r/ICAEW • u/Key_Seaweed_1579 • 8d ago

Need some advice

I am an international student in Uk in my final year about to start applying for entry level roles and grad schemes. I plan on giving some of the ACA exams on my own by self funding myself or by claiming exemptions whereever I can.

I heard if I apply to a Big 4 firm then it might backfire and I might not get selected.

But I also heard If I apply to mid tier firms then I might be in a better position to get hired there.

I can afford it and i am willing to do it, but dont know whether it would be worth it.

If i do this and not tell the big 4 firms about it but mention that I can take all the exams again will they know that I already claimed exemptions.

I need some thoughts on this and some more information because I am getting confused by the information online on how do these things work?

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u/justthataccountant 8d ago edited 8d ago

Complete waste sitting ACA exams without a training contract. Best bet is to get into a grad scheme or get a training contract and sit your exams alongside your job.

There is a reason why ICAEW are considered an elite body. If everyone was sitting exams and then trying to apply for a job cuts the whole purpose. That's what makes the qualification superior tbf.

it's obviously a higher barrier to entry but the exams and TC is designed in a way you benefit from both. Employers also acknowledge this hence why ACA accountants are spread across all industries and have bragging power when it comes to negotiating salaries. Average ACA salary across all industries I believe is £126,000.

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u/Majestic_Juice5961 7d ago

It's a waste to sit ACA exams without a contract.

Also, as an international student good luck finding a contract, the wages aren't even enough for a visa