Accounting Graduate Schemes

Congratulations on reaching your final year! Ready to take your next big step? If you're looking ahead to your first role after university, an accounting graduate scheme could be perfect for you.

These structured programmes are designed to help you build a strong foundation in accounting right after graduation. The UK's leading companies offer them specifically for ambitious graduates like you.

Over one to three years, you'll develop skills across different areas of accounting. From tax and auditing to management accounting, you'll gain hands-on experience in each specialist field, helping you discover where your strengths lie.

AVG SALARY: £27,400 | WHEN TO APPLY: Sep-Mar

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Why should you do an accounting graduate scheme? Types of graduate accounting jobs Which firms could I work for? How much do they pay? What qualifications do I need? When do I apply? How do I apply?

Why should you do an accounting graduate scheme?

There are many reasons why applying for a graduate scheme is your best chance of having a successful career within accountancy:

Graduate schemes last for two to three years, where you'll rotate around different areas or departments of the business. This allows you to see which areas of accounting you enjoy and could specialise in
You'll work alongside other graduates and senior managers, allowing you to network with others in the industry
You'll receive expert training, support and mentoring
Most schemes include the option to become a Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). Your employer will pay for your exams and give you time to study
At the end of your accounting graduate scheme, you'll be loosed from the programme. This means you can either find a new role with the firm you are with already, or find another job elsewhere

Types of graduate accounting jobs

You’d be surprised where an accounting degree can take you. Whether you want to stay an accountant or venture into the consultancy world, there’s something for you. Here are some examples of graduate roles below.

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

As a junior accountant, you’ll take on a wide range of responsibilities. These can include;

Prepping financial statements
Updating accounts
Sending out invoices and making sure they’re paid
Creating weekly and monthly reports.

TAX ACCOUNTANT

You’ll help your clients prepare and submit their yearly tax returns. That means meticulously going through all their finances for the year and letting them know how much tax they owe and how to go about submitting and paying these fees safely and legally.

RISK ANALYST

You’ll help companies make super-important financial decisions by combing through their accounts and investments and making sure there’s no financial risk to the business. You’ll also assess potential losses and create reports and strategies based on your research.

Which companies offer accounting graduate schemes?

There are employers all over the UK who offer accounting schemes. Whether you’re looking to work at one of the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG) or an SME, there are a lot of opportunities to do so. Here are some of them:

Westcotts

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Here’s what one graduate did at their scheme with CBRE:

"I assist in tax analysis of capital expenditure on a wide range of property acquisitions/developments, delivering claim reports to a high standard to ensure clients’ expectations are met. I help speed processes up by integrating additional workflows and technology into existing frameworks to help bring additional business and capacity to the team." Capital Allowances Graduate, CBRE

How much do accounting graduates earn?

Every scheme is different, so it’s worth shopping around to see how much each scheme pays.

The average salary for a graduate accounting scheme is £25,700 per year. However, some schemes can pay a lot more. For example, an audit grad scheme with BDO pays £31,000 per year.

You need to remember that accounting graduate schemes allow you the opportunity to become chartered. Once you are a qualified accountant, your salary can increase very rapidly.

What qualifications do you need for an accounting graduate job?

Most employers will ask for you to at least have a 2:2 in a relevant degree, whereas some employers will ask for a 2:1 in a relevant degree.

Relevant degrees include:

Accounting
Maths
Business
Finance
Economics

When should I apply for a graduate job?

It depends on when you’re ready to start looking for a job. There are hundreds of graduate schemes that recruit every year, these will usually open around September and October to start the following autumn.

Don't worry if you miss these deadlines. If you miss out on applying for a scheme, there are plenty of great graduate jobs recruiting all year round. You could even start working the week after graduation if you find the right opportunity.

How to apply

Once you’ve found the schemes that interest you, you’ll need to get your graduate CV and cover letter done.

TOP TIP: Make sure you tailor your cover letter and CV to each job you apply to.

If you impress the employer, you’ll be invited to an assessment centre where you’ll take part in various tasks that can include

Psychometric tests
Group tasks
Presentations.

You’ll also have your final interview.

Remember, every successful accountant started exactly where you are now. Whether you're certain about your career path or still exploring options, there's a perfect role out there for you.