in accountancy the only graduate career guide to Chartered ... · 2013-09-27 · the only graduate...

the only graduate career guide to

Chartered aCCountanCy

chartered

accou

ntan

cy2013/14

2013/14

graduate jobs l internships & placements l career advicewww.insidecareers.co.uk/acc

What’s InsIde

all about the professionNEW Internship profiles

Graduate & senior profilesSalaries & career paths

Professional qualificationsemployer directory

in partnerShip with

thedifferenceinsidesharpresourcefulattentiveenergetic

Graduate careers in accountancy

We are different because our people are. By empowering people just like you, we’re able to provide our clients with the exceptional service that makes our firm unique.

At BDO your individuality will be valued. We’ll give you the training and opportunity to develop your talents and achieve your goals.

Apply online at www.bdo.co.uk/graduates

www.bdo.co.uk/graduates

11643(B) BDO Ad_210x148.indd 1 26/06/2012 12:30

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/acc

www.insidecareers.co.uk

youraccountancy

careerstarts here

“The must-read guide for undergraduates wanting to succeed in accountancy, finance and business.”Clare PowerSenior Marketing Manager, Student Recruitment ICAEW

Contents

121008

05

14

22 KPMG – Audit Assistant24 RSM Tenon – Audit Assistant

28 BDO – Audit Trainee30 Baker Tilly – Corporate Tax Assistant32 Alliots – Audit Senior34 National Audit Office – Audit Principal

38 Blick Rothenberg LLP – Partner40 Rees Pollock – Partner Designate42 Alliance Boots – Former Head of Finance44 NBCU International- Chief Financial Officer

48 Education and skillsWork experience & internships50

52 Choosing the right employer

About ICAEW5658 Becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant

Certificate in finance, business and accounting: CFAB61

Frequently asked questionsSalaries and benefitsWhy work in accounting?What is chartered accountancy?

Introduction

17 The future of accountancy

The profession

graduaTe profiles

senior profiles

finding The righT job

inTernship profiles

The insTiTuTe & qualificaTions

reference Table

employer direcTory

VisiT our websiTe

For more advice, live jobs, internships, accountancy forums, industry news and updates


PublisherCambridge Market Intelligence LtdThe Quadrangle49 Atalanta StreetLondon SW6 6TUT: 020 7565 7900www.insidecareers.co.uk

EditorialLaura McFarlane Emma ManingtonMichael Hennessy

Associate PublisherICAEWChartered Accountants’ HallMoorgate PlaceLondonEC2R 6EAT: 01908 248 250www.icaew.com/careers

AcknowledgmentsWe are indebted to ICAEW for their support, in particular to Amanda Akien for her help throughout the preparation of the guide in contributing copy and reviewing the text for balance and accuracy.

ISBN 978-1-86213-180-4

Printed and bound in the UK by Cambrian Printers, Aberystwyth

DesignEmma ManingtonBandbox DesignAscend Creative Ltd

Copyright in individual articles © 2013 the authors, who have asserted their right to be identified as the author under s.7 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The compilation © 2013 Cambridge Market Intelligence Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication can be accepted by the publisher or authors.

Inside Careers is an associate member of The Association of Graduate Recruiters.

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk

http://www.icaew.com/careers

05

www.insidecareers.co.uk/acc

Introduction

If you want a rewarding, diverse and challenging career then consider a career in accountancy.

This guide has information on all aspects of the accountancy profession, from a full range of employers, to typical salaries, to finding an internship or taking your professional qualifications.

ICAEW’s premium chartered accountant qualification, ACA, is internationally recognised as an advanced learning and professional development programme resulting in you becoming a valuable and highly regarded addition to any organisation.

Once the decision is made to become an ACA student, we will support you all the way whether it’s providing exam preparation tips, careers advice, networking opportunities or one of our other many student resources. We want you, and the other 19,000 worldwide ACA students, to be successful so we’re here to help throughout.

As a professional membership body we are committed to supporting talented individuals in developing the knowledge, skills and experience they need to perform at the highest level, at each stage of their career. Once you have successfully

completed all elements of ACA you will be invited to become a member, joining over 140,000 ICAEW Chartered Accountants from around the world.

Organisations of every size depend on the skills and expertise of our members who are respected for their understanding of complex financial information and trusted for their strategic business advice and personal integrity.

ICAEW chartered accountants work in all sectors and industries – from multi-nationals and global accountancy firms, to local charities and business start-ups with roles varying from business analyst and practice partner to finance director.

If you think you might have what it takes to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, or like the idea of a career with endless opportunities, then I would encourage you to read on.

Mark Protherough is Executive Director – Learning and Professional Development for ICAEW.

INTRODUCTION

Mark Protherough introduces the Inside Careers Guide to Chartered Accountancy, outlines the benefits of joining ICAEW and explains why accountancy is such an exciting and highly rewarding career.

BACK TO CONTENTS


The Profession

Go online for more advice:

www.insidecareers.co.uk/

acc

BACK TO CONTENTS


08

FREqUENTLy ASKED qUESTIONS

SALARIES & BENEFITS

Why WORK IN ACCOUNTING?

WhAT IS ChARTERED ACCOUNTANCy?

ThE FUTURE OF ACCOUNTANCy

10

12

14

17

BACK TO CONTENTS

08

THE PROFESSION

Accountants are not simply book keepers: they can work in every sector and give professional advice to organisations on all kinds of business and finance issues. We take a closer look at what it means to be a chartered accountant.

WHAT DO CHARTERED ACCOuNTANTS DO?Accountants are vital to the running of all businesses. They analyse and provide trustworthy information about financial records. This could involve them in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, forensic accounting, corporate finance, business recovery and insolvency, or accounting systems and processes.

Depending on what area of accountancy you choose to specialise in, typical tasks could include:• Continuous management of financial

systems and budgets.• Undertaking financial audits: an

independent check of a company’s financial position.

• Liaising with clients to provide financial information and advice.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ‘CHARTERED’?Whether you’re an accountant, engineer or surveyor, being ‘chartered’ means you’re a qualified professional in a particular field, and a member of a professional body with a royal charter, such as ICAEW – find out more about joining the institute and its benefits on page 56. TyPES OF ACCOUNTANCyThere are two main types of accountancy – financial and management accountancy.

Management accountantsManagement accountants provide financial information internally within an organisation, for example, for the use of management to aid in decision making. As a management accountant, you might get involved in performing budget analysis, financial planning and forecasting. The emphasis of management accountancy is on

forward planning and the achievement of financial goals.

People working within management accountancy have roles such as financial analyst. Financial analysts work on specific one-off projects, such as analysing the costs and projected benefits of a new product and producing a report for management. you could even become a financial controller, with responsibility for the day-to-day running of a whole division, company or group.

Financial accountantsFinancial accountants provide information for the use of people external to a company, such as shareholders, investors and creditors. Financial accountants focus more on the summarising of a company’s current position, reporting on a company’s profitability, liquidity, solvency and stability. Unlike management accounting, financial accounting is required by law.

