Accountancy and business services : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

Many employers in the accountancy and business services industry attend careers fairs and give presentations on campus throughout the autumn term. It is advisable to prepare well before you attend such events. Jobs related to this industry can also be found by searching company websites, careers service vacancy boards and through networking.

Graduate training schemes are common in this sector and applications are often made through online forms. Some jobs also require the completion of a psychometric test which can usually be taken online. 

If you are successful, you may be invited to an assessment centre and possibly a second round of interviews. Smaller firms often use just a CV and covering letter.

Big accountancy firms start recruiting at the beginning of the academic year (from September) but many vacancies are open year-round on a rolling recruitment basis.

Tax and audit are the areas with the biggest intake of graduates.

What skills do I need?

Recruiters in this sector look for a combination of strengths, values and skills (refer to the section on work experience to find out how to develop these skills) detailed as follows:

• ability to work within a team and to convey information;
• a genuine interest in the sector;
• an analytical, logical approach to work;
• business and commercial awareness;
• drive and motivation;
• excellent communication, numeracy and problem solving skills;
• self-discipline and self-management, especially if you are studying towards a qualification.

In addition, applicants usually need a good academic record including high UCAS points and a 2:1 degree or above. Once you meet the entry requirements, evidence of work experience and extra-curricular activities helps to demonstrate your enthusiasm and skills.

Where can I find work experience?

• The ‘Big Four’ and large accountancy firms offer summer and 12 month internship schemes for penultimate-year students, which can often result in an offer for a permanent position at the end of the internship.
• Internships or volunteering in other areas might be useful, as you are given the opportunity to develop relevant skills such as communication, teamwork and numerical skills.
• The application method is very similar to the graduate recruitment process - either online application forms or CV and covering letter.
• Involvement with university societies and reading relevant media sources are ways for you to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the sector.

Is postgraduate study useful?

• Postgraduate study is not necessary in this industry but it has become more popular in recent years. It may prove to be an advantage as a way of showing your interest in the subject, especially when applying to smaller firms.
• The ‘Big Four’ and other organisations recruit huge numbers of graduates from a range of disciplines with the intention of training them and helping them to obtain accountancy qualifications.
• Accountancy and business services employers support their new hires throughout the qualification process. There are various accountancy bodies that offer qualifications. These include ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) which offers a Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business.
• Part-time distance learning MBAs may also be useful as they can elevate your knowledge and career progression.

How can my career develop?

• Once you are qualified, there are many different career routes and opportunities for post-qualification progression. Overseas secondments are possible in large international firms.
• Career progression varies, depending on individual aspirations and abilities, but it is possible to progress to finance director of a major company within 10-15 years' post-qualification.
• For those choosing to stay within the professional service providers or in practice, partnership is the ultimate aim.
• Those choosing to work as internal providers (in industry, commerce or the public sector), may find themselves progressing to manager roles within two to five years after obtaining the qualification.
• Increasingly, accountants are taking on a more strategic role in business. Those who aim high may make it to finance director or even chief executive.