Careers and apprenticeships in Accountancy

Karen Wardell, Dan Martine & Billy Edwards

Objectives Introduce ‘Kingston Smith’ to you To give you an understanding of the work you would do and the type of work you would carry out whilst you train Explain to you the different routes to become a Chartered Accountant

The Presenters Karen Wardell Based in the Romford officeGeneral Practice Partner Sits on Kingston Smith’s technical committee Became a Partner in May 2015

The Presenters Dan Martine Based in the Romford office Trained with Kingston Smith General Practice Partner Became a Partner in May 2008

The Presenters Billy Edwards Based in the Romford office Trained with Kingston Smith via the AAT scheme in the Romford office ACA Qualified in 2013 Promoted to Supervisor in May 2014 and Manager in November 2014

Who are Kingston Smith Top 20 Medium Sized Accountancy Firm Wide range of services provided to clients Varied client portfolio Based in London and the South East Exceptional trainee pass rate and supportive environment

Routes into Accountancy ACA Typically graduate entry 3 years to qualify, including 450 days technical work experience Exams and relevant work experience Completed as a training contract Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

What is the ACA? The ACA is a world leading professional qualification from ICAEW (The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales – founded in 1880) To become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, you must complete the ACA qualification The ACA qualification is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available

Routes into Accountancy cont Degree not necessary Association of Accounting Technicians AAT School leavers with strong A levels 2 years to complete Exams and relevant work experience Exemptions from ACA modules

What is the AAT? A professional membership body A technician level qualification which entitles those who have completed the exams and obtained relevant supervised work experience to call themselves accountants Level 3 and 4 completed at a local college or Kingston Smith

Advantages of the AAT route Gain relevant work experience whilst learning Recognised qualification Quicker route into Chartered Accountancy Earn a competitive salary whilst training No University fees or student debt

Types of work during training Year 1 Accounts Preparations and assisting on some audits Year 2 Leading on smaller audits Completing accounts preps from start to finish Year 3 Leading on larger audits and completing tax computations

Salaries You do the maths……… University Debt Tuition Fees - £9,000 per year = £27,000 over 3 years AAT Trainee Starting salary at KS £19,800 (City & West End Office) £18,250 (Outer offices) versus

Salaries AAT starting salary – after A levels ACA Qualified Senior Assistant Manager Manager Partner ?? £18-20K ACA starting salary £24-26K £40-45K £45-50K £50-65K

Sounds good? What next? Varies from Firm to Firm For AAT At least 3 A levels (or equivalent) at Grade C or above Some Commercial Work Experience Confident, Personal & Articulate Individuals Entry Requirements Strong GCSEs in Maths & English For ACA Graduate & at least 3 A levels (or equivalent) at Grade B or above