Many graduates entering the accountancy profession will do so via financial accountancy, working in public practice. The work you do in public practice can vary depending on what area you specialise in. you could work within:1. Audit and assurance2. Business recovery and insolvency3. Corporate finance4. Forensic accounting5. Tax.

AREAS OF WORK IN PUBLIC PRACTICE:Audit and assuranceSimply put, assurance means getting an independent expert to look at something and give their views on its accuracy or quality. Audit is generally the core activity within the assurance and advisory work undertaken by

what is Chartered aCCountanCy?

BACK TO CONTENTS

09


wHaT IS CHaRTERED aCCOUNTaNCy?

accountancy firms. An audit is an independent check of whether an organisation’s financial statements are a true and fair reflection of its financial condition. Audits are normally conducted at a client’s premises by a team of auditors who work with senior management and staff at all levels.

Typical activities that auditors carry out include risk analysis, getting to know the client’s business, building relationships with the client and checking items that appear in the financial statements. As a result of audit work suggestions can be made about how the business could improve its controls and business processes.

Business recovery and insolvencyFrom time to time a business may encounter problems; for example it may find itself short of capital or it may need to re-organise its operations in order to improve cash flow. In some cases a business recovery expert may be able to step in and help steer the business through its difficulties and back towards a successful future, whereas in other situations an insolvency expert may have to guide the business through the insolvency or winding-up process, selling off the business’s assets and paying creditors. Both areas of work involve high levels of diplomacy and robustness and a good level of legal and commercial understanding.

Corporate financeAccountants who work in this field are involved in mergers and the acquisition of companies: they assess the financial health of a target company in order to calculate the value of the company for a potential merger or takeover.

Forensic accounting Forensic accounting is the detection and prevention of fraud. It involves the use of accounting, IT and investigation skills to search for evidence of criminal conduct on behalf of lawyers and insurance companies. Forensic accounting is varied, and often involves legal disputes, requiring in-depth research, analysis and even being an expert witness in court. No two cases are the same.

The type of clients varies from large listed corporations and offshore trusts to small partnerships, while on the criminal side, cases can include white-collar crimes and other general offences, such as drug dealing, where a visit to a defendant in prison is not uncommon. Large firms often have specialised departments in litigation support composed of qualified accountants.

A mixed skillset is needed: in addition to the research and analytical attributes, the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and in the courtroom is essential. As networking and marketing is where the work comes from, forensic accountants need to develop a wide range of referrers.

TaxTax accountants work in tax compliance, which involves completing and submitting tax returns for both individuals and companies. They are also involved in tax advisory and planning, which involves analysing and recommending changes in how individuals and companies structure their finances so as to minimise their tax payments within the framework of legislation. This does give rise to ethical questions, making ethics an important issue for tax accountants. For further information on becoming a Chartered Tax Adviser go to www.insidecareers.co.uk/tax.

Find out more about selecting these different roles and where you can work in ‘Choosing the Right Employer’ on page 52.

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/tax

10

THE PROFESSION

If you’re looking for a career that promises a broad range of opportunities and an international career, along with high rewards and security, then accountancy could be the place for you. Read on to find out some of the many benefits of becoming an accountant.

Why choose a career in chartered accountancy? There aren’t many careers as diverse as chartered accountancy: not only can you train in business, practice or banking, but once qualified, chartered accountants are found working in high level jobs all over the world.

Gone are the days when accountants were taxmen, book keepers and auditors. Instead they are financial specialists at the heart of all areas of business. The contemporary accountant works across varied areas from corporate recovery and consulting to forensic accounting. They could find themselves working in all corners of the globe, from the Cayman Islands to Brazil. International opportunities and rewarding salaries are just two of the benefits open to accountants.

Life as a trainee chartered accountant One major benefit of training for the ACA is that, in the uK, you are paid a competitive graduate salary while training and given full support by your employer. The qualification and study leave is also paid for by your employer. This time off helps you revise for the modules before sitting the exams.

your work experience will be challenging and you will be given a lot of responsibility from day one. Preparing accounts, meeting external clients, working in audit teams, travelling around the uK, as well as managing teams – are all likely situations you will experience throughout your training agreement.

why work inaCCountIng?

Career destinations

Chartered accountants work at the highest levels of business and finance. This could include:

• General management for banks and financial services.

• Partners of accountancy practices.• Managing own businesses.• Working for charities.• Director of a blue chip company.• CEO of an international organisation.• Chief executive of a FTSE 100 company.• Financial directors of premiership

football clubs.

BACK TO CONTENTS

11


wHy wORk IN aCCOUNTINg?

Five reasons to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant

1. high salaries. Many ACA trainees can double their salary during their training agreement. Salaries for newly-qualified ACAs compare favourably with salaries for careers in law, general management and banking. Recent independent surveys also show that ACAs can command higher salaries throughout their careers when compared with those holding other accountancy qualifications.

2. Opportunity. 81% of FTSE 100 companies have at least one ICAEW Chartered Accountant on their board.

3. Security. The accountancy industry is buoyant even in a difficult economic climate, and accountants enjoy a more stable career than other finance professionals.

4. Flexibility. Being an ICAEW Chartered Accountant opens many doors for your career. After gaining your ACA qualification you could go on to work in the highest levels of accountancy, finance or business.

5. A global career. you’ll have opportunities to work overseas. The ACA qualification is recognised around the world.

Life as a qualified chartered accountantOnce qualified, accountants work in all fields of business and finance, including taxation, forensic accounting, financial and general management. Some are involved in public practice work, others work in the private sector and some are employed by government bodies. It is likely that, throughout your career in accountancy, you may work in a number of different sectors and environments, which will help shape

your career portfolio. you may even find that international opportunities present themselves as there is a global demand for accountancy professionals.

Working as an accountant is a rewarding, interesting and exciting career. Read some of our senior profiles from page 36 in order to find out what it is like to work in the top levels of the business, finance and accounting profession.

BACK TO CONTENTS


12

THE PROFESSION

Going into 2013, the market is generally steady, with a rise in vacancies requiring very specific skill sets. Vacancies at more senior levels including manager and senior manager roles seem most abundant as businesses look towards the future and succession planning.

During busy periods there has been an increase in small and medium size firms recruiting temporary contractors. As and when the economy begins to improve and market confidence increases we will see an increase in the amount of candidates looking for a new job. The top talent is still in demand, as firms look for quality not quantity. When the top talent enters the market and the large firms are recruiting, the natural churn will start again, filtering down from the Big Four to mid-tier and then on to smaller firms.

BenefitsBenefits vary greatly across firms. The Big Four accounting firms offer a flexible package, which can be adjusted to suit the needs of the individual. These policies usually take the form

of a ‘benefits fund’ which is either paid in cash on top of salary or can be used to purchase additional benefits. Benefits include extra holiday, private healthcare, retail vouchers, dental care, differing levels of life insurance and travel insurance.

The mid-tier firms tend to offer similar packages of flexible benefits, but this will vary.

