Starting a career in accounting can open the door to a wide range of opportunities, from working with global corporations to supporting small businesses or even pursuing self-employment. Known as the language of business, accounting is an essential function that helps organisations track their finances, make informed decisions, and plan for the future. For those who enjoy problem-solving, working with numbers, and providing valuable insights, accounting offers both stability and growth potential. Before diving into how to build a successful career in this field, it’s important to first understand what accounting really is.

What is Accounting?

Accounting is the process of recording, analysing, and reporting financial information to help individuals and organisations make informed decisions. Often referred to as the backbone of business, it involves tracking income and expenses, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing insights into financial health.

Beyond simply managing numbers, accounting plays a strategic role in planning for growth, identifying opportunities, and safeguarding against risks. Whether in a small business, a large corporation, or the public sector, accounting ensures transparency, accountability, and stability—making it a vital function in every industry.

A Day in the Life of an Accountant

A day in the life of an accountant can be both structured and varied, depending on the type of role and industry they work in. Typical tasks may include preparing financial statements, analysing budgets, managing invoices, or ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Accountants often spend time reviewing data, identifying trends, and offering advice to help businesses make informed financial decisions. While much of the work involves numbers and reporting, accountants also collaborate closely with managers, clients, and other departments, making communication and problem-solving key parts of the role.

No two days are exactly the same, and the balance between routine responsibilities and strategic input makes accounting a dynamic and rewarding career choice.

Accounting has an extensive career path, which means you have plenty of opportunities to progress as you develop. You can find out more about roles within accounting and salary ranges here.

How to Start a Career In Accounting

Follow the steps below to ensure you’re ready to launch your career in accounting.

Research Accounting Careers

In order to make sure accounting is right for you, you first need to research the role. Understand what accounting consists of, and what day-to-day activities you will have when working in this industry. It’s also important to understand what the role involves within each level, from a trainee accountant level up through to a fully certified accountant, so you know what to expect as your career progresses.

Choose a Course to Study

You will need to have the relevant qualifications when working in accounting. Accounting qualifications can be gained through college and university, or you can study them remotely via distance learning. AAT qualifications are high sought after by employers, you can find information on AAT courses here.
If you are looking into accounting for the first time, the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting would be really beneficial to gain a foundation of knowledge in basic accounting principles.

Update Your CV

The way you write your CV largely depends on the type of job role that you’re applying for. If you have decided to go down the accounting career path, make sure your CV reflects this. You can do this by listing any accountancy qualifications that you are completing. Even if you haven’t completed the course as yet, you can list your final grade as “pending” with an expected completion date.
To make your CV stand out in the accounting industry, you’ll also need to identify skills that you possess that are beneficial to have when working in this particular industry. For example, you may have strong analytical or critical thinking skills, or you may be skilled at writing reports and presenting results.

Gain Some Experience

Volunteer opportunities or work experience can be a great way to gain some experience in the world of accounting. You could also apply for an apprenticeship, which will allow you to learn while you work and receive a wage. Companies will advertise positions like this on their website, via job websites, or via LinkedIn. You could also reach out to companies directly on platforms such as LinkedIn to see if they would be willing to offer work experience for a set period of time.

Search for Job Roles

You can start looking for full-time positions as soon as you’re ready. Where you are with your knowledge and skills development will depend on what type of job would be appropriate for you to apply for. For example, if you haven’t started an accounting qualification and have zero experience, it would be suitable to look for trainee accountant roles or apprenticeships. If you are working through a qualification and have gained some work experience already, you will be able to consider job roles at a slightly higher level such as an accounts assistant.

Utilise all of the major job websites and LinkedIn for your job search. In the UK, the top job search websites include Reed, Indeed, Monster UK, TotalJobs and Glassdoor.

If you’d like to find out more about a career in accounting and our AAT qualifications, book a call with our course advisory team today.