One of the simplest ways to enter the accounting profession is to get a place on a graduate training scheme. Companies of all sizes offer places on their schemes and a range of benefits and training options. Normally, the larger accounting firms recruit on an annual basis, during the autumn months
Graduate accounting jobs offer a great opportunity to learn accountancy basics while gaining all important on-the-job experience. Working as part of a team allows entrants to become familiar with legal requirements, as well as learn skills such as balancing books and analysing financial spreadsheets
Employers normally pay for exams and training, but graduate accountants are usually expected to study in their own time. It normally takes about three years to qualify, taking around 14 exams in the process. Most UK employers require graduates to have at least a 2:1, but competition is fierce in any case as such schemes offer between £29,000 and £32,500 as a starting salary.