The usual benefits on offer below manager grade for those who are studying or have studied one of the main accounting qualifications are:• 20–23 days holiday • Pension • Life assurance • Private healthcare • Death in service • Study support • No overtime • A car allowance of approx. £5,000 may

be available on promotion to manager grade.

what can I earn?salarIes and benefItsFind out about the jobs market for graduates entering the accountancy profession, as well as what you could stand to earn when you start training right up until you qualify. It’s not all just about take-home salary however: don’t forget to take into account the many additional benefits you could receive as well.

Tom Gowing is an Associate Director for Michael Page

BACK TO CONTENTS

13


SalaRIES aND bENEFITS

Salary Guide

Region Trainee Fundamentals Newly qualified ACAs

yorkshire & the North East £18-23,000 £20-27,000 £34-40,000

North West £18-23,000 £21-26,000 £30-40,000

Midlands & East £18-25,000 £22-30,000 £36-40,000

South Coast £19-26,000 £21-28,000 £36-40,000

South West & Wales £18-24,000 £24-28,000 £33-40,000

Greater London £22-28,000 £25-30,000 £40-45,000

Source: Michael Page 2013 Salary Survey

BACK TO CONTENTS


14

THE PROFESSION

Inside Careers works in partnership with ICAEW. here, ICAEW has answered some of the most commonly asked questions that they receive.

frequently askedquestIons

What makes the ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification, the ACA, unique?There are many different types of accountancy, finance and business qualifications available. It can be hard to understand what makes each unique as they often appear to have very similar elements. There isn’t just one single thing which makes the ACA different. It’s a combination of factors that makes the ACA a world-leading professional qualification. • It has fully integrated components which

work together so our students can put theory into practice, and can understand and use what they learn in the workplace throughout their training.

• We write our own learning materials and only test what is in them, so students are tested on their understanding and ability to use what they’ve learnt, not just their ability to memorise.

• We build a relationship with employers through our authorised training employer process. They meet strict standards which ensure quality, commitment and support for our students throughout their training.

• All 15 modules are compulsory, so our students get a broad perspective with in-depth understanding across accountancy, finance and business. This allows specialism in a wide variety of areas throughout and beyond their training.

• The Professional and Advanced Levels have open book exams which mimic real-life scenarios where students are presented with problems which they have to solve with the resources at hand.

Do I need a degree, and if so, in which subject area?The majority of ACA trainees are graduates. It’s not necessary to have an accounting or

business-related degree; graduates come from all degree disciplines. however, if your degree was in business, accountancy or finance, you could be eligible to claim credits for some of the Professional Level exams. To find out more about the qualifications you need, take a look at our Education & Skills article on page 48.

Do I need a maths A Level?No, you just need to be competent with numbers and confident in your ability to understand numerical data. The only subject requirements employers usually have is an A or B grade in maths and English at GCSE (or equivalent). When it comes to A Levels and degrees, employers are more interested in the grades you achieved. Find out what grades individual employers are asking for in the Employer Directory at the back of this guide; do also bear in mind that general studies is not always accepted by employers.

What other requirements are there?To assess whether you are cut out for ACA training, you should consider a number of core skills that employers will look for. Commitment, self-motivation, teamwork,

Commitment, self-motivation, teamwork,

communication, problem-solving

skills and commercial awareness are essential.

BACK TO CONTENTS


15

FREQUENTly aSkED QUESTIONS

communication, problem-solving skills and commercial awareness are essential. Consider how you can provide examples and stories to illustrate these, ideally outside of academia, so work experience, part-time jobs or voluntary work are important to employers, even if they are not accountancy related.

Where can I find out about credits/exemptions?Credit for prior learning, or exemptions, might be available if you have studied accounting, business or finance modules as part of your degree, or as part of another professional accountancy qualification. you can check to see if you are eligible online at www.icaew.com/cpl and also ask your future employer whether you would need to sit all the exams.

How do I qualify as an ACA? you complete a three-year training agreement which gives you the opportunity to learn while in full-time paid employment, combining technical work experience, study and exams. Remember that, throughout your training period, you will be working and earning a competitive salary at the same time as using your new knowledge and skills in your day-to-day job. Once you’ve successfully completed your ACA training you will be invited to join ICAEW, as a member. This will enable you to call yourself an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and use ACA after your name.

Are ICAEW Chartered Accountants recognised internationally?There are over 140,000 ICAEW Chartered Accountants who work in more than 160 countries.

Where can I find a training agreement?you need to complete your training agreement with an ICAEW authorised training employer. Training agreements are available in the UK and internationally. you can choose from over 2,850 authorised training employers including firms of chartered accountants (public practice) as well as commercial businesses, such as banks and public sector organisations. ICAEW produces a Training Vacancies guide, which you can obtain in hardcopy by emailing [email protected], at your university careers service or careers fair, or online at www.icaew.com/careers.

Where should I train?The choice of where to train is down to your personal preference. A good indicator is how comfortable you feel during the interview, but before that, you need to check what is on offer in your chosen location, while considering which service-line interests you the most. Do also consider which size and style of organisation appeals to you; Big Four, mid-tier, small firms, businesses and public sector organisations all recruit ACA trainees. Employers need to be authorised to train the ACA, so the standard of training will be high regardless of the size and type of employer. Larger accountancy practices tend to place students within a particular area, e.g., audit or tax, whereas in smaller firms, you would gain more general practice experience. Go to the Employer Directory at the back of this guide for more detailed information on different employers.

When should I apply? Although there is no fixed recruitment period, employers often begin their recruitment in

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.icaew.com/cpl

mailto:[email protected]


16

THE PROFESSION

September of your final year (for vacancies starting the summer after exams). Therefore, the first term of your final undergraduate year is a great time to make applications, but always check individual employers’ deadlines to make sure you don’t miss out. you apply to individual employers, not to ICAEW. See the reference table at the back of this guide for more information, or go to www.icaew.com/careers and visit the Training Vacancies pages.

Can international students apply?yes, but you will need a qualification from an established, internationally-accredited university or college that is comparable to a uK degree or a recognised accountancy qualification. If you are outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland you will need to apply to an employer who has agreed to sponsor non-UK nationals. For further information visit the uK Border Agency website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. you may also need a work permit. ICAEW cannot get a work permit for you; your employer will need to apply on your behalf.

What opportunities to travel will the ACA give me?ICAEW Chartered Accountants are globally recognised, in fact 97% of the Best Global Brands* employ at least one ICAEW Chartered Accountant. With more than 2,850 authorised training employers around the world, there are fantastic opportunities for international travel. The Big Four and other large accountancy firms normally have overseas offices and annually qualified ICAEW Chartered

Accountants will complete international secondments. It is not uncommon to find our accountants working in the Middle East, Channel Islands, or the Cayman Islands to name but a few locations.

