Choosing the right accounting qualification is one of the biggest decisions you'll make at the start of your career. Whether you're completely new to accounting, looking to become a chartered accountant, or deciding what to study after AAT, there's a qualification to suit your ambitions.
At Kaplan, we support learners studying AAT, ACCA, CIMA, and ACA giving you flexible ways to learn and expert support throughout your studies. This guide explains who each qualification is for, where you should start and the careers each can lead to.
At a glance: which qualification is right for me?
If you've already completed qualifications or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for exemptions. We always recommend checking directly with the awarding body before enrolling.
Compare AAT, ACCA, CIMA, and ACA
| Qualification | Best suited for | Typical starting point | Work experience | Bookkeeper, Accounts Assistant, Payroll Administrator |
|---|
| AAT | Beginners and career changers | Level 2 Certificate | Not required to start | Bookkeeper, Accounts Assistant, Payroll Administrator |
| ACCA | Aspiring chartered accountants | Foundations or Applied Knowledge | Required to qualify | Financial Accountant, Auditor, Tax Adviser, Finance Manager |
| CIMA | Future management accountants and business leaders | Certificate in Business Accounting | Required to qualify | Management Accountant, Business Analyst, Commercial Finance Manager |
| ACA | Chartered accountants, often in practice | Certificate Level (subject to eligibility) | Required to qualify | Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Partner |
Which qualification should I start with if I've never studied accounting?
If you're new to accounting, AAT is usually the best place to begin.
The AAT qualification is designed for people with no previous accounting experience and provides practical knowledge that employers value. Most learners begin with the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, although you can also choose one of the bookkeeping qualifications if you're looking for a shorter route into finance.
During your studies you'll build skills in:
- bookkeeping
- financial accounting
- costing
- budgeting
- accounting software
- professional ethics
Completing AAT can open the door to roles such as:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Assistant
- Credit Controller
- Payroll Administrator
- Finance Assistant
- Accounts Payable Clerk
It's also an excellent stepping stone to chartered qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, and ACA.
Should I choose ACCA or CIMA?
If your goal is to become a chartered accountant, ACCA and CIMA are both excellent choices. The right one depends on the type of career you'd like.
Choose ACCA if you want to...
- work in financial accounting
- become an auditor
- specialise in tax
- work in practice or industry
- gain a globally recognised chartered qualification
If you're new to accounting, ACCA Foundations provides a great starting point. If you've already completed AAT Level 4 or have a relevant degree, you may be able to start at a higher level through exemptions.
Typical careers after ACCA include:
- Financial Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial Controller
- Finance Manager
- Tax Specialist
- Corporate Treasurer
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Choose CIMA if you want to...
- become a management accountant
- influence business strategy
- work in commercial finance
- move into leadership roles
- combine finance with business decision-making
If you don't have previous accounting or business qualifications, you'll normally begin with the Certificate in Business Accounting before progressing to the CGMA Professional Qualification.
Typical careers after CIMA include:
- Management Accountant
- Finance Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Commercial Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Financial Director
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
I've completed AAT. What should I study next?
Completing AAT gives you several progression options, depending on your career goals.
From AAT to ACCA
If you've completed the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting, you may be eligible for exemptions that allow you to begin at the ACCA Applied Skills level.
If you've completed AAT Levels 2 or 3, you'll normally begin at ACCA Applied Knowledge.
From AAT to CIMA
After completing AAT Level 4, you may be able to start directly at the CGMA Professional Operational level.
If you've completed Levels 2 or 3, you'll usually begin with the Certificate in Business Accounting.
From AAT to ACA
AAT is also a recognised route into ACA.
Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may be eligible for credit for prior learning before beginning your ACA studies. Entry requirements can vary, so it's worth speaking to ICAEW or student services before applying.
How do I start studying ACA?
ACA is one of the UK's most respected chartered accountancy qualifications.
Entry requirements can be more specific than other qualifications and often depend on your employer, previous qualifications and training agreement.
The qualification combines technical learning with practical work experience, preparing you for careers in practice, audit, tax, corporate finance and advisory services.
Typical careers include:
- Chartered Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial Analyst
- Tax Adviser
- Corporate Finance Executive
- Forensic Accountant
- Finance Director
Which accounting qualification matches my career goals?
If you're unsure where to begin, this guide may help.
| Your situation | Recommended route | First step |
|---|
| I'm completely new to accounting | AAT | Start with Level 2 Certificate |
| I want practical accounting skills quickly | AAT | Choose the appropriate AAT level |
| I want to become a Chartered Certified Accountant | ACCA | Check your entry point and exemptions |
| I want to work in management accounting or business | CIMA | Start with the Certificate in Business Accounting |
| I've completed AAT Level 4 | ACCA, CIMA, or ACA | Check your exemptions with the awarding body |
| I'm interested in audit or working for an accountancy firm | ACCA or ACA | Compare entry requirements and study routes |
How do I check my exemptions?
If you've already studied accounting or finance, or hold a relevant degree, you may not need to start from the first level of your chosen qualification.
Each awarding body has its own exemptions policy, so it's important to check directly before enrolling. This will confirm your starting level and whether any additional fees apply.
Ready to get started?
Whichever route you choose, Kaplan offers flexible study methods to help you fit learning around your work and personal commitments.
Whether you're beginning with AAT, progressing to ACCA or CIMA, or studying towards ACA, our expert tutors and support teams are here to help you achieve your career goals.
If you're still unsure which qualification is right for you, our student services team can help you compare your options and choose the best route based on your experience and ambitions.