Tips on how to become a qualified accountant in Ireland. We look into the ACCA exams and ACCA in Dublin.

1. Study Pathways
&
Career Opportunities

2. Why should I become a qualified accountant?
• Demand is high for finance professionals
• Opportunities for career growth, not confined to finance roles
• Obtain a global qualification
What are the different types of qualifications I can get?
• You can make a choice between ACCA, ACA, CIMA and CPA.

3. What does ACCA stand for?
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Can I start the ACCA Qualification?
• The ACCA qualification is open to everyone, although your starting point may
be different depending on your previous school leaving and/or third level
undergraduate qualifications.

4. What are the career opportunities after I qualify?
Some possible careers are:
• Finance Manager
• Accounts Payable Manager
• Financial Accountant
• Auditor
• Cost Accountant
For a full list of career paths visit www.accaglobal.com
What about my salary?
• 61% of ACCA members surveyed got a salary increase in the last 12 months.

6. What does ACA stand for?
Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA)
Did you know?
 There’s more than one way to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant?
 You don’t need a degree
 You don’t need an A-level in maths, business studies or accountancy?
 You can earn a salary whilst you train?
 You could qualify as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant by the time you are 21?

7. What are the career opportunities after I qualify?
Members can work in:
• Accountancy firms (public practice)
• Commercial organisations
• Financial institutions,
• Not for profit and the public sector.
For a full list of career paths visit http://careers.icaew.com
What about my salary?
• Your starting salary will depend on the size and type of organisation you work
for,
• the sector you work in and the location.
• Typical graduate starting salaries go up to €31,400
• The average earning potential of ICAEW Chartered Accountants in business, six
to nine years after qualifying is £85,900 (£71,600 salary + £14,300 bonus).
Source: Salary Survey Report 2012, Stott and May

8. What does CIMA stand for?
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
How do I start the CIMA Qualification?
• The Certificate in Business Accounting is the entry level accounting qualification
for students with little or no accounting background. It is a recognised
qualification in its own right which is valued by employers.
• The Professional Qualification is regarded highly by employers around the
world for its relevance to business.
• On average, students complete the ten professional qualification exams in four
years. Most students attempt two or three exams at each sitting but they can
be completed in three sittings.

9. What are some possible career opportunities after I qualify?
• Financial director
• Manager (non-finance)*
• Finance manager
• Financial controller
• Financial analyst/business analyst
• Management accountant
• Accountant
What about my salary?
• In 2012, qualified CIMA members in Ireland are earning on average €82,652 in
basic salary plus €7,149 in bonus payments, totalling €89,801 per annum.
• Part qualified students in Ireland are earning on average €41,615 in basic
salary plus €2,216 in bonus payments, totalling €43,831.
• This compares with a current average national salary figure for Ireland of
€33,327.

10. What does CPA stand for?
• Certified Public Accountant
Can I start the CPA Qualification?
• There are various routes to entry to the CPA qualification and you do not need
a business related degree to follow a career in accountancy.
• Holders of recognised qualifications (post grad, honours degree, ordinary
degree, certificate, accounting technician etc.) may be entitled to various
exemptions from the CPA exams.
• The CPA programme comprises 15 examinations, made up of a formation level
and a professional level, and a fully integrated practical experience
requirement. Your entry point into CPA Program will be determined by an
individual assessment of your prior education and experience.

11. What are some possible career opportunities after I qualify?
• CPA Qualification transfers across all aspects of industry and business. CPAs work in
amazingly diverse roles and industries, ranging from an Emmy-nominated casting director
to entrepreneurs to CEOs of large corporate concerns.
What about my salary?
• Average salaries for accountants and other finance professionals are expected
to shoot up 3.5%

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ACCA Qualification
ACCA Exams
ACCA Dublin