Can I study the ACA in my home country? Possibly. There is a growing number of authorised organisations around the world that offer ACA training, including accountancy practices, businesses, industry and government. ICAEW is a UK-based international organisation with members in more than 160 countries and offices in the uK, Belgium, China, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.To find out where you can train around the world visit www.icaew.com/careers

I am a Chinese student, can I do the ACA?The ICAEW-CICPA joint programme is an accelerated study route to ICAEW membership, available to members of the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) who have obtained CICPA membership by complying with its training and examination requirements. you can also study the full ACA programme as a graduate – the minimum entry requirement is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an internationally-recognised university. For more information visit the Chinese section of our website www.icaew-china.com – it’s all in Mandarin too!

*ICAEW member data at January 2013, Interbrand Best Global Brands 2012.

For answers to more questions,

read our Employer Q&As:


placement/employer-qa

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk


http://www.icaew-china.com

www.insidecareers.co.uk/placement/employer-qa

In interviews it’s important to be informed of current events within the accountancy industry: this shows that you’re interested in and committed to the profession. This article is a great start to understanding what’s going on in this dynamic industry.

In the build up to the millennium, governments and businesses invested time and resources preparing for the y2K bug. The year 2000 arrived without problems, but something not anticipated was the series of accounting scandals that soon followed. The collapse of Arthur Andersen and the bankruptcies of WorldCom and Enron, along with the loss of public confidence in the accounting profession, signalled change.

Modern developments and industry changesScrutiny of the accountancy profession has increased over the last decade. Governments and regulators, particularly in the uK and Europe, have turned the regulatory spotlight to auditors and their role in the crisis. Today chartered accountants thrive on challenge, are resilient, think creatively, show initiative, have good people skills and work to help businesses succeed.

To embrace challenges and add value to clients, accounting firms now see their staff as the source of their future competitive advantage. The accountancy sector is the biggest recruiter of graduates. In 2013, ICAEW membership rose to over 140,000 and the number of ACAs in training also increased to a 19-year high in 2012. This will supply a growing industry demand for leadership, business skills and better financial management.

Despite the pressures to retain clients and keep fees steady, good advice is essential and therefore demand for accountancy services remains strong.

Challenges and opportunities – bad for sales staff, good for administrators and auditors! While the high street is in crisis and the banking industry is under scrutiny,

accountants are perhaps more vital than ever before. The start of the year was a busy time for administrators. In q1 of 2013 there were an estimated 6,000 job losses in the retail sector as big firms, including hMV, Jessops, Republic and Blockbuster entered administration. This provided plenty of work for accountants, who were instrumental in salvaging the businesses as much as possible. In April 2013 the failure of Fresh & Easy, a subsidiary of Tesco, highlighted the difficulty of UK firms making it in the USA. International expansion is often an area accountants are asked to advise on.

Crisis on the high street The squeeze on high street chains is closely linked to the double-dip recession and competition from supermarkets. Websites also account for nearly 13% of retail spending. Not only are these good case studies to include in assignments, the examples are good to give in interviews. Be sure to read any latest news before an interview as developments are constantly changing.

the future of theaCCountanCy Industry

THE FUTURE OF THE aCCOUNTaNCy INDUSTRy

17

www.insidecareers.co.uk/accBACK TO CONTENTS


18

THE PROFESSION

Top tips on being commercially aware…

• Follow stories that interest you.• Who are/were the administrators?• What do you think went wrong and why

(from a consumer and business point of view)?

• Do/did you have a part time job at any of the stores?

Other interesting high street stories: Dreams, Game, JJB sports, Clinton cards.

The ones to watch in 2013/14: Mothercare and The Body Shop.

Developments to follow: media and political focus on Google, Amazon and Apple following recent tax avoidance scandals.

JESSOPS – What went wrong?

Jessops, founded in Leicester 130 years ago, was one of a number of retail casualties at the start of 2013.

The company was put into administration in January after management failed to reach a restructuring agreement. It collapsed under debts of £81 million, a third higher than original estimates. The Telegraph reported in March that accounts contained within a PwC report showed that in the period from January to November 2012, the business made a loss before tax of £8.8 million on sales of £194.9 million. It was also reported that hMRC lost £1 million as Jessops folded.

British entrepreneur and Dragons Den star Peter Jones has since invested several million pounds into the company and formed Jessops Europe Limited which plans to open 30 stores across the UK.

HMV– What happened?

hMV collapsed into administration on 15 January 2013 with more than 1,500 job losses. The next day hMV Ireland declared receivership, and all Irish stores closed. Deloitte was appointed to deal with the administration of the company and talks took place with Asda and Morrisons. In April 2013, restructuring firm hilco UK announced that it had acquired hMV, taking the company out of administration and saving 141 of its stores and around 2,500 jobs.

BACK TO CONTENTS

19


What’s hot and what’s notAccording to the PwC and the Local Data Company retail store closure statistics, high street store closures increased tenfold last year, with the number of stores closed by retail chains expected to double from 14 a day to 28. The report found that payday loan stores and pound shops are the fastest-growing retailers on the high street, with card shops, computer game and health food stores the most depleted. Payday loan firms increased their high street presence by 20%, pawnbrokers were up 13%, and nearly two pound shops were opened weekly across the country.

As a budding accountant, it’s vital that you keep a close eye on developments in the business and finance worlds: key accountancy areas such as business recovery & insolvency, corporate finance and management accountancy rely on an accountant’s up-to-date knowledge and business acumen.

THE FUTURE OF THE aCCOUNTaNCy INDUSTRy

REPUBLIC

REPUBLIC Ernst & young (Ey) were appointed administrators to the Leeds-based fashion chain with 121 stores and 1,600 staff. Poor autumn trading results were cited for the problems – sales picked up briefly in December but dropped in January. After being bought by Sports Direct, which also bought all Republic’s stock, and sub-brands SoulCal, Fabric and Crafted, the company was integrated into the USC brand.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Internship Profiles

BACK TO CONTENTS

Audit AssistantRSM TENON

Audit AssistantKPMG22

24

BACK TO CONTENTS

22

NAMELOCATION UNIVERSITy DEGREE

xxxxxx xxxxxx

INTERNSHIP PROFIlES

ROSIE COOK

LOCATION UNIVERSITy DEGREEPLACEMENT TyPE

AberdeenUniversity of AberdeenAccountancy and FinanceSummer internship

audit assistant KPMg

I completed my internship with KPMG for eight weeks in the summer of 2011. The experience was invaluable and I was offered a graduate job at the end of the process which was an added bonus!

Why did you choose to do an internship?I chose to do an internship as it is a great way to get work experience and I knew it would strengthen my graduate job applications. It was also a great opportunity to learn about what ‘audit’ entails and I hoped it would confirm my future career path of becoming an auditor. The internship would give me an insight into the day to day operations of the job.

There was also the added bonus of being paid for the internship with KPMG. For someone like me, who had always worked during the summer break between university years, this was the perfect opportunity to earn money but also gain experience in an area I hoped to get a graduate job in.

The university had encouraged us to do an internship. There were many KPMG representatives and flyers on campus explaining the internship process and the lecturers encouraged us to look for internships to increase our graduate job prospects.

How did it tie in with your overall career plans?As I studied accountancy and finance at university, my aim was to use this degree in a relevant career. Once I had decided

that auditing may be the career for me, an internship seemed like the perfect opportunity to find out more about the job and help make a final decision on whether or not this was the job for me.

