Study Pathways&

Career Opportunities

Why should I become a qualified accountant? • Demand is high for finance professionals• Opportunities for career growth, not confined to finance roles• Obtain a global qualification

What are the different types of qualifications I can get?• You can make a choice between ACCA, ACA, CIMA and CPA.

What does ACCA stand for?• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Can I start the ACCA Qualification?• The ACCA qualification is open to everyone, although your starting point may

be different depending on your previous school leaving and/or third level undergraduate qualifications.

What are the career opportunities after I qualify?Some possible careers are: • Finance Manager• Accounts Payable Manager• Financial Accountant• Auditor• Cost Accountant

For a full list of career paths visit www.accaglobal.com

What about my salary?• 61% of ACCA members surveyed got a salary increase in the last 12 months.

What does ACA stand for?

Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA)

Did you know? There’s more than one way to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant? You don’t need a degree You don’t need an A-level in maths, business studies or accountancy? You can earn a salary whilst you train? You could qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant by the time you are 21?

What are the career opportunities after I qualify?Members can work in:• Accountancy firms (public practice) • Commercial organisations• Financial institutions,• Not for profit and the public sector.

For a full list of career paths visit http://careers.icaew.com

What about my salary?• Your starting salary will depend on the size and type of organisation you work

for,• the sector you work in and the location. • Typical graduate starting salaries go up to €31,400• The average earning potential of ICAEW Chartered Accountants in business, six

to nine years after qualifying is £85,900 (£71,600 salary + £14,300 bonus).

Source: Salary Survey Report 2012, Stott and May

What does CIMA stand for?• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

How do I start the CIMA Qualification?• The Certificate in Business Accounting is the entry level accounting qualification

for students with little or no accounting background. It is a recognised qualification in its own right which is valued by employers.

• The Professional Qualification is regarded highly by employers around the world for its relevance to business.

• On average, students complete the ten professional qualification exams in four years. Most students attempt two or three exams at each sitting but they can be completed in three sittings.

What are some possible career opportunities after I qualify?

• Financial director• Manager (non-finance)*• Finance manager• Financial controller• Financial analyst/business analyst• Management accountant• Accountant

What about my salary?

• In 2012, qualified CIMA members in Ireland are earning on average €82,652 in basic salary plus €7,149 in bonus payments, totalling €89,801 per annum.

• Part qualified students in Ireland are earning on average €41,615 in basic salary plus €2,216 in bonus payments, totalling €43,831.

• This compares with a current average national salary figure for Ireland of €33,327.

What does CPA stand for?• Certified Public Accountant

Can I start the CPA Qualification?• There are various routes to entry to the CPA qualification and you do not need

a business related degree to follow a career in accountancy.• Holders of recognised qualifications (post grad, honours degree, ordinary

degree, certificate, accounting technician etc.) may be entitled to various exemptions from the CPA exams.

• The CPA programme comprises 15 examinations, made up of a formation level and a professional level, and a fully integrated practical experience requirement. Your entry point into CPA Program will be determined by an individual assessment of your prior education and experience.

What are some possible career opportunities after I qualify?• CPA Qualification transfers across all aspects of industry and business. CPAs work in

amazingly diverse roles and industries, ranging from an Emmy-nominated casting director to entrepreneurs to CEOs of large corporate concerns.

What about my salary?• Average salaries for accountants and other finance professionals are expected

to shoot up 3.5%

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