GRADUATING WITH AN ICAS ACCREDITED DEGREE

ICAS

ICAS

Once qualified, ICAS students are amongst the highest paid accountants in the world

THOMAS GILLAN Thomas chose a career in accountancy as it was the subject he found most interesting at school. His aim was to secure a CA training contract with a firm after he had completed his degree. With this in mind Thomas studied an ICAS accredited degree (accountancy and finance) at Heriot-Watt University meaning he was fully exempt from the five subjects in Test of Competence (TC) level. Thomas is currently training to become a CA with RSM Tenon where he works in audit.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CA? During my third year at university I decided to pursue a CA training position after my degree as I felt this provided the most clear career path and it would promise greater opportunities once I qualify as a CA. I opted to study with ICAS due to the international recognition that it receives and the prestige associated with the qualification.

With an ICAS accredited degree I was able to start at the second level of the qualification, Test of Professional Skills (TPS).

I would recommend the CA qualification as it’s a challenging and rewarding qualification to study and it provides you with a broad knowledge of business which can be taken into the variety of careers available to you.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? My current role has enabled me to gain an expansive knowledge of business and has developed my ability to communicate and give advice to directors and employees within a company. I also enjoy the variety of people that I’ve met whilst in the job. I work with some really knowledgeable colleagues and interesting clients.

If you are studying towards an ICAS accredited degree you could be eligible for up to five exemptions from the Test of Competence (TC) classes and examinations. There are generally no exemptions available for TPS, TPE and Business Ethics.

The following universities offer fully ICAS accredited degrees:

University of AberdeenUniversity of DundeeUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh Napier UniversityExeter UniversityGlasgow Caledonian UniversityUniversity of GlasgowHeriot-Watt UniversityLancaster UniversityLiverpool UniversityRobert Gordon UniversityUniversity of StirlingUniversity of StrathclydeUniversity of the West of Scotland

To find out if your degree is ICAS accredited visit www.icas.org.uk/exemptions or speak to your university course leader.

Not all employers support their CA students taking up exemptions they may be eligible for - you should therefore check the employer’s policy before applying to ICAS for exemptions.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?You can find out further information about exemptions and ICAS accredited degrees by visiting www.icas.org.uk/exemptions

ICASCA House 21 Haymarket Yards

Edinburgh EH12 5BHenquiries@icas.org.uk

0131 347 0100 icas.org.uk