The great thing about the internship with KPMG is the opportunity to be offered a graduate job at the end of your placement. At the end of my placement I had my final partner interview in which I was required to prepare and perform a presentation on a company of my choice. Once this was over, the partner asked me a few short questions and then I was offered my job.

What was the application process like – do you have any advice?The application process is long and can seem quite daunting to start with, but each stage of the process can be broken down into smaller parts and overall it is

The most important lesson I learnt was to always ask questions.

you are not expected to know everything from

day one.

BACK TO CONTENTS

23


aUDIT aSSISTaNT

not as bad as it seems. Make sure you are enthusiastic at all stages and show your interest in the company’s values, which can be found on the website.

What attracted you to your role?I was attracted to audit because of the variety of the job. you will work on many different engagements and clients and the experiences will be invaluable.

I was attracted to an internship in Aberdeen in particular because of the booming oil industry. It is a great city to work in as there are many opportunities.

What were your main duties?My duties varied depending on whether I was in the office or out on a client site. During my internship I spent about three out of the eight weeks in the office and the remaining five at the client sites. This gave me a good idea as to how much time is spent in the office compared to out with clients.

Duties in the office included casting and checking financial statements, helping with graduate recruitment activities, expenses, and general admin. We also were asked to complete iXBRL accounts checking which involves a computer based tagging system where accounts are checked in great detail using a standard pro-forma.

The duties that I was asked to carry out at client sites varied depending on which job I was working on. you are given tasks by your ‘in-charge’ when you go out to the client site.

What were the most important things you learnt from the internship?The most important lesson I learnt was to always ask questions. you are not expected to know everything from day one and although you may feel like you are irritating the in-charge by asking them question after question, it is the only way to learn how to carry the job out and they are expecting you to ask questions!

Do you have any advice for someone seeking any internship?Be confident in your interview. When asked questions about past achievements or experiences, you should give them detailed explanations about how this showed your best qualities. They are looking for you to show them exactly why they should hire you. you need to give yourself the best chance by showing them the skills you have.

What skills did you acquire or improve during your internship?Communication skills are ultimately required as part of the application process, however I feel these were improved by the internship. you are actively encouraged to speak to clients and start to build relationships with the people who you may be working with again in the future.

The jobs I carried out when in the office and out at the client sites helped me develop the basic skills for auditing. These simple skills made a significant difference when it came to me starting my graduate job as I did not have to begin from scratch, unlike some of the other graduates.

BACK TO CONTENTS


24


xxxxxx xxxxxx

INTERNSHIP PROFIlES

NAME

I was delighted to find myself thrown straight into working life on joining RSM Tenon. I applied as part of the sandwich year in my maths degree, and as the seventh biggest uK accountancy firm, it was an attractive destination for my 12-month industrial placement as an audit assistant.

It was great to spend most of my time at different clients’ premises while performing statutory audits. The role was far more varied and ‘out there’ than I had anticipated. I worked with an audit senior, a partially or fully qualified accountant. It involved arriving at a client’s site on Monday morning and looking at audit files prepared by the client, along with key documents such as bank reconciliations and aged debtors reports.

The roleMost of my work was on the Profit and Loss section of the accounts: sales, purchases, payroll and other profit and loss items. I also tackled areas such as cash and bank and, depending on the size, risk and nature of the company, debtors and creditors or fixed assets.

The approach taken depended on the section of the file, and on whether I was testing for under or overstatement. RSM Tenon uses a Risk Materiality Analysis document, detailing all the sections of the file and determining the sample size for each balance, based on its relationship to materiality (significant for financial statements). The Audit Senior would plan the best approach to test the required

sample size and I would complete my own tests on cash & bank, sales, purchases, payroll and other P&L.

Working and communicating with the client was always crucial – and of course part of the challenge was working with clients who were very busy, or not immediately forthcoming with information. I learned how to be flexible, and how to manage time efficiently to meet the weekly deadline. I was left in no doubt that my input was important – I signed off various checklists of tailored audit questions, meeting company audit methodology and the International Standards for Auditing (ISAs). I also completed an opinion summary, summarising my findings from each section for the Manager and Partner to review. Where needed, I then followed up on any issues before moving on to the next audit.

Support along the waySupport was excellent at all stages of my relationship with RSM Tenon. The application process was clear, allowing me to prepare properly for each stage. I applied online, answering various questions, and after some online testing was invited for interview. This interview was important, and I recommend researching the relevant areas in advance as well as pulling together some examples of the competencies listed on the website, such as determination and time management.

At the start of the year I was sent on an intense training course to learn the basics in both

LOCATION UNIVERSITy DEGREEPLACEMENT TyPE

Basingstokeuniversity of BathMathematicsIndustrial placement

audit assistant rsM tenon

hATTIE JACKSON

BACK TO CONTENTS

25


accounting and auditing; this was extremely useful and also gave me the chance to get to know other new starters from the firm. RSM Tenon was on hand throughout, helping me to develop during the year. Senior auditors were always willing to help and guide me through testing and through completing feedback forms for each job. This also means that I have been able to track my progress and improve upon any highlighted strengths and weaknesses.

The outcomeAt the outset, I had felt that this role might be suited to my capabilities and personality: a good place to gain an overall education in business, and to learn about the accountancy industry. Working with different people in different locations on a regular basis also appealed to me. By the end of the year, I was definitely pleased with the choice.

I have developed many skills such as communication, responsibility and time management and a broad range of professional skills, such as technical accountancy knowledge and how to use business specific software. Some of the most important experiences were around learning better written and verbal professional communications with colleagues – this really helped to build confidence in myself. I have become more assured in myself and my abilities.

The placement provided incomparable insights into working life. It has been instrumental in starting me upon a possible future career path as well as ensuring personal and professional development – I can highly recommend a work placement to anyone seeking real experience in a professional environment.

The futureThe sheer scope of the RSM Tenon operation gave me the kind of exposure that is very valuable in terms of future career development. I worked with public sector, leisure, property development, technology, medical and cosmetic, wholesale trade, charity and telecommunications clients. This kind of diversity was an important attraction for me, and auditing gave me an unparalleled insight into different businesses and how they function.

This was very interesting work, and I want to pursue it. Without any prior accounting knowledge I really enjoyed the challenge of learning as I worked. As a mid-sized firm, RSM Tenon gave me hands on experience across the board, rather than forcing a narrow focus, and have I ended up feeling a fully capable audit assistant. I have also been able to begin my training towards the accountancy qualification, which I hope to continue with RSM Tenon once I have completed my degree.

aUDIT aSSISTaNT

I can highly recommend a work

placement to anyone seeking real experience

in a professional environment.

