Chartered Accountants Ireland |

• Work in any sector
• Travel the world
• Make a difference
• Have job security
• Be recognised globally
• Earn top salaries
• Influence real change

It’s not crunching numbers or scrolling spreadsheets; it’s your passport to a diverse, global career in any industry you choose. Chartered Accountants work in fashion, tech, sports, music and more — basically any organisation that needs strategists, influencers, leaders. 

The ACA qualification is an internationally recognised professional credential that opens doors. Think CEO or CFO at a startup, travelling the world working for global brands or simply earning a high salary in a stable career. Chartered Accountants are trusted, head-hunted, and always in demand. They work in finance related roles but also in operations, sales, marketing and much, much more. It’s an exciting career that can take you in any direction you choose.

From Dublin to Dubai, Australia or Canada, they help businesses grow, solve problems and make pivotal decisions. No accounting or business degree? No problem — it’s open to everyone.

There are many pathways to become a Chartered Accountant, you don’t need to have studied accounting, maths or business previously.

You can come from any subject background and train as a Chartered Accountant, the minimum criteria is a degree in any subject. If you happen to come from a related background you might be able to get exemptions to 'skip' some of the ACA professional exams because you have already studied that content in your previous education.

The ACA programme has 3 levels of professional study: CAP1, CAP2 and FAE, combined with 2-4 years practical relevant work experience (depending on your entry route and background)

Accredited degrees (Level 8)

These degrees have been pre-approved to offer potential exemptions from CAP1 and in some cases, potentially some CAP2 exams. They are typically accounting degrees (or a close related area).

Non-accredited degrees (Level 7/8)

These degrees do not have any pre-approved exemptions however you may apply and get exemptions if you come from a related background, the team will just need a little more info from you. Unrelated degrees will not offer exemptions, you will start at CAP1.

Accredited Masters (Level 9)

These specific Accounting Masters/PG Diplomas programmes have been pre-approved to offer potential exemptions from two exam levels, meaning you will only complete FAE exams. Other relevant Masters may also offer exemptions. See our website for details.

During /after completion of your degree, apply for sponsored trainee Chartered Accountant opportunities directly with employers - these can be graduate programmes or individual training roles. You can also study directly with us via the Flexible Route pathway (relevant work experience is a key component in both pathways.)