Top Professional Qualifications That Help Increase Your Employability in the UK in 2023
In the UK job market, professional qualifications play a critical role in shaping career paths across various industries. From the globally esteemed ACA and CFA in finance to the specialised ACCA, CIMA, and AAT in accounting and strategic project management certifications like PRINCE2 and Six Sigma, each qualification opens doors to specific and lucrative career paths.
Although possessing a professional qualification is often not a requirement, these qualifications provide the necessary knowledge and skills to perform specific roles and are often a prerequisite for career advancement. They can also help foreign job seekers increase their competitiveness in the UK job market.
In this article, we explore top qualifications that serve as a beacon for international talents aspiring to establish their careers in the UK.
1. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants):
The ACCA qualification is globally recognised in the accounting and finance industry. It is designed for those aspiring to build careers in accounting, finance and business, covering financial reporting, taxation, auditing and financial management.
Top roles for an ACCA holder in the UK:
- Financial Accountant
- Auditor
- Finance Manager
- Tax Specialist
- Corporate Treasurer
2. CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants):
Focused on the management aspect of finance and accounting, CIMA is ideal for careers in financial management, business strategy, and leadership. It encompasses financial planning, decision-making and risk management, leading to roles like management accountant, financial analyst and business strategist.
Top roles for a CIMA holder in the UK:
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Financial Officer
- Business Consultant
- Risk Manager
3. ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant)
Offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the ACA qualification is highly regarded in accounting and corporate finance. It is designed for those aspiring to become chartered accountants and covers a range of topics, including financial management, auditing, and taxation. ACA-qualified individuals often pursue careers in accounting firms, finance departments of various companies, and financial consultancies.
Top roles for an ACA holder in the UK:
- Chartered Accountant, including auditors
- Financial Controller
- Tax Advisor
- Management Consultant
- Forensic Accountant
4. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst):
The CFA qualification, offered by the CFA Institute, is globally recognised and primarily focuses on investment management and financial analysis. It encompasses portfolio management, investment analysis, economics, and ethical standards in finance. Professionals with a CFA designation typically work in roles such as investment analysts, portfolio managers, financial advisors, and risk managers.
Top roles for a CFA holder in the UK:
- Investment Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Equity Research Analyst
5. AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians):
AAT covers a range of topics, including bookkeeping, accounting and business tax. It is suitable for those seeking practical skills and knowledge in finance and accounting, leading to roles such as bookkeeper, payroll administrator and finance officer.
Top roles for an AAT holder in the UK:
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Administrator
- Finance Officer
- Accounts Assistant
- Budget Analyst
6. PRINCE2 Qualifications:
PRINCE2 is a popular project management method that can be tailored to projects of any size and complexity. It benefits project managers, project board members, and team managers. PRINCE2 qualifications are divided into Foundation and Practitioner levels, catering to beginners and experienced professionals, respectively.
Top roles for a PRINCE 2 holder in the UK:
- Project Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Program Manager
- Project Consultant
- Portfolio Manager
7. Association for Project Management (APM) Qualifications:
APM offers a range of qualifications from fundamentals to advanced levels. These are suitable for various levels of project management professionals and cover technical, behavioural and contextual competencies.
Top roles for an APM holder in the UK:
- Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager
- Project Planner
- Project Risk Manager
- Project Assurance Manager
8. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM):
This qualification is popular in Agile workplaces and focuses on Scrum methodologies. It is beneficial for those in project management roles who wish to adopt Agile principles for more efficient project delivery.
Top roles for a CSM holder in the UK:
- ScrumMaster
- Agile Project Manager
- Agile Coach
- Product Owner
- Team Lead
9. Professional in Project Management (PPM):
Offered by the Global Association for Quality Management, this qualification is suitable for experienced middle managers. It covers core and advanced project management areas, leading to roles such as senior project manager and program manager.
Top roles for a PPM holder in the UK:
- Senior Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Project Portfolio Manager
- Project Governance Manager
- Project Management Office Manager
10. Six Sigma Qualifications:
Six Sigma focuses on process improvement to reduce defects and save money. It offers Yellow, Green, and Black Belt levels and is suitable for roles in quality management, process improvement, and operational excellence.
Top roles for a Six Sigma Belt holder in the UK:
- Quality Manager
- Process Improvement Manager
- Operations Manager
- Lean Six Sigma Consultant
- Continuous Improvement Manager
Each of these qualifications equips professionals with specialised skills and knowledge, making them valuable assets in their respective fields and opening doors to various career opportunities. Having those qualifications may also bring some other benefits.
1. Global Recognition: Many of these qualifications (e.g., ACA, CFA, ACCA) are internationally recognised, which can make a candidate stand out in the UK job market, regardless of their nationality.
2. Proof of Expertise: These qualifications provide tangible evidence of a candidate's skills and knowledge in their field, which is especially important for candidates whose educational and professional backgrounds might not be well-known in the UK.
3. Meeting Local Standards: For certain professions, such as accountancy or project management, having a qualification that is recognised or required in the UK can be crucial for employment. It assures employers that the candidate meets local standards of professional expertise.
4. Networking Opportunities: Many of these qualifications come with membership in professional bodies, providing networking opportunities which can be invaluable for job hunting, especially for those new to the UK job market.
5. Career Advancement: These qualifications often lead to higher-level positions and can open doors to more advanced roles that might otherwise be inaccessible, especially for those from overseas.
6. Compliance with Visa Requirements: For some visas or work permits, having a recognised professional qualification can be a requirement or add merit to the application.
However, pursuing a professional qualification can be a long and costly journey. Non-UK citizens should also be aware of other factors such as visa regulations, work permits and recognition of their qualifications in specific sectors in the UK. In some cases, though having that qualification can add value, employers may prefer applicants to have a degree that's relevant to the job. Therefore, if you are considering pursuing one of those qualifications, it's advisable to conduct thorough research or seek professional advice for your specific circumstances. You can also search for visa-sponsored jobs in the area you want to work in to understand whether having those qualifications is a prerequisite or advised.
