Accounting graduate jobs & schemes 2025

Yes, many employers will help you obtain a professional qualification in your field during your graduate scheme. These could be:

• ACA (Chartered Accountant – ICAEW)
• ACCA (Chartered Certified Accountant)
• CIMA (Chartered Management Accountant)
• ATT/CTA (Tax qualifications)

Most graduate schemes provide study support and cover exam costs.

According to Glassdoor, accounting graduate jobs in the UK pay between £22,000 and £28,000 per year, with an average base pay of £25,000 a year. However, salaries largely depend on the company and location. For example, accounting graduate jobs at the ‘big 4’ firms will generally offer a higher salary than a mid-tier firm, and London-based jobs tend to pay more.

According to Adzuna , several sectors have continued to see vacancies fall in recent times, including accounting & finance. However, this doesn’t mean graduates won’t be able to secure a role as there are still plenty of opportunities available. As long as you apply early (see above FAQ: when should I apply for a graduate job in accounting?), your chances of securing a role are still high providing you meet firms’ criteria.

Not necessarily - accounting graduate jobs typically require a 2:1 minimum in accounting or any business/finance/mathematics/accountancy-related discipline. However, some accountancy firms such as EY, Deloitte and PwC announced they would remove the 2:1 requirement to open roles to a greater talent pool.

• Numerical ability & analytical thinking
• Excel & financial modeling skills
• Commercial awareness & industry knowledge
• Communication & teamwork
• Problem-solving & adaptability

• If possible, try to enrol in an internship or a placement year while you’re at university. This goes a long way to show your commitment and ambition
• Get comfortable working with the industry tools: working knowledge of Excel and Python, as well as some commonly used ERPs (e.g. Sage or SAP) will go a long way to demonstrate your capability.
• Use the opportunities provided by your university to network – this will give you a significant advantage when it comes to your applications
• Join accounting-related clubs/societies. This demonstrates your initiative and passion for the field and looks great on your CV!