The flexibility of the ACCA Qualification means that it doesn’t limit you to one particular sector. As an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) member, you will have the opportunity to work in any sector you choose, be it public practice, public sector, financial services or corporate sector, giving you access to a broad range of complex and interesting roles.

Financial services

The financial services sector accounts for 12% of ACCA members, whose knowledge and experience in areas such as international financial reporting and accounting standards, and financial services regulation are highly sought-after.

Financial services is a rapidly expanding sector. Many businesses such as fund management organisations, general insurers, building societies, life insurers and insurance brokers are experiencing significant staff increases.

The ACCA Qualification, with its broad-ranging and flexible skills set, will help you make your mark in this dynamic sector in a wide range of roles from back to front office. And ACCA members now benefit from a partnership with the Securities and Investment Institute (SII), providing access to additional qualifications and learning resources to help members specialise in this sector.

Public practice

30% of ACCA members work in public practice, in international accounting organisations like the Big Four or smaller practices, known as SMPs, providing a variety of accounting and business services to clients.

Working in public practice will give you the opportunity to stretch your skills at every stage of your career, offering you the chance to progress to management or partnership positions.

Once qualified, you can choose to specialise in a variety of fields, including tax, insolvency and forensic accountancy.

Industry / commerce

If you wish to work in a sector with broad scope then the corporate sector is for you. From multinational corporations like Dell, Shell and Reuters, to organisations closer to home, the choice of where to take your career really is yours.

And you won’t be alone: almost half of ACCA members work in this sector, with roles as varied and diverse as the companies they work for.

Public sector

National and local governments, the police, education, health, charities and not-for-profit organisations – all of these are areas that could fall within the public sector of a particular country, each offering unique challenges and rewards.

Working in the public sphere will mean you deal with issues of public accountability and political consequence. The ACCA Qualification will equip you to deal with these issues, with its strong focus on international accounting skills and knowledge, professional values, governance and ethics, and a Professional Ethics module that will reflect on your own ethical behaviour and values. 10% of ACCA members work in this sector.