Working in another country can be an exciting next step in an accounting career. You might want to join an international organisation, work with clients across different markets or experience building your career somewhere new.
A professional accounting qualification can give you a strong foundation in accounting and finance, while helping you develop skills that can be applied across different roles and business environments.
However, working in accounting abroad can involve different professional requirements from those in your home country, particularly for regulated roles such as statutory audit or taxation.
So, if you're considering an international career in accounting, where could your qualification take you, and what should you consider before making the move?
Why accounting can be an international career
Businesses around the world need finance professionals who can understand financial information, analyse performance and support business decisions. Although accounting rules can vary between countries, many of the underlying skills are transferable.
As your career develops, you could work for a multinational organisation, support overseas clients, join an international accountancy firm or move into a finance role in another country.
You can also gain international experience without relocating. Working for an organisation with operations in several markets could give you the opportunity to work with overseas colleagues, clients and projects from the UK.
Where are professional accounting qualifications recognised internationally?
The international reach of a professional accountancy body can be worth considering when you're choosing a qualification. The figures below show the global reach of each organisation's membership or wider community, rather than formal recognition of the qualification in every country.
| Qualification and body | International reach | Potential career direction |
|---|
| AAT (AAT) | Nearly 137,000 members and students across 114 countries. | Practical accounting and bookkeeping |
| ACCA (ACCA) | Members and future members in 179 countries. | Financial accounting, audit, tax and broader accountancy |
| AICPA & CIMA (CIMA’s CGMA qualification) | The wider AICPA & CIMA community includes members, candidates and engaged professionals in 188 countries and territories. | Management accounting, commercial finance and business decision-making |
| ACA (ICAEW) | ICAEW has more than 173,800 members across 147 countries. | Accountancy, audit, business and financial leadership |
These figures show the international reach of the professional bodies, rather than guaranteeing that a qualification gives you the right to practise in every country.
For example, ACCA provides specific guidance for members considering moves to countries including Australia, Canada, Singapore, the US and Ireland. In Singapore, ACCA says its qualification is recognised by many companies, including more than 210 Approved Employers.
ICAEW also has membership recognition agreements with accountancy bodies in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa. These agreements can make it easier for eligible members to join a local professional body without sitting further assessments, although additional requirements may apply for certain practising or audit rights.
AICPA & CIMA also has mutual recognition arrangements with professional bodies in countries including Australia, Canada and Sri Lanka, which can provide eligible members with a route to local membership.
AAT has international recognition arrangements, including a partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, where AAT qualifications are recognised as a route into Accounting Technician membership, as well as a reciprocal membership agreement with SAICA in South Africa. The benefits and requirements vary between countries.
The important point is that international recognition doesn't remove the need to check local requirements.
If you're unsure which route is right for you, Kaplan's guide to choosing an accounting qualification can help you compare your options.
What accounting careers could take you overseas?
The type of accounting career you choose can influence the international opportunities available to you. This is highlighted in the table below.
| Accounting career | How it could translate internationally |
|---|
| Financial accountant | You could work on financial reporting and help organisations understand their financial position and performance across different markets. |
| Management accountant | You could use financial and business information to support planning, budgeting and decision-making within an international organisation. |
| Auditor | You could examine financial information and controls for organisations operating across different markets. However, audit is regulated in many countries, so additional authorisation may be required. |
| Financial analyst | You could analyse financial and business performance to support investment and commercial decisions across different markets. |
| Finance business partner | You could work with teams across an organisation, using financial information to support business performance and decision-making. |
| Tax professional | You could help organisations understand and manage their tax responsibilities, particularly if they operate across multiple jurisdictions. |
| Risk and compliance professional | You could help organisations identify and manage financial and regulatory risks across different markets. |
Large multinational businesses and international accountancy and professional services firms can also offer opportunities to work with teams and clients in different countries.
Will my professional accounting qualification be recognised abroad?
Having a qualification with international recognition is one thing. Being able to carry out a particular role in another country is another.
Every country has its own accounting standards, tax rules and professional requirements. Some activities are regulated, which means you may need additional registration, qualifications or experience.
