Always possible to work your way up to top positions even if you started your career at a local accountancy firm.

3 years of training can change your view and a lot of people realise in this time what service they want to specialise in, or if practice is right for them. You'll still be working hard at a smaller firm don't get me wrong though!

No problem.

Echo what's said here. May restrict you slightly, but once you qualify you can just work at a big 4 for a couple years before moving onto a FTSE 100 company, it probably sets you back by 2 years at the most. Getting ACA is great wherever though, and you don't have to work top 4 to earn the big bucks anyway if you're in a top 20 firm.

I'm not looking at a top 20, but I think personally I'd prefer to earn less but have a better work-life balance. But it's reassuring to hear your thoughts and 2 extra years isn't too much if it means that I'm definitely sure of what I want by the end of it.

Yeah top 20 was an example tbh. It's by no means easy to work for a top firm from graduation, have a few friends who came out with 1st from top RG Uni's and they're working for medium sized firms earning £18k a year, it's all about progression. Often said that it can actually be beneficial working for a smaller firm, as you'll likely have a greater role in the company and therefore more experience and expertise than a graduate the same age as you who's been at say PwC his entire working life. Also good to keep an open mind as you say, not sure as to how accurate it is but it's often said top firms can pigeon hole your career quite easily, meaning that you've either got to take a few steps down or remain within the company. Average salary of an ICAEW is £80k anyway (no doubt inflated by some partners earning close to a million but still ) so from a financial point of view it really doesn't matter too much. Either way, good luck with it all.