Careers
ICAEW ACA
QUALIFICATION
ICAEW ACA QUALIFICATION
Great earning potential. Global recognition. Chartered profession.
If you think chartered accountants spend their lives confined to their desks, then think again. They are sitting on the boards of multinational companies, testifying in court and advising governments, as well as supporting charities and businesses from every industry all over the world.
Founded in 1880, ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales) is one of the oldest accountancy bodies in the world and has more than 178,500 members and students in 153 countries.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants are the largest source of business advice in the UK, reaching more than 1.5 million organisations. They undertake a large variety of work which can see them preparing financial statements and developing profit projections one day, and identifying strategic risks or advising on business improvements the next.
You can only become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant by completing the ACA qualification, which involves three years’ on-the-job training, a series of rigorous examinations and continuing professional development. This means that ICAEW Chartered Accountants are highly qualified individuals and in demand from all types of organisations, all over the world, and command an average annual salary of £51,000 in the first two years after qualifying.
Great earning potential. Global recognition. Chartered profession.
If you think chartered accountants spend their lives confined to their desks, then think again. They are sitting on the boards of multinational companies, testifying in court and advising governments, as well as supporting charities and businesses from every industry all over the world.
Founded in 1880, ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales) is one of the oldest accountancy bodies in the world and has more than 178,500 members and students in 153 countries.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants are the largest source of business advice in the UK, reaching more than 1.5 million organisations. They undertake a large variety of work which can see them preparing financial statements and developing profit projections one day, and identifying strategic risks or advising on business improvements the next.
You can only become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant by completing the ACA qualification, which involves three years’ on-the-job training, a series of rigorous examinations and continuing professional development. This means that ICAEW Chartered Accountants are highly qualified individuals and in demand from all types of organisations, all over the world, and command an average annual salary of £51,000 in the first two years after qualifying.
Accountancy with ICAEW. More than you’d imagine.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants work at the highest levels of business across all economic sectors. They hold positions within the finance departments of companies and not-for-profits all over the world. They work in accountancy firms, large and small, offering vital services to individuals and business clients. And they operate within public sector organisations helping to shape spending on education, health and other vital services.
Accountancy with ICAEW. More than you’d imagine.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants work at the highest levels of business across all economic sectors. They hold positions within the finance departments of companies and not-for-profits all over the world. They work in accountancy firms, large and small, offering vital services to individuals and business clients. And they operate within public sector organisations helping to shape spending on education, health and other vital services.
Reciprocal Membership Agreement
ISCA has signed Reciprocal Membership Agreements (RMA) with the following professional accountancy bodies:
Reciprocal Membership Agreement
ISCA has signed Reciprocal Membership Agreements (RMA) with the following professional accountancy bodies:
Our partners are ready to pass on their deep knowledge of the industries, in markets both locally and internationally, with a wide experience to service clients. We are very pleased and honoured that we are one of the firms in Singapore to be recognised by the ICAEW as an Approved Training Employer.
Paul Wan FCA
Managing Partner, Paul Wan & Co.
Working in practice.
Many chartered accountants work within accountancy practices providing their financial expertise to clients.
Accountancy firms vary in size from multinational giants, to small firms with a single office or a specialism in one area of finance, such as tax.
Regardless of the size of the company, working across a portfolio of clients means that chartered accountants enjoy a variety of work.
You could find yourself working with a new tech business start-up, a global retailer or a national charity.
They undertake work, including:
Working in practice.
Many chartered accountants work within accountancy practices providing their financial expertise to clients.
Accountancy firms vary in size from multinational giants, to small firms with a single office or a specialism in one area of finance, such as tax.
Regardless of the size of the company, working across a portfolio of clients means that chartered accountants enjoy a variety of work.
You could find yourself working with a new tech business start-up, a global retailer or a national charity.
They undertake work, including:
Working in industry.
All types of businesses from football clubs and fashion houses, to manufacturers and media companies, have chartered accountants working within their financial departments.
