Working in accountancy: an insider's perspective
ACCA show us that it's not all about spreadsheets and crunching numbers
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global organisation helping people become accountants and finance professionals. In this guide, George, early careers manager at ACCA, gives us the inside scoop on working in accountancy.
| Founded | 1904 | |
| Locations | HQ in London and offices in 38 countries | |
| Employees | 1,300+ | |
| Sector | Finance | |
| Is your company a charity, trade association, or professional association? | Professional association | |
| Share something really interesting or unusual about your organisation | The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) was founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession. It was the first accountancy body to admit women. At the time of writing, we have:
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If you think accounting and finance is just about spreadsheets and crunching numbers all day, then think again!
With the ACCA qualification, you can become a chartered certified accountant. You could launch a global career in areas from forensic accounting (like a financial detective!) to advising major brands on how to spend their money. You could work in fashion, music, sports—or even tackle climate change through sustainability reporting.
The accountancy world is evolving. Its people are driving forward sustainable businesses, social value, and using innovative new technologies. Helping people and businesses make smart money decisions that shape the future is at the core of what accounting and finance professionals do. Finance drives everything—from building hospitals to launching the latest tech.
And whatever your starting point – school, college, university or even if you wish to become an accountant later in life – there’s a pathway for you with ACCA.
What’s a common myth about your sector?
A common myth is that you have to be a maths genius in this sector. Not true! While being comfortable with numbers helps, the real skills that matter are problem solving, communication, and critical thinking. You don’t need to be a human calculator—there’s software for that!
Another myth is that all finance jobs are the same. In reality, accountancy opens doors in loads of areas. You could work in fashion, gaming, sports, or even help to fight cybercrime through forensic accounting. Plus, salaries can be pretty great once you’re qualified.
Another common myth is that technology and AI will replace accountants. Not true. AI is transforming finance, but human knowledge is irreplaceable. Accountants of the future will focus on strategy and innovation.
And no, uni isn’t the only path. You can start with an ACCA apprenticeship from school, or pursue a degree in any subject—not just finance.
What’s a big thing facing your industry at the moment that students should know about?
Technology is changing the world of accountancy—and it’s actually a good thing! With cool tools like AI getting better every day, boring, repetitive tasks like data entry will soon be done by computers. That means accountants can spend more time on exciting, high-value work like solving problems, helping businesses grow, and making big decisions.
What skill shortages are there, and how can students start building those skills?
If you’re interested in starting your own business, the ACCA qualification could help you build entrepreneurial skills. In a recent survey of our members globally across all ages, over half of those with career ambitions to be entrepreneurs said they see accountancy as a natural springboard to eventually running their own businesses.
Some of the other key skills you’ll need in this sector are communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Joining a debate club or school council will help you practice speaking clearly and listening actively. Or practise preparing for and presenting in a group project, which will grow your confidence and clarity in explaining complex points—key in accounting discussions.
Maths challenges, coding clubs, or managing a school fundraiser all grow your critical thinking. For example, calculating costs and profits for a bake sale uses logic and analysis—vital for solving financial discrepancies.
And taking part in group activities, volunteering, or school sports encourages collaboration. Working with classmates on a group project means you’ll learn to share responsibilities, respect roles, and support others—just like in accounting teams. You could also develop these skills by joining team sports or other activities that need group work, like music groups, drama clubs, and business challenges.
What would make a student an ideal candidate for your industry?
An ideal student for accountancy and finance is someone who’s curious and likes solving problems. You don’t need to be a maths genius, but you should be comfortable with numbers and enjoy thinking logically.
There are several different ways you can show you’re interested in accounting and finance. Doing your research on the sector, reading up on the news, or even trying the ACCA free online course ACCA-X could help. It’s an interactive online course designed to get you ready for your ACCA exams – and it’ll look great on your CV.
Thinking about going into a career in finance? Check out Unifrog's ‘Get on the ladder’ guide for ways to take your first steps.