Each year many students compete for the chance to become a qualified accountant, with many of them believing that this qualification will allow them access to a range of highly skilled jobs right around the world. Unfortunately not everyone can fulfil their dream as each year there are only a limited number of places available to prospective applicants. These places are incredibly competitive and once a course is undertaken it can be quite difficult to land a role at a top accounting firm.
In general, accountancy is studied through a specialised commerce course. These courses usually entail around three years of undergraduate study with the option for an additional year or two if the student wishes to specialise in a certain area. If the student wishes to do a specific branch of financial accounting then they may choose to take an actuary course, which while considered to be incredibly difficult, can offer up a range of different accountancy roles to anyone who completes the course.
Students who wish to take up a commerce degree can choose from a whole range of options and other additional subjects which could add to their skills as an accountant. Many students choose to study a language alongside their accountancy degree to allow them to have a broader impact overseas, such as in Asian countries where accountancy is starting to grow as a profession.
If you are looking for a job which allows you to travel around the world and work at the same time then accountancy could be a good option. As an incredibly in-demand profession right around the world, you know that whichever country you decide to call home there will be a plethora of job options available to you.
For students fresh out of university, they may consider taking on board one of the graduate programs offered by the larger accountancy firms. These options really help new students to get a foot in the door and in many cases offer them a long term role on completion.
Find out more about accountants.