BACK TO CONTENTS


graduate Profiles

BACK TO CONTENTS

Audit PrinicpalNATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE

Audit SeniorALLIOTS

Corporate Tax AssistantBAKER TILLy

Audit TraineeBDO

34

32

28

30

BACK TO CONTENTS

28

gRaDUaTE PROFIlES

audit traineebdo


William Martire De La MareLondon university of EssexBSc (Hons) Sports & Exercise Science

I went to university with little idea of what I would end up doing. I studied Sports and Exercise Science at Essex university, which is a far cry from accountancy, but I’m a numerate person and excelled at mathematical subjects.

What’s a typical day?A typical day as an audit trainee at BDO involves client meetings, maintaining client relations, reviewing, testing and preparing client accounts, analysing and cross-checking financial details. I am constantly networking and have been lucky enough to represent BDO at events. I’m in a role which has clear progression, offers variety and is challenging. I am constantly learning about how businesses operate and the skills I gain on a daily basis through work and study are invaluable.

Do you travel?The job usually includes travelling to different locations with an average duration of two weeks. As an auditor you’re never in the same office for too long, particularly in a mid-tier firm, where the majority of the clients are mid-market companies.

I get exposure to a wide range of clients, from multiple sectors, listed companies, independently-run firms and a multinational specialist. I use the knowledge I gain during studies, as well as experience with clients, and apply it, in a different way, to each audit. No client is the same; they require different approaches. This makes for an interesting working day. BDO is an excellent place to

work and to learn about the accounting profession, as I’m surrounded by experienced and motivated work colleagues.

What was the application process like?Applying was very straightforward – I applied via the BDO website. They informed me in a couple of days that my application was successful and therefore I was able to sit my online tests. They were quick and similar to previous verbal reasoning and numerical tests I had completed.

A few days later I heard that I had passed the tests and I was invited for interview. The dates were flexible in case I couldn’t make it. The first interview lasts about an hour. I received an email by the time I got home from the first interview to say I was successful and inviting me to the next stage (the assessment centre). The assessment day was competitive but also fun and the people

No client is the same; they require different

approaches. This makes every working day

more interesting and challenging.

BACK TO CONTENTS

29


William Martire De La MareLondon university of EssexBSc (Hons) Sports & Exercise Science

aUDIT TRaINEE

I met through the process made me feel very relaxed. I received the call later the same day to inform me I had got the job.

My advice is, be confident, put your point across well, take on board others’ input, particularly during the group tasks, and ask questions.

The ACA is a combination of work and study, so is there time for anything else? It’s not all work and no play. Alongside balancing books, I have a keen interest in bodybuilding and I’m training hard towards competing nationally. On average I have done one or two bodybuilding competitions annually since starting with BDO, and each one takes around 20 weeks to prepare for. Between exams and competing I’m busy all year round, so you can have a life outside of work.

How do you manage full-time work, ACA study and bodybuilding?Being prepared and planning your time is important. I spend between 5-15 hours a week at the gym and at times can work long hours, so I have to plan my social calendar on a weekly basis! As well as my all-year-round training, I would say that around two months before an exam, the average study time is two to three hours daily. BDO gives all trainees study leave but I also need to free up some of my personal time to study. It does mean that before exams I have late nights of studying followed by getting up early in the morning to train.

I don’t think anyone who has done the ACA would say it’s easy, but the rewards for those who succeed are great.

What skills are useful in this sector? An inquisitive mind and a questioning nature are important. An auditor’s main role is to gain assurance that the accounts that are prepared by the clients are accurate and the clients are happy.

What’s next? Once I’ve qualified in December 2014, I hope to apply for a secondment within BDO to further my experience of accounting in different sectors, such as Mergers and Acquisitions or Financial Management. I would like to think that in ten years or so I will be at a senior management level, or possibly even a director or a partner...

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry? having experience with Excel and numbers can be a bonus, but not essential as you will get used to using them a lot on the job. however, don’t think of accounting as only a numbers person’s job; you will cover a vast amount of interesting topics while training and the insight into the everyday running of the business that you will get is invaluable. I don’t regret my decision to study sport. having a non-relevant degree makes me a more ‘well-rounded’ person and, particularly in a client-facing role, it is important to be able to develop good relationships, so being able to chat about more than just numbers is a bonus.

BACK TO CONTENTS


30

gRaDUaTE PROFIlES

Around the time of my GCSEs, everyone had to start thinking about career options. I’ve always been interested in maths and numbers, and it was at this time that my uncle, who was an audit manager, introduced me to the idea of a career in accountancy. he explained the type of work involved, the breadth of career opportunities available and the skills needed.

What does your current trainee role include?As a corporate tax assistant I may be inputting data into our software, researching complex tax legislation to deal with clients’ varying situations, liaising with HMRC regarding disputes or advising clients on issues that they don’t have the technical knowledge to deal with. For the most part it is not a 9 to 5 job – it can be a challenge working all day and then being motivated to do 12-15 hours revision throughout the week.

How did you hear about Baker Tilly’s vacancy? I became even more interested in accountancy as I completed modules in financial accounting at university. After becoming ICAEW Campus Ambassador* for the University of Sheffield, I knew that the ACA was the route I wanted to take to become a chartered accountant.

I heard about the Baker Tilly vacancy at the university of Sheffield through a careers fair that I was helping ICAEW with. I took the time to thoroughly research the firms offering the ACA qualification using the wealth of material offered by ICAEW. Baker Tilly really stood out for me; I applied a few months after graduating and was offered the job about four weeks later!

What challenges have you come across and how did you overcome these? The main challenge, which I’m sure is shared by all ACA students, is fitting study time with working full-time. It is difficult at times and quite draining, however a good revision plan and having study leave has helped me overcome this. The system that works best for me is to revise four nights a week for a couple of hours, then have most weekends off, unless there’s an exam around the corner!

Another challenge I have faced from day one of my training contract is maintaining professionalism in all communications. I have built up my confidence on the phone and strive to ensure all written communication is accurate and professional.

Corporate tax assistantbaker tilly


Jake RugmanBirmingham university of SheffieldAccounting and Financial Management and Mathematics

The main challenge, which I’m sure is shared by all ACA students, is fitting study time with

working full-time.

BACK TO CONTENTS

31


What top three skills are useful in your role?• Numeracy: a lot of tasks involve analysis

of data and understanding where figures have come from.

• Communication: in my role I am constantly communicating, be it with colleagues, hMRC or clients.

• Thinking outside the box: especially as you become senior in tax, clients’ complex situations will necessitate deep and thoughtful solutions that aren’t always obvious.

Any advice to current graduates for the application process? I recommend researching exactly what is involved in the ACA qualification and making sure you are able to manage the job and study. With the application process, my biggest piece of advice is to be yourself. The interviewer wants to see

what you are really like, not just that you’ve managed to learn example answers to all of their questions.

It is important to spend time before even the application stage to fully research the firm and role: don’t copy and paste the same application form to 20 firms!

What would you like to achieve in the future?Over the coming few years, I will have become ACA-qualified and will hopefully just be finishing off my CTA qualification. After that, I plan to stay at Baker Tilly, steadily gaining more responsibility and moving from compliance into advisory work.

