Can I get into the Big 4 without a degree?

I'll keep this brief and to the point.

I'm currently studying the AAT level 2 and plan to take the level 3 and 4 and then eventually the ACA.

The highest level of qualifications I have are A-levels.

Q: Is it possible to get into the Big 4 without a degree?
Is yes, is it possible to work for the Big 4 whilst taking the ACA with them and how would I go about this?

Reply 1

CS_Insights

6

Absolutely. This route has not only become more viable in recent years but even presents its own advantages compared to university.

Each firm has their own schemes or apprenticeship programmes, which combine a full-time job with study towards their relevant qualifications. It is likely that whatever firm you join this study will be toward the AAT Level 3 (as a minimum) or the ACA Certificate with the aim of becoming ACA Qualified.

Each firm will structure things slightly differently, further information can be found through their 'early careers' or 'school leavers' part of their respective websites. I'll save the comparison between each of the big four for others, but needless to say - having experience of working in a 'big four' organisation with the ACA Qualification opens a lot of doors; with or without a degree.

Consider if you want to go into a particular specialism (such as Audit) and investigate what opportunities are currently available via the respective websites. There's a possibility that you may be able to skip studying the AAT Level 3 and go straight to a level 4, do not be intimidated by this.

After this I think this is a matter of simply applying. Cannot provide more detail without fully understanding your preference, but would some are 'proper' schemes, with a full intake each year conducted in line with the academic year whereas some are advertised on a ongoing basis like any ordinary job.

DISCLAIMER: I do not work for a 'Big 4' organisation, but know several colleagues who undertook the route you described. I instead joined the Civil Service to undertake my AAT Level 4 before studying my ACA examinations. My highest qualifications before were A-levels.

Reply 2

-CL-

OP

2

Original post by CS_Insights

Each firm has their own schemes or apprenticeship programmes, which combine a full-time job with study towards their relevant qualifications. It is likely that whatever firm you join this study will be toward the AAT Level 3 (as a minimum) or the ACA Certificate with the aim of becoming ACA Qualified.

Sorry for the late response. I've recently found an entry level accounting job which is offering study support. I'm planning on taking the AAT Level 2, 3 and 4 whilst working there. I want to have that completed by the end of 2024. The aim is to do the ACA at big 4 whilst working full time.

Original post by CS_Insights

having experience of working in a 'big four' organisation with the ACA Qualification opens a lot of doors; with or without a degree.

I haven’t researched thoroughly into this. But is there limits on how high you can go? For example, I assumed a financial controller or CFO would require a degree. Also if I wanted to move to another country (e.g. USA) wouldn’t a degree become necessary? I thought that working at the Big 4 and the connection they had internationally would allow me to bypass a degree requirement.

Original post by CS_Insights

Cannot provide more detail without fully understanding your preference, but would some are 'proper' schemes, with a full intake each year conducted in line with the academic year whereas some are advertised on a ongoing basis like any ordinary job.

What I want to do is gain qualifications whilst working full time. I’m currently in my late 20s and have other responsibilities. I don’t have the luxury of studying without pay. I’m not sure exactly what I want to specialise in (audit or tax), but once I complete the AAT level 4 I’ll start looking into it. The reasoning for applying for the Big 4 was so it opened up more doors, gaining experience and developing a strong skillset. If I had to use another example. I see it as choosing to play for the BPL where I would encounter more difficultly instead of playing in a less competitive league. I’m looking to develop myself as quickly as possible in as short amount of time that’s possible.

Reply 3

CS_Insights

6

Hi there!

That sounds great, If you can undertake AAT Levels 3 and/or 4 in the meantime or as part of your study plan, that that will enable you to develop a good base of financial knowledge and get exemptions when you begin studying for ACA. (AAT also allows exemptions for ACCA and CIMA).

For many accounting and finance-related roles, you will find that the requirement is a 'degree or equivalent'. Some apprenticeships and schemes will enable you to 'bypass' this requirement. Completing the AAT Level 4 qualification and/or the ACA also satisfies the criteria of 'degree or equivalent) that criteria in accordance with the QCF (Qualification & Credit Framework), meaning this should not be a problem in theory. I have not been disadvantaged in my own career from not having a degree.

While I chose the ACA ultimately, one alternative option I considered was ACCA, which included optional study towards a degree. Using this route you can study, work and get a degree almost automatically to cover your bases if you think having a degree is really vital. As you become more senior, naturally the focus and criteria for roles shifts to whether you're chartered or how many years of experience after qualifying you have (referred to as PQE or Post-Qualification Experience).

While theoretically possible, I'm glad you've discounted the idea of self study or paying for it yourself. It is better to study with support and financial backing of your employer. In terms of specialism, I think a preference between Audit & Tax will come out naturally throughout your studies and employment.

Reply 4

-CL-

OP

2

Original post by CS_Insights

...

Thank you for the detailed response.

Reply 5

Goodayyy

6

Original post by -CL-

I'll keep this brief and to the point.

I'm currently studying the AAT level 2 and plan to take the level 3 and 4 and then eventually the ACA.

The highest level of qualifications I have are A-levels.

Q: Is it possible to get into the Big 4 without a degree?
Is yes, is it possible to work for the Big 4 whilst taking the ACA with them and how would I go about this?

If you know you want to do the ACA just go for it. There is no point in going through all the levels of the AAT first. All Big 4s do apprenticeship schemes, and they'll open for applications in 2-3 months. Standards are much lower than for grads, which means there's a higher chance of getting in. Plus Deloitte offers Transaction Services, and EY offers Restructuring. You'll get your ACA, but you'll do more interesting work (corporate finance) than in tax or audit. No one will care you don't have a degree after your ACA.

Reply 6

-CL-

OP

2

Original post by Goodayyy

If you know you want to do the ACA just go for it. There is no point in going through all the levels of the AAT first. All Big 4s do apprenticeship schemes, and they'll open for applications in 2-3 months. Standards are much lower than for grads, which means there's a higher chance of getting in. Plus Deloitte offers Transaction Services, and EY offers Restructuring. You'll get your ACA, but you'll do more interesting work (corporate finance) than in tax or audit. No one will care you don't have a degree after your ACA.

I'm worried that without that AAT I'll struggle. I have good A-levels, but have been out of studying for a while. Plus, I'm a crammer. That wouldn't be possible for the ACA and one year to complete the AAT level 2 to 4 is a good trade off for a strong foundation.

Reply 7

CS_Insights

6

Original post by -CL-

I'm worried that without that AAT I'll struggle. I have good A-levels, but have been out of studying for a while. Plus, I'm a crammer. That wouldn't be possible for the ACA and one year to complete the AAT level 2 to 4 is a good trade off for a strong foundation.

As somebody who completed both AAT and the ACA, it is worth noting that there's a substantial amount of crossover between AAT Levels 3/4 and the ACA Certificate Level in terms of difficulty and topic area among the core accounting subjects.

If you have good A-levels then you've clearly got the academic intelligence and acumen to succeed at the ACA regardless of whether you undertake AAT beforehand.

Given the end-goal it certainly is more 'efficient' to simply commence study for the ACA to begin scoring against your practical work experience requirement for the ACA earlier and getting a head-start on the 'non-exam' requirements if given the option. This is the case even if you need a bit longer to get back into the swing of things in terms of studying for exams.

Can I get into the Big 4 without a degree?

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