Navigating the post-ACA journey

Navigating the post-ACA journey

Aydin Bolton, Chair of the Chartered Accountant Student Society of London (CASSL), speaks about his experience of finishing exams and his next steps.

As I sit and reflect on passing my final ACA exams over the summer the excitement is still fresh. After years of intense preparation, balancing an exhilarating busy season, study and – when possible – a personal life, reaching this milestone is a huge relief. But now, with the hurdle cleared and qualification on the horizon, I’m faced with the inevitable question: what next?

While it’s relieving to finally see the ACA post-nominals in sight, I’ve also realised that this is such a pivotal moment in my career. It’s a moment when many of us, having dedicated so much time to qualifying, are not sure of the next steps. There’s clearly no one-size-fits-all answer, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of exciting options to explore. I’ll share how I’ve been tackling the uncertainty and offer some insights from recent events I’ve organised.

The post-exam dilemma

In a recruiting minefield it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer range of career possibilities. I was fortunate enough to find a mentor through CASSL—a senior professional who has been an invaluable guide through this uncertain time. Their insights have been invaluable, helping me understand the pros and cons of various roles, identify my skills gaps and make networking introductions to potential career paths. It’s easy to feel like you should have all the answers at this stage, but mentorship reminds you that it’s okay to ask questions and explore options without pressure.

I’ve also spoken to recruiters to get a better sense of the job market and where the demand for ACA-qualified professionals lies. While recruiters might not always direct you towards the roles you’re looking for, this has offered clarity on the different industries actively seeking our skills, whether in corporate finance, banking or other industry roles.

At the same time, I’ve been considering further qualifications to expand my skill set. One option I’m looking into is the MBA, which could open doors to leadership roles and broaden my career opportunities. It’s certainly not an easy decision, but the more I explore the clearer my path becomes.

Learning through insight

As Chair of CASSL, I’ve helped organise events designed to offer practical insights to ACA students and connect them with professionals who’ve been through this same phase.

In September, we partnered with London Business School for an open evening, bringing together LBS students who have gone back to the classroom after accountancy. A recurring theme was the value of pursuing an MBA for those looking to expand their horizons. The speakers shared how the ACA gave them a strong foundation, and how an MBA would help propel them into roles with greater responsibility and flexibility. It was inspiring to see how their careers were flourishing after taking the leap into further education.

For those looking towards an exciting lifestyle change, our Deloitte-sponsored networking event in early October was a real standout. We gathered ACA students and Deloitte partners from the Cayman Islands and Bermuda for an evening of networking and friendly competition at the ping-pong tables. Deloitte’s partners painted an enticing picture of working in the Caribbean: unique career growth, a vibrant lifestyle, low tax and the opportunity to work with high-profile financial services clients in a truly stunning location. The mix of adventure and career development made it clear that international opportunities shouldn’t be overlooked – especially while you are young!

Kaplan also hosted a CFA Information Session with us. This session was particularly helpful for anyone considering the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification. Kaplan’s experts gave us a comprehensive overview of what the CFA entails and how it complemented the ACA. The CFA is highly respected in investment management roles, and it was encouraging to hear how the two qualifications overlap, providing a clear route for ACA students who want to pivot into the world of finance.

Finding your path

At this stage it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the decisions ahead. But what I’ve learned through my journey is that it’s okay to embrace the uncertainty. The key is to stay active –explore opportunities, speak to people who have already walked this path, and remember that the process doesn’t have to be rushed.

As I edge closer to becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant I’m taking time to reflect on what excites me about the future. I’m confident that the foundation I’ve built through the ACA has opened up more doors than I could have imagined, and that my journey is just beginning.