* ICAEW Campus Ambassadors are recruited at 50 universities each academic term. They are paid to carry out on campus promotional activity. For more information on how to apply visit: www.icaew.com/careers

CORPORaTE Tax aSSISTaNT

BACK TO CONTENTS



32

gRaDUaTE PROFIlES

I believed that becoming a chartered accountant would offer constant development. I was not wrong!

I chose to study Accounting and Finance at university, not knowing what career I would like to pursue. The more knowledge I gained, the more determined I became to pursue a career in accountancy via the ACA. I felt that this career path would create a good foundation to advance my knowledge. I always enjoyed learning something new every day and my career at Alliotts chartered accountants and pursuing the ACA route is even better than I could have imagined.

Alliotts chartered accountants and business advisers is a medium-sized partnership. It specialises in providing advice and business support to growing businesses and the people who run them. Some of our services include: audit and accountancy, uK and international tax advice, corporate finance, outsourced book keeping and management accounts and payroll services. It is located in three key business locations: central London, harrow and Guildford.

Joining the firmI joined the firm as a trainee accountant at the Guildford office. The work never gets boring and each day is different. I provide services to a very diverse group of clients in different business sectors. I have performed basic bookkeeping for celebrities and attended an audit of famous brands.

Working in a medium-sized firm allows for more opportunities to be an important part of the team and work with other trainees and managers as well as partners. Also, as I progress within the ACA route, my effort is recognised, the work I perform becomes more complex, and I receive more responsibilities.

My career goalsWhen I was applying for jobs, I came across this question: ‘What would you like to be in five or ten years time?’ My answer was: to become a partner. I believe that, by choosing a smaller firm, the opportunity to climb the career ladder is greater than working for one of the ‘Big Four’ and being one of the 300 other trainees.

Looking at the work/life balanceBalancing work and study can be very challenging. It can be very stressful when the professional exams are round the corner and you have to go to work. I try to study in the evening and sometimes during my lunch break, but it can be hard to keep the motivation up. however, when the exam results are out and I have passed, it is a euphoric feeling. Also, being able to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the practice is very satisfying, particularly when you can stop bothering your manager and other colleagues every minute and complete the job yourself.

Developing your softer skillsBecoming a successful chartered accountant through the ACA does not only consist of


Agne JankeviciuteGuildford Kingston universityAccounting and Finance

audit senioralliots

BACK TO CONTENTS

33


studying towards professional exams and working. It also includes the development of soft skills. The main concern that I had when joining a smaller firm was whether I would receive structured training and support.

Having SWAT uK organise courses as well as provide additional training was a very important factor for choosing Alliotts. I can focus on

performing tasks to the best of my ability and not worry about finding course providers.

The development of softer skills is crucial, and becomes more important when the level of responsibility given increases and dealing with clients is a day to day task. Fortunately, the courses organised by SWAT UK provide all round support throughout each stage and every aspect of your professional development.

A little adviceMy advice would be that, when deciding whether to follow an ACA route, make sure you do extensive research on what type of firm you would like to join, what type of exposure you want to gain and what type of clients you would like to work with. I also recommend attending employment events and talking to firms’ representatives. When you do get invited to an interview, meeting someone you already know is a great ice breaker.

aUDIT SENIOR

I believe that, by choosing a smaller firm, the opportunity to climb

the career ladder is greater than working for

one of the ‘Big Four’.

BACK TO CONTENTS


34

gRaDUaTE PROFIlES


Jenny GloverLondonuniversity of SheffieldHistory and Hispanic Studies

audit Principalnational audit office

While my degree did not lend itself to an obvious career route, I knew that I was interested in the public sector, and that obtaining a job where I felt like I was making a difference was important to me. I applied to the National Audit Office (NAO), attracted by the opportunity of working for an organisation which holds the government to account, and whose work leads to direct improvements in the delivery of public services. To obtain the prestigious ACA qualification at the same time was a bonus.

Did you start your training straightafter university?I took some time out to do temporary jobs, to fund travel through Africa, Asia and Australia before start my training agreement. I began a three-year training contract at the NAO in April 2006, during which time I attended college on

block-release together with the rest of my graduate intake.

What was the training like?The training was intense and demanding, but incredibly valuable, providing a sound footing for a career in the public or private sector. I found college to be challenging, yet enjoyable, and the experience of supporting each other to pass the exams has led our intake to become good friends. The training at college was supplemented at the NAO by specific courses on our own audit methodology, and the unique aspects to consider as a public sector audit body.

What did your trainee work cover at NAO?The NAO has two key streams of work: financial audit, which involves the certification of the accounts of government bodies; and Value for Money (VFM) work, which involves the examination of specific government programmes with a view to making recommendations to improve delivery.

During my three years as a trainee, I had the opportunity to work on both streams, across a variety of government departments. This included the financial audit of the Department of health and a number of its Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), and VFM work examining such diverse topics as the 2012 Olympic Games and the provision of health services in England for alcohol misuse. Trainees are encouraged to take on real responsibility – for example, taking the lead on financial audits, which provides a real

I knew that I was interested in the

public sector, and that obtaining a job where I felt like I was making

a difference was important to me.

BACK TO CONTENTS

35


aUDIT PRINCIPal

sense of achievement and the opportunity to manage more junior staff.

What has been your career highlight so far? A particular highlight of my career at the NAO has been the opportunity to travel. Although the focus of the NAO’s work is to provide assurance to Parliament on the use of public funds, it has also been appointed the external auditor of a number of international organisations. As part of the audit of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), which works to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, and countries in South and Central America.

Have you used your language skills? Having studied Spanish at university, I enjoyed being able to put my language skills to good use, and working with international organisations like PAHO to help improve their governance and accountability was very rewarding.

Have you specialised in an area since becoming an ICAEW member?Following the ACA, I have chosen to specialise in VFM audit, and have taken on my first lead role on a VFM study in the education sector. I feel that the skills I have learned through my accountancy training, in addition to the experience I gained throughout my training contract, have set me in good stead to take on this role. The training enabled me to develop technical expertise, gave me skills in client liaison, in dealing with senior management, and the opportunity to manage staff on a wide variety of projects. I am pleased I chose to pursue the ACA qualification, and specifically at the NAO.

The work carried out by the NAO is high profile and has real impact, whether in improved service delivery, governance, or financial savings; knowing that my work directly contributes to this is satisfying. Our work is not only enjoyable, but makes a difference.

Find profiles from

people with your degree:


profile-search

BACK TO CONTENTS


www.insidecareers.co.uk/profile-search

senior Profiles

BACK TO CONTENTS

Chief Financial OfficerNBCU INTERNATIONAL

Former Head of FinanceALLIANCE BOOTS

REES POLLOCKPartner Designate

PartnerBLICK ROThENBERG LLP

44

42

40

38

BACK TO CONTENTS

38

SENIOR PROFIlES

xxxx

xxxx

xxxx

xxxx

Partner blick rothenberg llPRoss had always assumed his degree would lead him to a career in the IT industry before he discovered chartered accountancy. he explains his journey from trainee to partner at Blick Rothenberg LLP and the many rewards of being an accountant.

