Need help with qualification choices!

Hey guys,

I graduated from university with a high 2.1 degree in BSc Biological Sciences in May and have been working as a trainee accountant in London (not big 4) for the last few months. I find working in accountancy ok, but it is not what I really want to be doing; ideally, I'd like to be working as an analyst - I'm not sure specifically which area yet, but being an analyst would be my ideal role.

However, due to my poor A-levels (just didn't work hard enough, not due to lack of ability) I need to build up my CV which is why I'm working as an accountant, as I'm not able to walk into an analyst job at the moment. I am due to start training in the new year, and would like some advice on the matter.

Would ACA or ACCA benefit me the most if I want to eventually become an analyst? I know they are both accountancy qualifications, but surely a finance qualification will look better than no qualification? I am leaning towards the ACA as I've heard of people who have transferred over from accountancy with the ACA.

Once I am qualified, what should be my next step? Could I possibly apply for analyst positions straight away? If not, I was thinking about doing either the CFA or an MBA.

Even though my A-levels are poor and I didn't go to a red-brick university, is it still realistic for me to aim for a job at somewhere such as Citigroup, J.P.Morgan, Deutsche Bank etc.?

I know I've written quite a bit, but I would really appreciate any feedback and advice. Thanks in advance!