ACA 'preferred by top firms'

More and more associate chartered accountant (ACA) students are training in accountancy firms, according to the findings of a new survey.

A poll by Accountancy magazine reveals that 65 per cent of all trainees are under contract with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to obtain their ACA qualification.

Some 7,470 students are with the ICAEW, while 2,318 are with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and 1,536 are with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the publication reports.

Shaun Robertson, head of learning at the ICAEW, told the news provider: "It's a myth that you have to work in an audit firm to get the ACA qualification."

The ICAEW has said it hopes to double the number of ACA students by 2010.

Students who seek to achieve an ACA must finish a training contract with a duration of between three and five years, as well as passing examinations and completing work experience.