Why study accounting and finance?
With the finance sector due to grow at a significant rate over the next five years, what better time to kick-start your finance career? By taking an accounting career path, you’ll be marketing yourself as an invaluable asset which is in high demand across all areas of business.
Is accounting for me?
In previous years, a job specification for accounting and finance jobs would have outlined being good with numbers and the ability to work alone – times have changed! Now you’re more likely to be asked – are you a critical thinker, an excellent communicator, willing to use and develop your skills to improve on business strategies? If you’re interested in learning about investments, financing, and financial theories which will set you up for exciting career paths post-graduation, then our course could be perfect for you. Studying a degree in accounting and finance with Arden will equip you with the skills and confidence to propel you down the accounting career path into a secure and successful finance career.
Accounting and finance jobs – is it a good career path to choose?
By choosing an accounting career path and studying accounting and finance, you’re giving yourself the scope to work within any industry, as businesses in every sector need someone to take care of the numbers. Arden’s aim is to prepare students with the universal skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, so you’ll be able to make informed and confident decisions on where your future career lies.
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered management accountant
- Company secretary
- External auditor
- Stockbroker
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Actuary
- Business development manager
- Data analyst
- Economist
- Mortgage adviser
- Retail banker
What qualifications are needed to be an accountant?
A huge asset to any application for accounting and finance jobs is work experience. Undertaking work experience is an important part of gaining professional qualifications. An internship or work shadowing opportunity will show potential employers that you have the skills and practical experience they’re looking for, as well as the hunger to build on your related knowledge. Typical employment opportunities are widely available with:
- Accountancy firms
- Building societies
- High street banks
- Insurance companies
- Management consultancies
Accountancy and finance degrees provide you with knowledge of accountancy practices, commerce, industry, and finance. As well as developing a range of subject-specific and technical skills, you also gain more general skills, including:
- Knowledge and awareness of business organisations
- Numerical and quantitative skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Oral and written communication skills
- Ability to negotiate
- Knowledge of global business issues
- Entrepreneurship
Almost a third of graduates work as chartered and certified accountants. The second most common occupation is finance and investment analysts and advisers. Read what current students have to say about the Accounting and finance degree.
Accounting and finance degree fact sheet
Do I have to study full time to get this degree? No, with Arden you have the option to study this course fully online. This gives you the ultimate in convenience as you can enrol and study from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home, in your own time.
How long will it take? On average an undergraduate course takes three years to complete, however, with the option of part time/online study, this can be longer depending on your personal situation. By choosing part time, you can take more than three years to study if that’s what suits your lifestyle.
What qualifications are needed for accounting and finance? To enrol on to our accounting and finance course we require; GCSE Grade C in Maths, 2 A level subjects (or equivalent) plus grade C or above in 3 subjects at GCSE level (or equivalent). However, here at Arden we do consider applications on a case-by-case basis. If you have work experience in the relevant areas, or other qualifications you have gained elsewhere, then we are more than happy to discuss your application.
What types of jobs could I get in a finance career? If you choose to follow an accounting career path, you’ll find work placements, with many exciting opportunities for you to take following graduation. Just a few of your options will include placements as an accountant, finance analyst, broker, or tax adviser.
What kind of salary could I expect as a graduate? Depending on the area of accounting you choose to specialise in, starting salaries will vary. For instance, as an accountant assistant, the starting salary is in the region of £17,000 – with experience and growth this could rise to an average of £23,500. With career progression, more senior roles can range from £37,000-£62,000.
Interested in choosing a finance career? Take a look at our accounting and finance courses here.
