Rachel Porteous, Manager of the Transactional and Part-Qualified Finance division at Headstar, shares her insights on why gaining a place at university, while undoubtedly important, isn’t the be-all and end-all that some people may think.
Given that it’s A-level Results Day, it seemed an appropriate time to highlight different routes into becoming an Accountant. I remember all too well the feeling of waking up and not seeing a notification from UCAS, then opening my A-level Results and being disappointed. If any students are in that same boat today, be assured, it’s not the end of the world!
Historically, the path into becoming a qualified accountant has been leaving school, going to sixth form, getting your degree and joining a grad scheme. But fast forward to 2025, there’s plenty of other options. Not getting into university isn’t a careee death sentence anymore, no matter what anyone tells you.
To be successful in finance, you need three things; skill, accuracy and integrity – all things which can’t be taught in a lecture theatre. Nowadays, employers are much more open to non-graduates who can demonstrate their skills and ability. Remember, accountancy qualifications are awarded by professional bodies, not university.
What are your alternatives?
1. Apprenticeships
Accounting and finance apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. In the UK, options range from Level 2/3 apprenticeships (assistant roles) to Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree). You work for an employer while studying toward qualifications from bodies like:
- AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
2. Direct Professional Qualifications
Many professional accountancy bodies allow you to start training without a degree, as long as you meet the minimum entry requirements (often GCSEs or A-levels).
Popular qualifications include:
- AAT – this is often considered the most accessible starting point. Once complete, you can move on to ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW chartered status.
- ACCA – this can be started directly after leaving school in some cases, with “Foundations in Accountancy” bridging courses.
- CIMA – offers entry routes for school leavers via the Certificate in Business Accounting.
3. Starting in Transactional Finance
Entry-level finance jobs, like Accounts Assistant or Purchase Ledger often require no degree or qualification. Many employers will support your studies alongside your role. This route allows you to build experience while gradually acquiring the technical qualifications.
4. Online and Part-Time Study
Distance learning providers offer affordable accountancy training that fits around work. Platforms like Kaplan, BPP, and other accredited training centres deliver courses for AAT, ACCA, and CIMA remotely. This flexibility means you can start from scratch while holding down a job in or outside of finance, meaning you can get started on your studies faster.
Let’s look at the positives:
- Lower debt: Apprenticeships and employer-sponsored study mean you earn a salary instead of taking on tuition fees. Take it from someone who’s seen real student debt – to be quite frank logging in to see my current debt amount still makes me feel sick!
- Work experience from day one: by the time a graduate enters the workplace, you may already have several years of hands-on finance experience or be well on your way to becoming qualified.
- Faster career progression in some cases: Practical exposure plus steady qualification progress can allow you to move into senior roles earlier.
So, what does this mean?
A degree can be great to have – going to university and earning my degree certainly shaped who I am today. And I’m in no way saying going to university is the wrong choice to start your career in accounting. There’s just much more other options these days which people might not be aware of. And today on results day is the perfect time to assess your options.
Your career and success isn’t defined by how you start, but by the persistence, skill, and qualifications you build along the way. If you, or someone you know, are feeling deflated after opening their results today, remind yourself (or them) that there’s always other routes.
Alternatively, if your heart is set on going to university, there’s a process called “clearing.” This is actually how I ended up securing a place on my course. This is a process where some universities have open spaces, so they drop the UCAS points needed to secure a place. Personally, I had a three-day turnaround and moved to Leeds a week later! Albeit this was a ‘while’ ago now, but it’s still an option if that’s the route you’re set on.
So, it’s important to choose the right path for you. There’s no single “right” way to become an Accountant anymore – and that’s a good thing.
Results day may feel huge now, but it’s just one step on a much bigger journey. Your future success will come from what you do next, not just the grades you opened this morning.
About the Author
Rachel Porteous is an award-winning recruiter with over five years of experience in the recruitment industry. Having rapidly progressed to Manager at Headstar, she
now leads the transactional finance division. Known for her positivity and exceptional people skills, Rachel specialises in placing part-qualified and qualified finance professionals across the Yorkshire region.