Before accepting a role abroad, check:
- whether your qualification is recognised for the role you're applying for
- whether you need to register with a local professional or regulatory body
- whether additional exams or qualifications are required
- which accounting and financial reporting standards apply
- whether the role requires specific local experience
- what visa or work-permit requirements apply.
For example, ICAEW states that members working in public practice outside the UK may need a practising certificate in the country where you have your main place of business. ACCA also notes that members may need additional licences or authorisations for regulated roles such as statutory audit.
For AICPA & CIMA and AAT, requirements can also depend on the type of work you intend to carry out. AICPA & CIMA has specific requirements around practising certificates for members working in public practice, while AAT has licensing requirements for certain services provided to the public.
The professional body for your qualification and the relevant authority in your chosen country should be your first point of reference.
What skills can help you build an international career?
Your qualification gives you a technical foundation, but other skills can help you work effectively across different teams and markets.
Communication
You'll need to explain financial information clearly to colleagues, clients and decision-makers, including people who don't have a finance background. This becomes particularly important when you're working across different professional or cultural environments.
Commercial awareness
Understanding how a business operates can help you contribute to decisions rather than focusing only on financial reporting. This can be particularly useful when working for organisations operating across several markets.
Digital skills
Finance teams increasingly rely on data, finance systems and digital tools. Building confidence with these technologies can help you adapt as the way organisations work continues to change.
Adaptability
Moving into a new country or international team can involve different working practices, expectations and ways of communicating. Being willing to learn and adapt can help you settle into a new environment.
Language skills
You don't necessarily need to speak another language to build an international accounting career. However, learning the language used by clients or colleagues in a particular market can be a useful advantage.
How can you start preparing for an international accounting career?
You don't have to wait until you've qualified to start thinking about where your career could take you.
Start by thinking about the type of work you want to do. Audit, management accounting, commercial finance, tax and other areas can lead to different opportunities, so consider which interests you most.
Research the markets you're interested in. If you already have a country in mind, look into its professional requirements and the types of accounting roles available there.
Look for international experience where you are. Working for a multinational organisation or supporting overseas clients can help you develop relevant experience without having to relocate.
Build skills alongside your qualification. Communication, commercial awareness and digital skills can complement your technical accounting knowledge and help you adapt to different working environments.
Keep your options open. Your first accounting role doesn't have to determine where your career ends up. As you gain experience, you may find opportunities to work with international teams or move into a different market.
Where could your accounting career take you?
An international accounting career can look different for everyone. You might move to another country, work for a multinational business or build relationships with clients and colleagues around the world while remaining in the UK.
The key is to build a strong accounting foundation, understand the requirements of the market you're interested in and keep developing your skills as your career progresses.
At Kaplan, we support learners across a range of accounting routes, from AAT through to ACCA, CIMA and ACA. With different study methods available, you can choose an approach that fits around your work and commitments while working towards your career goals.
Explore Kaplan's accountancy courses and find the route that's right for you.
FAQs
Can I work abroad with a UK accounting qualification?
It depends on the qualification, country and role. Many professional accounting qualifications have international recognition, but individual countries can have their own professional and legal requirements.
Which accounting qualification is best for working abroad?
There isn't one qualification that's right for every international accounting career. Being ACCA qualified, ACA qualified, or holding a CGMA designation can support different career paths, while being an AAT professional member can provide a practical foundation for those starting out in accounting. Consider the type of work you want to do alongside where you might want your career to take you.
Does a professional accounting qualification guarantee a job abroad?
No. A professional qualification can demonstrate your accounting knowledge and commitment to the profession, but employers will also consider your experience and wider skills. You may also need to meet local professional and immigration requirements.
Do I need to learn another language to work abroad?
Not always. This will depend on the country, employer and role. English is widely used in international business, but another language can be useful when working closely with clients and colleagues in a particular market.
Can I get international experience without moving abroad?
Yes. Working for a multinational organisation, supporting overseas clients or working with international teams can all give you experience of different markets without requiring you to relocate.
Is the AAT qualification useful if I want an international career?
The AAT qualification can provide a practical foundation in accounting and finance and can be a starting point for an accounting career. As you gain experience, you may choose to progress to a further professional qualification such as the ACCA qualification, CIMA’s CGMA® qualification, or the ACA qualification, depending on your career goals.