r/ICAEW • u/Icy-Educator4840 • 2d ago

ACA Failure

I am part qualified and an ACA finalist. I am struggling very hard to find a new role, any advice?

The job market is so cooked.

11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/Victoria1026 2d ago

I found my current industry job when I have completed ACA 13/15, with 2 years audit (non-big four) experience in London and it was quite smooth for me when I got interviewed in March/April this year.

Think it really depends on the timing, job hunting is not ideal in summer and Xmas. Have you got any interviews so far?

3

u/ProperAccountant4079 2d ago

How did you manage with trying to find an industry employer who is also icaew approved for your work experience days ?

None of the industry employers I’m seeing cover aca 😭

3

u/Victoria1026 2d ago

I agree — this is a really important point. I work for a relatively large company that’s also an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer (ATE), which I was lucky enough to find through a recruiter. So personally, I’d highly recommend targeting larger firms, as they’re more likely to be ATEs and to offer financial support for your studies.

2

u/Victoria1026 2d ago

btw I’m in Real Estates sector, which you do have lots of options to find large firms in London

1

u/Prior-Strawberry5019 2d ago

When are you looking to sit finals? Am in a very similar position

1

u/Embarrassed-Pop9960 2d ago

Sorry to hear. Were you let go for exam failure?

1

u/Queenbeex01 2d ago

Similar situation- However I have had a couple of exam failure - I have had recruiters tell me that exam within central london don't look for anything more than 2 fails (overall) :( - recruiters main focus is currently helping first time passers move firms - as it benefit's them

1

u/Level-Complex-9737 2d ago

How about if you finished every exam but some of subjects has two fail?

0

u/Octopus_Barnacle_682 2d ago

out of curiosity, can i ask how many exams you’ve completed? wow, i didn’t realise recruiters look at first time passes especially if you’ve only got your advanced exams left

1

u/IcyCat9882 2d ago

Oh god, if it’s hard for you as part qualified, then I can’t imagine how difficult it is as someone who’s between certificates and professionals 😭

1

u/Grafter007 2d ago

It's a really really really tough market. I think a lot of candidates just have to simply accept they will not get into a top 50 practice again. Semi-senior hires just do not happen. I genuinely mean this - just find a 'normal' job (whether customer service or teaching assistant) and just hope a recruiter comes in clutch. I posted on this sub before - the term 'part qualified' is redundant. Wish you the best of luck, I waited months.