u/BetterComplaint7904

Hi all,

I’m an accounting and finance grad who’s working at an accounting practice in audit. I secured a ACA training contract grad scheme however regret not searching further and applying to other grad schemes.

Post grad I was keen on doing the CIMA qualification and did apply to a few CIMA grad schemes but also ACA/ACCA ones (to maximise opportunities available) and ended up getting an ACA role at a large practice firm.

I don’t enjoy audit at all and the constant pressure of the rigid exam policy is taking a toll on my mental health. Part of me is saying to just put up with it and keep going but I don’t want to end up stuck in a job I hate. Having studied accounting at uni, I believe I genuinely enjoyed management accounting.

My questions are:
- do you think it’s too late to pivot to a CIMA role now? (Have been 6 months in my role and completed 6 ACA exams)
- should I apply to CIMA grad schemes? (Could having started the ACA, be a hindrance?)
- if I leave me role, would employers assume my contract was terminated, and a result, it would be difficult to make it past the stages of the application process?

For context: I don’t have the best academic background (yet I know I got the ACA training contract), but I want to be realistic with myself because I know the applicant pool for these grad roles will be extremely competitive. (Especially in London)

Most accounting firms offer the ACA and I believe only a few offer CIMA(depending on your role), so I would appreciate any recommendations for firms that offer CIMA support, Thanks a lot :)

Advice for grads who have pursued CIMA, what has your experience been like?

My friend wants to leave and quit the ACA after having completed 8/14 exams. She thinks the qualification and audit is not for her. I want to support her decision but am surprised someone will put so much effort into it, just to give up.

For context, she’s at a big 4 and seems to really struggle with balancing work and studies. Although she’s passing her exams, she says she’s constantly burnt out (due to some personal issues too), but does not enjoy the work at all, is really unhappy, and dreads coming into the office. The firm does not seem to be understanding either.

I would like to know, has anyone ever left the qualification midway and why? Do you regret it or are you happier now?

Edit: I made her have a look at the responses on this post and she finds them really encouraging, so thank you to everyone. At the moment she’s taking a break and self reflecting on what she would like to do. At the same time she will consider applying to small firms (to finish the ACA) and the civil service (depending on the role and department, may get support to finish her studies).

Recommendations for firms (preferably London) that take on big 4 ACA students will be greatly appreciated :)

I got let go from an accounting practice firm for exam failure and now am looking at my options of where I can go from here. I’m keen on continuing my ACA studies however not sure if the civil service is ATE and supports the ACA studies? I want to know, has anyone ever been in this situation, got a job in civil service and continued their studies? I’ve applied for HEO management accountant and financial analyst roles which I think I meet most of the criteria off and made sure to write a personal statement highlighting my experience within audit and meeting each of the criteria drawing on examples that are linked to the role.
Although I was a junior in my audit role, I do think I learned a lot and it can be applied to a variety of accounting roles. Not sure if HEO roles are for people with my level of education and experience (bachelors degree in accounting and 7 months experience)

Essentially my questions are:
- has anyone ever transitioned from Audit into the civil service?
- did you continue your ACA studies and did they fund your studies? If so, upon completion, did you get promoted?

Hi guys,

So my contract was terminated whilst working at a top ten mid tier firm due to exceeding the minimum amount of fails. I have so far passed 5 certificate exams with one remaining. I got 50 on the first attempt for this exam but wasn’t allowed to resit it due to the firms policies. I had an extenuating circumstance which affected my study leave and my line manager knew I took sick days off to attend appointment regarding this but in the capability meeting they said, as this was not raised within the correct timeframe it could not be accepted. I’m obviously gutted because my failures were marginal (one was 1 mark off) so I know I’m capable of passing these exams. Not sure what next steps to take. I spoke to a recruiter who offered a role with a small accounting firm (15 people) who don’t terminate contract based on failures and are happy to support my ACA studies, however I really don’t see myself working in such a small firm. The pay cut is also 20% lower than my original salary at the top ten firm.
I’m trying to get into contact with other recruiters and see what they offer and also applying to top 30 accounting firms which have grad positions open right now. Feel really stuck and my confidence has really taken a huge hit. Would really appreciate any advice regarding this.