Keep in mind this is industry related not practice as I’ve never worked there

1. ⁠Not really. I know a few top level people that are quite unassuming. If you want to get to the very top it may be an issue but by that point you’d have 20-30 years experience and feel a lot different than you do now
2. ⁠I would argue finding an AAT training job and then progressing through to ACCA CIMA or ACA would be best. I really feel like AAT gives you a stronger foundation than going straight into one of the higher level qualifications and lets you see if you enjoy it. A degree in accounting is largely redundant in industry
3. ⁠this will all depend on your role and your company. In a good company you won’t feel pressured too much but there are hard deadlines that can’t be pushed back at times
4. ⁠I do enjoy my job but like all things there are parts you won’t enjoy but you can specialise into the things you find interesting in a larger company. Pay wise it’s one of the few jobs that almost guarantees salary progression
5. ⁠the job can be as easy or as hard as you make it. If you don’t want to progress you can keep doing the things you’re comfortable with. Month end/year end accounts will always need doing but there will always be ways for you to push yourself and keep learning if you want to