So, you didn’t get the ACA/ACCA results you were hoping for - what now?
First things first: breathe. Failing an exam doesn’t define your career, and it certainly doesn’t close the doors you think it does. You have far more options than you realise.
If you’re at a firm with a strict exam policy and you’re expecting your contract to be terminated, don’t panic. Some firms do make exceptions for strong performers, and I’ve seen them take several approaches:
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Keeping you without a formal training contract
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Allowing you to resist exams independently, without study support
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Switching you to ACCA
These exceptions are rare, though, and in most cases you’ll be exploring new opportunities. That’s not a setback - it’s a pivot point.
A common misconception: “I’ll just move from a Top 10 to another Top 40 firm.”
Unfortunately, most firms in this bracket have similar exam policies. Hiring someone who has failed under the same rules creates internal contradictions - so they rarely do it.
But this is where your career can open up in ways you may not have considered.
Moving into Industry
If you’ve trained in audit at a large firm, you already have the golden ticket: a strong brand on your CV. That alone gets you through the door in industry.
The smartest move at this stage?...
Join a mid-tier or smaller practice first.
Why? Because you’ll gain broader experience - accounts prep, tax exposure, varied audits - instead of spending three years auditing 2% of a multinational. Industry loves rounded candidates.
If you’re torn between practice and industry, I’ve broken down the differences in Finance Practice vs Industry: The Big Debate.
Building a long-term career in Practice
If your goal is Partnership or running your own firm, the Big 4 isn’t the only - or even the best - route. Realistically, Partnership at a Big 4 firm is out of reach for 99.9% of people.
Your best path?...
Move to a mid-tier or small firm and build varied, hands-on experience.
When you’re pitching to small business owners, they want to know you can prepare accounts, advise on tax, and understand their world - not just audit a listed entity. I’ve coached Big 4 leavers who started their own practices, and the first question they get is: “What can you do for me if you’ve never prepared a full set of accounts?”
Variety is your friend. If Partnership is your ambition, stay in touch and come to one of our How to Make Partner events.
“Big 4 or nothing”
If your dream is still the Big 4, good news - failing an exam doesn’t kill that ambition.
Mid-tier firms and specialist boutiques can be an excellent stepping stone. They’re often more progressive, promote faster, and give you niche experience. If you work with sizeable clients and gain IFRS exposure, you’re still a strong candidate for Big 4 roles later.
Even heavy accounts experience can get you into Top 10 and Big 4 outsourcing or financial reporting divisions - we do this regularly.
Corporate Finance or Advisory
If you’re aiming for Corporate Finance, this is actually one of the best times to pivot.
Mid-tier firms with CF teams often give trainees ad‑hoc exposure - valuations, modelling, due diligence - which can set you up beautifully for a move into a boutique or a larger CF team later.
You don’t need to wait years internally for a rotation that may never come.
If CF is on your radar, read our guide on breaking into Corporate Finance.
You just want to qualify
If you’re not sure where you want to end up but you do want to qualify, there are plenty of supportive firms that:
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tailor study support to your needs
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allow exam postponements
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genuinely invest in your development
You’re not a statistic to them - you’re someone they want to see succeed. And yes, we can absolutely get you qualified.
In Summary
Some of the strongest candidates, Partners, and Finance Directors I’ve ever worked with have failed ACA exams. It’s one of the toughest qualifications out there. Balancing audits with final exams is no small feat.
Your career isn’t over - it’s just beginning. This is your chance to gain the experience you need, broaden your skill set, and take control of your direction.
If you’d like an informal chat about your next steps or want to explore semi-senior roles, I’m always here to help.
For more information or to speak to Kate about finance roles in London or nationwide:
📞 07580 216 907
📧 kate.green@pro-finance.co.uk
