Why choose a graduate job in accountancy?
There’s high demand and career stability…
Accounting has consistently ranked among the most secure and high-demand professions globally. Businesses, regardless of size or industry, rely on accountants to manage finances, assess risk, and stay compliant with tax regulations. This enduring need ensures a steady flow of graduate jobs in the sector.
… and fantastic opportunities for professional growth!
Many graduates choose accountancy for its clear career progression. Starting out in an entry-level role, it’s possible to climb the ranks to senior positions. Many entry-level roles have structured development programs and sponsor qualifications that make it easier for new grads to succeed.
What accountancy roles are there for graduates?
Understanding what types of accountancy roles exist helps you align your interests with specific job functions. A few more common roles and their responsibilities include:
1. Graduate Accountant
Often hired by firms or in-house finance departments, graduate accountants handle basic ledger management, reconcile statements, and support senior accountants. This role often comes with the opportunity to study for qualifications like ACA or ACCA.
2. Audit Trainee
Audit trainees work within audit teams to examine financial records and ensure that companies comply with accounting regulations. It’s detail-oriented work but offers great exposure across various industries.
3. Tax Assistant
As a tax assistant, you’ll help individuals or companies prepare tax returns, analyse tax strategies, and keep up-to-date with changes in tax law. This role is particularly valuable if you enjoy both numbers and legal frameworks.
4. Accounts Assistant
In this role, graduates support the accounting team by handling invoices, processing expenses, and maintaining financial records. It’s an ideal stepping stone into more specialised areas of accounting.
What qualifications do you need?
While a degree in Accounting or Finance is ideal, many graduate schemes accept applicants from a broad range of disciplines. What matters more is your willingness to pursue professional qualifications such as:
• ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant)
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
These accreditations open up more senior and specialist roles in the future.
Soft skills employers value
Beyond technical know-how, employers in the accounting field value traits such as:
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Strong communication skills
• Time management
• Ethical judgment
Developing these skills will set you apart from other graduates.
How can I find a graduate job in accounting?
- Try leveraging graduate recruitment platforms - Websites like us - (Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB)) - specialise in connecting graduates with roles that match their skillset and ambition. Use filters to find graduate jobs in accountancy and apply directly to vetted employers.
- Networking and referrals - Many accounting roles, especially within mid-sized firms, are filled through referrals. Attend alumni events, join LinkedIn groups, and connect with professionals in your desired firms.
- Career fairs and university services - Don’t underestimate the power of university career centres. Attend finance-focused career fairs - larger companies often recruit actively from university pools.
- Tailoring your CV and cover letter for accountancy role - Your CV and cover letter are your first impression - make them count. For graduate jobs in accounting, employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate numerical proficiency, analytical thinking, and integrity.
Key tips for a strong CV:
• Open with a personal statement that highlights your passion for finance and accounting.
• List education and qualifications in reverse chronological order, highlighting any modules related to accounting, finance, or mathematics.
• Include relevant experience, such as internships, part-time finance roles, or volunteering with budgeting responsibilities.
• Use action verbs like “analysed,” “assisted,” “calculated,” and “reconciled” to describe your experience.
• Quantify achievements (e.g., “Reduced monthly budget discrepancies by 25%”).
Your cover letter should complement your CV by showing how your background aligns with the employer’s needs, with specific examples to prove your fit for the role.
Acing the interview process
Once your application gets noticed, the next step is the interview. Graduate accountancy interviews often include both competency and technical questions.
Common accountancy interview questions to prepare for include:
• Why do you want to work in accounting?
• Tell us about a time you worked with numbers under pressure.
• How do you prioritise multiple deadlines?
• What’s your understanding of double-entry bookkeeping?
Tips for success
• Practice using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Prepare for numerical reasoning tests and assessment centres.
• Stay updated on industry news - being informed about audit scandals or tax reforms shows initiative.
Danielle Buckland, the head of GRB Accounting and Finance roles, shares that
Three great interview tips for those looking for a career in accountancy include:
1: Research which qualification the firm is offering e.g. ACA / ACCA / CIMA / ATT.
2: What does the qualification look like and what could you be studying?
3: Make sure you can talk confidently about why the qualification appeals to you!
The more preparation you do, the more confident you will be!
What should your salary expectations be?
Salaries for graduate accounting roles can vary by location, employer, and qualification level. A rough estimate is a range, from £23,000 up to £32,000. However, accounting roles often offer benefits, including funded study support for ACA/ACCA/CIMA, which may push down the starting salary of these roles.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when apply to accounting roles:
- Generic applications - always tailor to the company and role.
- Ignoring deadlines - graduate schemes often close months in advance.
- Overlooking soft skills - employers value teamwork and communication as much as numerical ability.
- Not asking questions during interviews - it shows a lack of engagement.
Start your career in accountancy today!
Pursuing a graduate job in accountancy opens doors to a rewarding, respected, and future-proof career. With so many accountancy roles available, from audit to tax,you’re bound to find one that aligns with your strengths and goals. Start by updating your CV, researching companies, and applying via platforms like us (GRB), which specialise in matching top graduates with outstanding opportunities.
Whether you're numbers-driven, detail-focused, or love solving complex financial puzzles, there's a place for you in the world of accounting.
Check out what accounting roles we currently have live by clicking here!
FAQs about getting a graduate job in accounting
Q1: Can I apply for an accountancy role without an accounting degree?
Yes! Many graduate schemes accept degrees in any discipline, especially if you show a strong interest in finance and willingness to pursue qualifications.
Q2: Which accounting qualification should I p
ursue first - ACA, ACCA, or CIMA?
It depends on your career goals. ACA is great for public practice, ACCA is globally recognized, and CIMA focuses on management accounting.
Q3: Are there summer internships that help with full-time roles?
Absolutely, and internships often lead to offers.. Apply early!
Q4: How important are numerical skills?
Very important, but just as critical are communication, integrity, and attention to detail.
Q5: What does a typical day look like in a graduate accounting role?
Expect data entry, reconciling accounts, assisting with audits or tax preparation, and supporting senior accountants.
Q6: Can I switch between specialisms (e.g., audit to tax)?
Yes, many firms offer rotations or allow transfers once you've competed a training period.
