What A Levels Do I Need to Be an Accountant?

Every business needs some type of accounting professional to help them balance their books and keep their finances in order. This makes an accounting career dynamic and challenging. 

Accountants play a critical role no matter what industry they choose. They shoulder a lot of responsibility, from ensuring compliance with tedious financial regulations to advising on financial planning to ensure the entity’s successful and profitable operation.

An accounting career can be an appealing profession. There are plenty of open positions each year, and it can be a stable and well-paying profession. The journey of becoming an accountant begins with selecting the right A Levels for an accounting career. Certain subjects like Economics, Mathematics, and Business studies are foundational.

Essential A Levels for Accounting

Mathematics

Mathematics is the foundational cornerstone required for pursuing a career in accounting. A Level maths helps equip students with the skills they need to approach complex problems. Accountants need to be able to think logically and develop precise solutions.

Accounting students gain a solid foundation in algebra, statistics, and calculus, which helps them develop their analytical skills and prepares them for the mathematical and numerical nature of accounting. Having a strong grasp of mathematical principles and being able to apply them to real-world scenarios is essential for accounting work.

Economics

A Level Economics helps aspiring accountants to develop a broad understanding of how economics works. Students will learn essentials such as macroeconomic and microeconomic theories, which present insights into market structures, economic policies, and financial institutions that play a critical role in business environments.

Future accountants need to have a good understanding of economics so they can grasp how external factors affect both businesses and the economy. They will need to be able to analyse financial situations so they can effectively and accurately advise clients or employers.

Business Studies

For the aspiring accountant, A Level Business Studies provides the practical groundwork they need. This includes a series of topics that help accountants understand the principles of operating and managing businesses. Business studies will cover finance, organisational structure, strategic planning, and marketing.

This level of knowledge is indispensable for accountants, who typically work closely with businesses to ensure financial health as well as compliance. Business Studies also helps students develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills needed for them to tackle real-world business challenges they are likely to encounter.

Optional A Levels for Accountants

English

Even though it’s not a requirement, A Level English is important for developing writing and oral communication skills. It provides you with a broader use of the English language. You’ll be equipped to express yourself effectively and efficiently, plus you’ll sound more professional. 

English is good for any student, no matter what profession they choose. It helps build a solid linguistic foundation. Some universities will require English studies as a prerequisite to enter their accounting course.

Accounting

A Level Accounting is not always a mandatory class for entry at universities. However, even if it’s not required, it’s a great choice since it offers direct insights into the accounting profession. It will cover the basic principles and practices so that the accounting student gains a good grasp of the responsibilities of accountants.

Finance

Finance is similar to accounting in that it’s beneficial but not required. Even though students are not required to hold the A Level, it may demonstrate a strong interest in financial and accounting matters.

Studying finance complements other core subjects and covers related topics like investment, financial decision-making, and management skills. It provides a broader picture of the financial landscape where the accountant will be operating.

Statistics

A Level Statistics equips students with the tools and skills they’ll need for analysing and interpreting data. These skills are helpful in accounting, especially when it comes to making informed decisions and important predictions.

Further Maths

Students who want to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts may want to consider A Level Further Maths. This curriculum enhances analytical and critical thinking skills and builds the problem-solving skills needed for taking on real world complex accounting challenges.

Best A Level Combinations for Accountants

Aspiring accountants should choose balanced selections that include Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies. Mathematics helps sharpen quantitative and analytical skills needed for financial analysis. Economics offers insights into economic policies and market behaviours that affect financial decisions. Business Studies provides a comprehensive view of management strategies and organisational operations needed to understand the broad business context in which accounting operates.

Here are three of the best A Level combinations for students pursuing an accounting career:

·         Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies

·         Mathematics, Economics, and Further Mathematics

·         Mathematics, Economics, and Accounting

These A Level combinations will cover core requirements for most finance or accounting courses. They also provide a strong foundation for in maths and economics.

Requirements for Top UK Universities

University of Warwick A Level Requirements 

The University of Warwick requires A Level Mathematics and prefers humanities also. The grade requirements are AAA, including an A in Mathematics. They do not accept Accounting and Business together.

London School of Economics A Level Requirements

Grade requirements to study accounting at the London School of Economics are AAA with an A in Mathematics. The school requires A Level Mathematics along with an essay-based subject. They also require English and Maths GCSEs above 6, as well as a majority of As.

 University of Aberdeen A Level Requirements 

The University of Aberdeen doesn’t have any specific A Level requirements. Their grade requirement is BBC. Other requirements include GCSE Maths.

University of Edinburgh A Level Requirements

There are no specific A Level requirements at the University of Edinburgh. The grade requirement is AAA. They also require GCSE Maths at a B or a C, and English at a C or 4.

How to Choose A Level Subject for Accounting

You’ll want to prioritize maths, accounting, and related subjects like Economics or Business Studies. These A Levels will provide you with a solid foundation as you continue your studies and build an accounting career. 

Most universities will require strong grades in Accounting and Maths, as well as good English grades. Here are some influencing factors to consider as you choose A Level subjects.

University Entry Requirements

When considering your university options, check each institution’s specific requirements for entry. They may provide some specifics when it comes to subject combinations. If you know which universities you hope to attend, it can be helpful for choosing your A Level classes and other courses.

Career Goals

There are lots of career avenues to take as an accountant. Think about which area you would like to pursue, such as taxation or auditing. If you know which sector you’d like to work in, it can help you choose A Levels that are aligned with those specific fields.

Personal Strengths and Goals

Give yourself some room to choose subjects that you are interested in. You’ll want to achieve a balance between course requirements and what you enjoy. This helps ensure you are happy in your field of choice and makes the journey smoother for you.

Alternative Pathways for Accountants

Accounting Foundation Year

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for university entry, you have the option of taking a foundation year. The minimum UCAS points for foundational courses are lower, but it will present an additional cost and add a year to your studies.

Study A Joint Honours Degree

Studying a joint honours degree means accounting or finance courses will make up only half of the degree. Some of the subjects usually paired with accounting include mathematics, languages, law, management, or business.

Take a Gap Year and Resit the Exam

It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get the grades needed for university entry. You can still sit out a year and take time to study, then resit your exams the next year. Along with studying, try to find relevant work experience that can help you boost a university application.

Apply for an Accounting Apprenticeship

Consider finding an apprenticeship with an accountant. Note that most jobs will require good GCSE scores for employment. Make sure this is the career choice for you before you pursue this niche pathway.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

Not choosing these recommended A Level subjects isn’t the end of the world. Accounting is a maths-heavy career. Perhaps you have other academic strengths you’d like to explore, especially if you struggle with maths. 

Choose A Level subjects that align more closely with your strengths. Accounting can be tough work, and you want to make sure it’s something you are going to enjoy doing for a long time.

Think about the things you are truly passionate about. Perhaps your passions lie outside maths, finances, and accounting. Trying to force yourself into a maths-based curriculum when you are not comfortable with it may wear on your mental health. Your choices should align with whatever your passions are. This is the way to stay motivated and ensure academic success.

Improve Your Grades with Save My Exams

Ready to take on some A Level subjects? At Save My Exams, you’ll find revision notes, exam questions, past papers and flashcards to aid your revision. 

Our resources are written by teachers and examiners. That means notes, questions by topic and worked solutions that show exactly what the examiners for each specific exam are looking for. 

Using the resources at Save My Exams means you can walk into your exams confident and prepared. In fact, 91% of students who use Save My Exams report getting better grades.

Explore A Level Revision Resources