Routes to the ACA qualification

I was wondering whether I can study for an economics degree and also do the ACA to become a chartered accountant at the same time

If my Uni does not offer exemptions, can I study alongside a degree?

The website says you need 450 on the job experience, so can i do the modules first independantly and then do the trainingon its own for a year and a bit

Hi Louise, jumping straight to my situation...i am from india coming with 5 years of equity research experience with a US based hedge fund and decided to take up masters in finance and CFA along side which i successfully cleared this july, 2013. Have been constantly applying for jobs with no luck as I possess nil UK experience. Completely frustrated but not entirely given up, please advice in all honestly, would it make any sense to take up ACA now given my priority is to get a paying job in wealth management where my previous qualifications and experience is tested too. Let me be specific, how easy or difficult it is to get in touch with employers or training contracts through thi sroute. WIll my previous experience and qualifications work against me? I am 35 year old , how does stack against young ACA students? which is the fastest route for me?

cheers

Why are you considering doing the ACA? To be an accountant or just because you think it will get you a job? If the latter then you are wasting your time. With the CFA and a masters in finance under your belt you need to be persistent in your job search. Get detailed feedback as to why you are not getting any job offers. Yes it is tough without any experience but you have to keep trying, if UK is not working then don't limit yourself here, you will have to look in your home country or elsewhere in order to gain experience.

Dear all

Seen one or two posts referring to different routes into the ACA qualification and becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant so here's a quick run down of how you could find the perfect route for you:

ICAEW CFAB - this is a standalone qualification of six modules, which you could study through distance learning, a tuition provider and online. No entry qualifications required - it normally takes around a year to complete. It's also the first six modules of the ACA so could give you a headstart with an employer.

AAT-ACA route - this is an apprenticeship route which you could take straight from school at the age of 16, again no entry requirements unless an employer specifies them. It's also a fasttrack route into the ACA qualification and will take in total five or six years in total.

Higher Apprenticeship Audit/Assurance route - you could study straight after your A levels - this route can take you all the way to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

A Levels - you can join as a school leaver direct into an ACA training agreement - this route takes you between three to five years.

Graduates - all degree disciplines are welcomed by employers if you want to apply for an ACA training agreement. Generally, employers don't require higher degrees, just great grades at first degree level.

If you have any questions or queries about the ACA and becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, then just drop me a line!

Louise

Hi Louise,
I am currently a student entering my final year, well on course for a first.
However, my problem is my A-Level grades. I have exceptional grades at GCSE and throughout my degree but my A-Level years were a shambles
I have nowhere near the required amount that most employers state, but I am one hundred percent determined to gain my ACA qualification.
What are the possible routes available to me to get a training contract without going through the process of applying for graduate roles, knowing I will be rejected on the basis of my A-Levels.
Thanks in advance,
U.