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  1. About Us

    Find out about who we are and what we do here at ICAS.

  2. Find a CA

    Search our directory of individual CAs and Member organisations by name, location and professional criteria.

  3. CA Magazine

    View the latest issues of the dedicated magazine for ICAS Chartered Accountants.

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    Get in touch with ICAS by phone, email or post, with dedicated contacts for Members, Students and firms.

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What is a Chartered Accountant (CA)?

A Chartered Accountant (or CA for short) has trained with ICAS to reach the highest professional accountancy level and qualified for a successful career in business and beyond.

What’s the difference between an accountant and a Chartered Accountant?

In order to become ‘chartered’, an accountant must have trained with ICAS to reach the highest professional level, undertaken a minimum 450 days of rigorous training, followed our programme of expert tuition, and passed examinations in accountancy and business.

For a Chartered Accountant the hard work doesn’t end upon qualification. ICAS CAs commit to a process of continuous professional development that’s designed not only to advance their careers, but to ensure their professional skills and knowledge remain up-to-date no matter what industry or technology developments the future brings.

ICAS acts as an industry regulator to ensure the highest standards are met. Our Chartered Accountants and their firms are also bound by a Code of Ethics, which upholds a duty to consider the public interest and maintain the reputation of the accountancy profession over and above any personal self-interest.

What does a Chartered Accountant (CA) do?

Chartered Accountants (CAs) don’t just work for accountancy firms. That’s because the ICAS CA is a complete qualification informed by a broad-scope business syllabus.

Through a mix of study and practical workplace experience our CAs gain technical expertise in finance and accounting, alongside broader business skills in management, analysis, communication, presentation and ethics. As a result, ICAS Chartered Accountants are employed at the highest levels not only as accountants, but in a range of business-related roles.

Some of the main areas in which ICAS Chartered Accountants are employed include:

  • Private accountancy practice
  • Corporate finance
  • Audit
  • Tax accountancy
  • Business management
  • Forensic accountancy
  • Entrepreneurship

CA – an ICAS exclusive

Did you know that not all Chartered Accountants are equal? That’s because in the UK only Chartered Accountants who have qualified with ICAS can use the professional designation of ‘CA’ after their name.

The CA is an identifier that carries real weight throughout the international business community, commanding respect and opening doors of opportunity for our members, no matter where their careers might take them.

How to become a Chartered Accountant

You can become a Chartered Accountant (CA) by following one of a range of ICAS training routes, which includes options for school leavers, graduates, professionals and apprentices.

To study with ICAS you don’t need to have a degree or any previous accountancy or finance experience, and you’ll earn a competitive salary whilst you train.

Learn more

How to become a Chartered Accountant (CA)

Find out how to become a CA, including the options for school leavers, graduates, professionals and apprentices.

Why you should become an ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA)

Learn why becoming a Chartered Accountant will lead to an extraordinary and rewarding career in business and beyond.

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© ICAS 2022

The mark and designation “CA” is a registered trade mark of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), and is available for use in the UK and EU only to members of ICAS. If you are not a member of ICAS, you should not use the “CA” mark and designation in the UK or EU in relation to accountancy, tax or insolvency services. The mark and designation “Chartered Accountant” is a registered trade mark of ICAS, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and Chartered Accountants Ireland. If you are not a member of one of these organisations, you should not use the “Chartered Accountant” mark and designation in the UK or EU in relation to these services. Further restrictions on the use of these marks also apply where you are a member.

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