Graduates - Accountancy

[UK-AL05]

realign your horizons.

What?

Back in the days of my dad accountancy was never a graduate job, now it is. Crazy.

I had the same problem but with low UCAS points, but I had a first class degree, masters distinction from russell group etc Fortunately there are a few ftse 100 that don't care about ucas points for normal graduate schemes.

 

[Vonhelmet]

What?

Back in the days of my dad accountancy was never a graduate job, now it is. Crazy.

I had the same problem but with low UCAS points, but I had a first class degree, masters distinction from russell group etc Fortunately there are a few ftse 100 that don't care about ucas points for normal graduate schemes.

Accountancy - bookkeeping - is not a graduate job. Audit, tax, BR, investment advice - these are graduate jobs.

 

[UK-AL05]

Accountancy - bookkeeping - is not a graduate job. Audit, tax, BR, investment advice - these are graduate jobs.

I'm a software engineer I don't anything about what's what in the big 4 =P. The only thing I come close to it with is ERP systems(SAP).

 

[bluesouljah]

I'm a software engineer I don't anything about what's what in the big 4 =P. The only thing I come close to it with is ERP systems(SAP).

Me too, after screwing about with acountancy and getting CIMA qualification, I now contract and set up Oracle financials, more money, more interesting, stressful, but well paid, specialising in Tax and BI tools.

 

[Disco Boy]

The magic 2:1 is a ridiculous thing. I was turned down for PhD places because they didn't think I would get a 2:1 which is required by the funding body (EPSRC). Despite the fact that I was an excellent candidate with experience in the exact field and brilliant references.

Having now secured my 2:1 I have been offered three PhDs and am set to start a DPhil (aka PhD) in Oxford next year.


As for your situation OP. You are right on the boarder and have extenuating circumstances as you say, so just sit tight and do something like travelling or part time work until next year when you can apply

 

[Robi]

I graduated last year with a 2.1 in Accounting & Finance from a very average University. Aside from the degree, I also have average A-Levels and GCSE's. I can safely say that the quality of University makes little to no difference when applying for ACA training contracts, as employers are more keen for quality A-Levels and GCSE's (more so A-Levels).

ACA exam results are closely linked to A-Levels. Therefore, in theory, if you did well in A-Levels, you are likely to do well in the ACA exams.

I work at a smallish firm with 9 partners and 3 offices. It's all pretty hands on and i'm already compiling sole trader and partnership accounts, even though I started a month ago (start chartered in Sept). One of my close friends started work at PwC last year and its completely different, less practical and more of a name than a face (less friendly etc). I was laughed at by several graduate finance recruiters when I said I was looking for an ACA contract with BCC at A-Level. I managed to get the contract by researching the firm extensively and showing this during the interview, it was clear to see that my results didn't accurately demonstrate my capability. Also, having a quality CV helps!

Obviously the money is going to be higher at one of the top 4 (during training) and it's always going to be a bonus having one of those firms on your CV, but in my opinion you're more likely to struggle in an accounts position once you have qualified.

EDIT: Also, even though the big 4 are pretty stringent with UCAS results, they occasionally search for graduates with low points, so keep checking recruitment pages and job sites. I managed to find an audit position in pensions at Ernst & Young, required a 2.2+ at University and stated no specific requirement of A-Levels. My results are distinctly average yet they offered me an interview! In a nut shell, never give up.

 

[Morfik]

As much as I would love to work at PwC or E&Y etc their refusal to even consider applicants with a 2:2 makes this very much impossible. I feel really dismayed, I spent months researching accountancy,

If it makes you feel any better the realities of working at the big four (I assume Audit) are a lot less interesting than they make it sound on the websites. That's why 75% of people use the big four as a stepping stone to get the ACA and name on the CV and move on to more interesting roles.

Chances are you'll be in this 75% so if you can't get the big four name you can still do well getting a professional qualification (CIMA, ACCA) and a head start in industry experience.

I would really consider if Accountancy is for you though. I also came from an Economics background and found accountancy to be less interesting and wish I'd not gone down this route. But once you get the qualified pay bump it's hard to give up.

 

[Robi]

If it makes you feel any better the realities of working at the big four (I assume Audit) are a lot less interesting than they make it sound on the websites. That's why 75% of people use the big four as a stepping stone to get the ACA and name on the CV and move on to more interesting roles.

This.

 

[Kemik]

I would really consider if Accountancy is for you though. I also came from an Economics background and found accountancy to be less interesting and wish I'd not gone down this route. But once you get the qualified pay bump it's hard to give up.

The problem is a lot of people think audit when they think accountancy and that's all there is. Restructuring, transaction services, M&A, transfer pricing, personal tax, corporate tax compliance (more the advisory roles on those last two) are much more interesting.