How to get an ICAEW training contract
Introduction
In order to become a chartered accountant with the ICAEW, you're going to need what's known as a training contract. This is a legal contract that sets out your obligations to your employer and your employer's obligations to you. It's there to ensure that your employer provides you with the rich variety of work experience you will need to qualify as an accountant.
This section provides some links to major providers of training vacancies in order to make tracking down that contract easier.
Big 4
The Big 4 firms have loads of vacancies every year. Although they traditionally hire to start in September, some of them also open up their intake at other times, so check with each firm carefully.
Commercial
Some commercial organisations hire graduates directly. Their programmes are a lot smaller than the Big 4 firms, but may suit those who want corporate experience earlier than you'll get at an accountancy firm.
Barclays hires ACAs, however please note their programme isn't open all year round, so check their website.
Other
The ICAEW maintains its own training vacancies page, which contains loads of opportunities, including those from smaller firms.
Other employers that may have vacancies from time to time include Reeves and Naylan and the HAT group.
The Student Room provides tips on how to go about applying for a training contract.
Still can't find a training contract?
If you really can't find a training contract and want to get started anyway, you could always consider the ICAEW's Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business. CFAB is a gateway qualification to the ACA, and provides some fundamental background in major financial topics. Qualifying with CFAB may help show a future employer that you're serious about qualifying as an ACA, and are worthy of a training contract.
