Accounting career paths for newly qualified accountants in the UK

ACA. ACCA. CIMA. AAT. ICAS. CIPFA. You probably know what these qualifications are and understand the importance they hold in a career in accountancy. 

If you’re about to become a qualified accountant, you might be wondering: what’s next? Earning a professional accounting qualification unlocks diverse career paths that a general degree often doesn’t. Whether you’ve achieved your ACA, ACCA, CIMA, AAT, ICAS, or CIPFA certification, there are exciting opportunities ahead.

To help you navigate your options, we’ve mapped out the best career paths for newly qualified accountants, from internal audit to forensic accounting.

How to become a qualified accountant 

If you’re considering a career in accountancy, obtaining a professional qualification is the essential first step. In the UK, there are several recognised accounting qualifications that you could achieve. 

Steps to qualify as an accountant include the following:

• Choose a Qualification – Decide whether you want to pursue ACA (offered by ICAEW), ACCA, CIMA, or another recognised qualification based on your career goals.
• Gain Relevant Work Experience – Most qualifications require practical experience, often through training contracts with employers.
• Complete Exams – Each qualification has a set of exams that must be passed to achieve full certification.
• Apply for Membership – Once qualified, you can become a member of a professional accounting body and access exclusive career opportunities.

What is a part-qualified accountant?

A part-qualified accountant is someone who has started their professional qualification and completed some (but not all) of their exams and work experience requirements. Part-qualified accountants often work in financial roles while continuing their studies, gaining valuable experience before achieving full qualification.

Employers highly value part-qualified accountants, and there are many job opportunities for those still working toward full certification. Some common roles include:

• Assistant Accountant

• Management Accountant

• Financial Analyst

• Audit Associate

Career Paths for Newly Qualified Accountants

Once you qualify as an accountant, a wide range of career paths open up. Here are some of the best job opportunities for newly qualified accountants:

1. Internal Audit Jobs

Every business needs an internal auditor to evaluate financial risks, oversee governance, and ensure compliance. Internal auditors play a crucial role in maintaining a company’s financial health and integrity.

To succeed in an internal auditor role, you will need an analytical mind and be comfortable taking initiative, as this role includes a lot of project-based work. 

With that said, what internal audit roles lack in glamour, they make up for in excitement. Most internal auditors are expected to travel between businesses. The amount of travel varies by employer, but there may be opportunities for overseas travel with larger businesses. 

Skills Required for an Internal Auditor Role:

• Strong analytical mindset

• Initiative and problem-solving skills

• Project management experience

• Ability to travel for work (some roles offer overseas opportunities)

2. Public Practice Accounting

A career in public practice accounting means working for an accountancy firm that provides financial services to various businesses. Public practice accountants handle audits, tax advisory, and financial reporting. While many aspire to work for the Big 4 (KPMG, EY, PwC, and Deloitte), there are also excellent opportunities in mid-tier and boutique firms.

Key Responsibilities in Public Practice:

• Preparing financial accounts

• Conducting audits

• Advising on tax compliance and strategy

• Working with multiple clients across industries

3. Commerce and Industry

Many newly qualified accountants choose to work in commerce and industry because of the dynamic environment and varied opportunities. The most versatile accounting career path available, there are plenty of avenues you could go. Businesses across all sectors—from tech to retail to manufacturing—seek skilled accountants to manage financial performance and strategy.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Adaptability to different industries

• Strong communication skills for liaising with stakeholders

• Commercial awareness to drive business growth

4. Group Consolidation Accounting

If you enjoy working with complex financial structures, group consolidation accounting could be an ideal career path. Large businesses with multiple subsidiaries require skilled professionals to consolidate financial reports and manage intercompany transactions. A career in large-scale finance is as rewarding as it is impactful. 

Skills Required:

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling expertise

• Understanding of international accounting regulations

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

5. Business and Commercial Analysis

Business analysts and commercial analysts are crucial for driving strategic financial decisions within an organisation. This data-driven accounting career focuses on analysing financial data, identifying improvement opportunities, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Why Choose a Business Analyst Role?

• Hands-on involvement in business strategy

• Opportunity to work closely with senior decision-makers

• A strong focus on financial modeling and data-driven insights

6. Tax Accounting

Tax accountants ensure businesses comply with tax laws while optimising tax liabilities. Specialising in tax can lead to lucrative career opportunities, whether in corporate tax compliance, VAT advisory, or international tax consultancy.

Career Prospects in Tax Accounting:

• Tax consultant for businesses or individuals

• Tax compliance specialist within a corporation

• Tax auditor or investigator

7. Fund and Investment Accounting

Fund and investment accountants manage financial reporting for investment funds and asset management firms. This is a competitive and rewarding field that requires a mix of technical expertise and financial acumen.

Key Skills for Fund Accountants:

• Strong technical accounting knowledge

• Understanding of investment vehicles and fund structures

• Ability to liaise with investors and regulatory bodies

8. Forensic Accounting

Forensic accounting is one of the most specialised and rapidly growing career paths in finance. Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes, support litigation cases, and work with regulatory bodies to uncover fraud.

Career Opportunities in Forensic Accounting:

• Working for law enforcement agencies

• Providing expert financial testimony in court

• Investigating corporate fraud within businesses

Jobs for Qualified Accountants: Where to Find Opportunities

Qualified accountants are in high demand across various industries. If you are looking for newly qualified accountant jobs or jobs for qualified accountants, consider the following sectors:

• Financial Services: Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies frequently hire accountants.

• Corporate Accounting: Large businesses require financial accountants, tax specialists, and auditors.

• Public Sector: Government agencies and local authorities employ accountants for compliance and financial management.

• Startups and SMEs: Many small and medium-sised enterprises seek qualified accountants to manage their finances.

Unlock Your Future in Accountancy with Marks Sattin

If you're looking for your next opportunity as a newly qualified accountant, Marks Sattin is here to help. As the UK and Ireland’s leading finance and accountancy recruitment specialists, we connect qualified accountants with career-defining roles across multiple industries.

Our consultants provide expert insights on salary expectations, career progression, and the best jobs for newly qualified accountants available right now.

Explore our latest accountancy job openings or join our community for newly qualified accountants.