In-house accountants forecast and monitor revenue coming into and leaving an organisation, as well as having a broader operational role.
They undertake work, including:
Our work-study apprenticeship
Our 3-4 years training scheme comes with additional perks as compared to the tradition route of studying first and working later.
Our work-study apprenticeship
Our 3-4 years training scheme comes with additional perks as compared to the tradition route of studying first and working later.
Quality tuition
We work extensively with these providers because they have continuously produced quality candidates year on year. Receive sufficient tuition hours in a healthy lecturer-student ratio such that you can complete your technical knowledge.
Quality tuition
We work extensively with these providers because they have continuously produced quality candidates year on year. Receive sufficient tuition hours in a healthy lecturer-student ratio such that you can complete your technical knowledge.
Full flexibility and comprehensive support
Our firm has a mentor programme, and senior staff will be attached to you to help understand your requirements. Our training regime helps reinforce your understanding, such that we can tailor your practical experience assist in applying your technical knowledge.
Full flexibility and comprehensive support
Our firm has a mentor programme, and senior staff will be attached to you to help understand your requirements. Our training regime helps reinforce your understanding, such that we can tailor your practical experience assist in applying your technical knowledge.
Get the funding you need
Our firm sponsors all tuition, exam, and related training costs. We want individuals to reach their maximum potential as long as they have the right mindset and tenacity to succeed. Apply at our next intake to find out more details.
Get the funding you need
Our firm sponsors all tuition, exam, and related training costs. We want individuals to reach their maximum potential as long as they have the right mindset and tenacity to succeed. Apply at our next intake to find out more details.
Pathways to Membership
An overview of all the information you will need to successfully complete the ACA:
How is the ACA qualification structured?
The ACA qualification is made up of four elements which provide students with a combination of finance knowledge, accountancy skills and real-world business experience.
Syllabus
You will be expected to complete 6 modules. The modules can be taken in any order. You must pass every exam (or receive credit for prior learning) – there are no options. This ensures that once qualified, all ICAEW Chartered Accountants have a consistent level of knowledge, skills and experience.
Each Certificate Level module is assessed by a 1.5 hour computer-based exam, and can be sat throughout the year at an ICAEW-approved test centre. The pass mark for each exam is 55%.
You may be eligible to apply for credit for prior learning towards some of the Certificate Level modules if you have studied accounting, finance, law or business at degree level or through another professional qualification.
For more information, visit the ICAEW ACA website here.
The ‘Business Planning: Taxation’ and ‘Business Strategy’ modules are more advanced and link to the Advanced Level of the ACA qualification.
- 2.5-3 hour paper exam.
- Flexible to fit around your training agreement.
- Can be taken in one of four sittings each year. This is a worldwide exam. In Singapore, this exam is conducted in Singapore Polytechnic.
For more information, visit the ICAEW website here.
The Corporate Reporting and Strategic Business Management modules have been designed to test your understanding and strategic decision making at a senior level.
You will be presented with complex real-life scenarios, which expand on the Professional Level modules.
The Case Study presents a complex business issue which encourages you to problem solve, identify the ethical implications and provide an effective solution.
It must be completed last, and is aimed to test all of the knowledge gained throughout your studies training.
For more information, you may visit the ICAEW website here.
Practical work experience is one of the four key elements of the ACA qualification, which you must complete to qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Working with an employer enables ACA students to put what you are learning into practice. Here you will develop vital skills for your future career and earn a highly competitive salary at the same time.
- 450 days of work experience which take between three and five years.
- You must complete this work experience with an ICAEW authorised training employer (ATE) or authorised training principal (ATP) such as Paul Wan & Co.
- Working in one or more of the relevant disciplines: Accounting, Audit and Assurance, Tax, Financial Management, Insolvency or Information Technology. At Paul Wan & Co., we will allocate your work discipline to reflect your learning progression.
For more information, please refer to the ICAEW website here.