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Graduate Accountancy Jobs

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        CHARTERHOUSE
        Ewhurst
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        Taunton
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        Academics
        Westminster
        £76 - £95 per day
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        CLARUS EDUCATION
        Lambeth
        £21,500 per annum
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        Academics
        Grays
        £76 - £90 per day
        Added 23 days ago
        Academics
        Hackney
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        Hackney
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        myGwork
        London
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        Helping you find a career in the accountancy industry

        At its heart, accountancy is about managing the flow of money on behalf of a business or an organisation, whilst also working strategically to maximise profits or income.

        Accountancy involves:

        • Maintaining financial records
        • Providing advice
        • Managing budgets,
        • Liaising with clients
        • Assessing risk
        • Negotiating with suppliers
        • Making financial decisions

        There are many different branches of accounting, including:

        • Financial
        • Managerial
        • Cost accounting
        • Auditing
        • Taxation
        • Forensic accounting

        Some experienced accountants with contacts and a strong reputation decide to take on personal clients and work for themselves. This is a likely option later in your career.

        Types of jobs within accountancy

        There are various levels within the accountancy sector. For example, the industry needs credit control managers to ensure that all invoices are paid on time. Also some accountants have chartered status due to extra qualifications they have undertaken.

        Some jobs fall under accountancy but don't require an accountancy qualification. For example:

        • Accounts assistant
        • Bookkeeper
        • Credit control manager
        • Accounts payable clerk
        • Accounts receivable clerk
        • Payroll manager

        Later in your career, you can specialise in one of the following areas:

        • Managerial/cost accounting: Preparing, analysing and optimising financial reports, usually for internal use
        • Corporate accounting: Advising on mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions
        • Forensic accounting: Detecting fraud
        • Financial accounting: The analysis and reporting of the financial transactions of a business, including the accounts that are publicly available
        • Auditing: A specific type of accounting that focuses on making sure all financial records are accurate
        • Taxation: Using specific accountancy skills to plan and manage taxes with clients or individuals

        Accounting graduate schemes

        Graduate schemes are one of the most traditional routes into the accounting sector. The big four accountancy firms (KMPG, Deloitte, Pwc and Ernst and Young) offer extensive schemes and they're often considered to be the best out there. Competition is fierce so preparation and standing out from the crowd is a must.

        Top tip: Landing an accountancy work placement with one of the leading four is often a great way to impress and can often land you a place on a graduate scheme before you've completed your degree.

        How much do trainee accountants earn?

        As a trainee accountant, you're likely to earn between £20,000 and £30,000. After a few years experience, your salary can reach the £60,000 mark.

        At the highest levels this industry pays higher salaries than many other careers, with many people earning over £60,000 per year.

        Here are the average salaries for some other roles within the industry, both qualified and non-qualified:

        Average salary of a non-qualified accountant:

        • Accounting technician: £20,304
        • Bookkeeper: £10.30 p/h
        • Payroll administrator: £19,700
        • Payroll manager: £30,691
        • Accounts assistant: £18,598
        • Credit controller: £20,706
        • Credit manager: £34,996
        • Accounts payable clerk: £19,824
        • Accounts receivable clerk: £19,452

        Average salary of a qualified accountant:

        • Company accountant: £31,301
        • Management accountant: £34,093
        • Chartered accountant: £34,637
        • Forensic accountant: £39,787
        • Financial accountant: £35,036
        • Auditor: £29,211
        • Internal auditor: £29,406
        • Financial controller: £50,780
        • Finance manager: £45,570
        • Tax accountant: £32,637
        • Tax consultant: £34,578
        Find out more
        • FAQs
        • Jobs by industry
        FAQs
        Which skills are needed for a career in accountancy?

        You'll need to have a head for numbers to succeed in accountancy. Communication, teamwork and negotiation are also important. You will also need to have a professional manner, especially if you're regularly meeting with clients or stakeholders.

        What are typical career pathways for graduates in accountancy?

        The career route in accountancy is highly structured and very well established, there are no shortcuts to getting where you want to be.

        You'll need to study and pass a number of exams in order to qualify as an accountant. These may be sponsored or supported by your employer, especially if you're in a large organisation. The exact time it takes to qualify will depend on your organisation and your own diligence and success within the programme.

        The two qualifications that you can take are:

        • CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Professionals) - 12 professional qualification exams, taken over approximately four years
        • ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) - 14 professional qualification exams, usually taken over four years

        It doesn't matter which of these you take, they will provide the same outcome. Your employer will decide which one of these you will take.

        Some of the biggest and most respected accountancy companies offer graduate schemes, which are highly structured and last two or three years. Gaining a place on these schemes can be tough, but they're the best places to be if you want to progress quickly.

        How can I get into accountancy?

        Accountancy is a competitive and popular industry, so it's worth knowing what employers want before you apply for roles.

        Obviously, a strong head for maths and a clear logical approach are both essential.

        There are also a large number of general, non-industry-related things that you can do to put yourself in a good position to start applying for jobs. These include:

        • Tailoring your CV for each specific role: Making sure you focus on previous experience and relevant skills
        • Applying for internships or work experience: As well as ensuring you've experienced the field before you start applying for jobs within it, it'll show you're committed and allow you to start acquiring the practical skills you'll need in your future job
        • Take on similar roles: For example, as an accounts assistant or similar, in holidays or whilst you apply for higher-level roles right after graduation
        • See what the top companies in the field require: Start by looking for case studies from the big firms, and note what backgrounds and skills their current employees have
        • Get the relevant accreditation: In this case, the CIMA or ACCA is what you need to be working towards
        • Use your contacts: University professors, those you met on work experience, people you can approach through social media or LinkedIn. They're all potentially the stepping stone to your next role, and they might be happy to help you.
        What qualifications do I need for a career in Accountancy?

        Graduates in mathematics-based subjects such as finance or economics are best suited to positions within this industry, although with further study (ACCA, CIMA or similar) you can pursue a career in this area even if your degree isn't directly related to accountancy.

        There are some degrees that are more likely to lead you into this area than others. Many accountants will have studied the following subjects:

        • Accountancy
        • Finance
        • Management
        • Business
        • Mathematics
        • Economics
        Read more about the Accountancy industry

        Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland

        Chartered Accountants Ireland

        Institute of Financial Accountants

        Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy (CIPFA)

        The Association of Accounting Technicians

        Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

        Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

        The National Skills Academy for Financial Services

        Accountancy industry bodies

        Institute of Chartered Accountancy for England and Wales

        Royal Economic Society

        UK Finance

        The National Skills Academy for Financial Services