Why did you choose a career in chartered accountancy?I studied Information Systems at the University of Leeds and always thought that this would lead to a career within the IT industry. Despite gaining a graduate place at a well-known IT company, I discussed a career in chartered accountancy with my family and began considering this as option. Following an ‘Insight into Accountancy’ day with Deloitte, I really felt that my interest in this area, combined with the skills learnt in my degree, made chartered accountancy the right career choice for me, and I applied to Blick Rothenberg LLP.

I have always been a driven and career focused individual and Blick Rothenberg LLP has given me the space and ability to develop, gaining more responsibility over the years. 1 July 2008 was not only a pivotal point in my career when I became a partner; that same week I became a father for the first time and also celebrated my 30th birthday!

I have been able to use my skills and interest in IT by playing an active role in developing the IT systems within the Business Group. Not only this, but my client portfolio has a focus on technology and I have assisted with the setup of Blick Rothenberg’s Tech City office at London’s silicon roundabout – I have even started tweeting!

What do you enjoy most about your job?I really enjoy the variety of clients I work with, from uK subsidiaries of listed companies to UK owner managed businesses to small start-ups. I would say that 50% of my clients are based internationally, which means that my working day could be at any point within a 24 hour period, which I find really interesting. That said, I tend not to work through the night!

What’s great about working at a mid-sized firm like Blick Rothenberg LLP is that there are 22 other partners, each with their own specialisms, and this support network is really beneficial when providing your clients with the best possible advice.

During my time at Blick Rothenberg LLP my role has developed from being compliance focused to becoming

ROSS FABIAN

2006

2002

1999

Graduated from the university of Leeds and joined

Blick Rothenberg as a Trainee

qualified as a chartered accountant

Became a Manager within the Business Group

Made Partner at Blick Rothenberg within the Business Group

2008

BACK TO CONTENTS

39


PaRTNER

a business adviser with a commercial focus. Understanding the changing business environment that my clients operate in is absolutely critical. Additionally, I have built relationships with my clients in which I am a trusted business adviser and, in many cases, a good friend!

Whilst a manager I became a trustee of a new secondary school in my spare time and took on the role of financial director for the school. It has been really great to use my skills as a chartered accountant for this cause. For me personally, working for a socially responsible firm is really important and Blick Rothenberg LLP has a proud history of involvement with charitable organisations. I am now a trustee of a children’s charity which I really enjoy and find very rewarding; Blick Rothenberg LLP

are very supportive of this for which I am extremely grateful.

What makes a good accountant?Having a true understanding of my clients, their business and the people that operate within their business, is crucial as this helps to provide the best possible client service, tailored to their bespoke requirements.

As a partner I am part of a management team at Blick Rothenberg LLP and therefore have a responsibility to appraise and mentor staff. I think what really helps me to be successful in my role as a mentor is that I have also been a trainee, senior and manager at the firm and truly understand the challenges faced at each stage of the evolving career of a chartered accountant. As a result I can help employees to make the decisions that are the best for them.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to get into accountancy?The most important piece of advice I can give is make sure you learn something every day from the moment you start your career. Make sure you ask questions and absorb as much information as you can – ask managers and partners if you can attend meetings with them, it’s a great way to learn.

Blick Rothenberg LLP provides trainees with exposure to a varied client portfolio and responsibility early on; my advice would be to take these opportunities in order to get the best experience possible.

I have built relationships with my clients in which I am a trusted business adviser and, in many cases, a good friend!

BACK TO CONTENTS


40

SENIOR PROFIlES

Peter has progressed from graduate trainee to partner, all whilst working at the same firm. he discusses working for a leading single-office accountancy firm and shares some of the perks of being an accountant.

I have spent the first part of the 21st century developing as an accountant with Rees Pollock. It has been worth it.

My career so far has seen many highs and some lows which have provided me with both fun and learning opportunities to help me to get to where I am today.

Tell us a bit about yourselfI am currently an audit manager at Rees Pollock, due to become a partner later this year. My responsibilities include:

• On the client-facing side most of my work relates to audits, but I am also involved with tax compliance and providing various ad hoc advice to clients on a variety of issues including financial reporting and financial services.

• Internally I am personally responsible for overseeing the development of staff and often give training to junior members of the firm.

In October I will become a partner, the latest of a number of people who have joined Rees Pollock as graduates and gone on to become partners.

Tell us about how you got startedI joined Rees Pollock just over ten years ago having recently graduated from university. I had been for interviews at a number of firms, but Rees Pollock seemed the best fit for me. It was a small firm (at the time the firm had just five partners and around 30 staff), but the high academic entry requirements and starting salary on offer made it clear that the job would be at least as challenging as those on offer at bigger firms.

The flexibility of a small firm and the opportunity to work with bright people appealed to me and it was apparent from the interview process (which was relaxed but probing and quite dissimilar to the interviews at other firms) that the firm’s approach to personal development is tailored to individual needs and not constricted by a set of standard procedures.

How have things progressed since then?Since I joined the firm has grown somewhat – there are now

PETER SCOTT

2013

Due to become a Partner at Rees Pollock in October.

2007

Became an Audit Manager

2005

Progressed from Audit Junior to Audit Senior

2002

Joined Rees Pollock

2001

Graduated with a degree in mathematics from Cambridge

Partner designate rees Pollock

BACK TO CONTENTS

41


eight partners and around 60 staff and the firm occupies plush new offices next to Blackfriars tube station – but the firm still has the same friendly atmosphere. As well as being an audit manager I am also a regular goal scorer for the firm’s 5-a-side football team and, at the time of writing, I hold the title of Rees Pollock 5,000m champion. While these are not directly related to my day-to-day work, they do give me bragging rights in the pub!

What does your job involve doing?There is obviously a fair amount of hard work involved in my job. Client deadlines have to be met and this will sometimes involve a few late nights (April is usually a particularly busy time). Generally though, the work/life balance of the job is good and compares well to other city jobs.

A typical day for me will involve a lot of interaction, both with clients and colleagues. As the main point of contact for most of my clients, I will receive various queries by phone or email each day and these have to be dealt with in a timely manner. On any week I will usually have two or three teams of colleagues involved in client audits and it is

my responsibility to liaise with them regularly to ensure things are going smoothly.

Why should anyone want to be an accountant?For anyone interested in a career in business, an accountancy qualification is a useful thing to have. A three year training contract is a great way to get a broad business background and the advantage is you don’t need to specialise in a particular area until you are a fair way into your career. Nowadays I am mainly focused on acting for financial services businesses, but for the first few years of my career I was able to be involved with clients in a variety of different industries.

Obviously no normal person grows up wanting to be an accountant but once you have dispensed with your childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut or a premier league footballer you may well find that accountancy starts to make sense.

Accountancy is not for everyone, but if you have a good analytical brain and are interested in a career in the services sector then you probably have an accountant inside you waiting to get out.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?Be prepared to work hard but also be excited. you are about to get into an industry that can provide you with a variety of work, the chance to meet people and – most importantly – a lot of fun. There is no need to map out your entire career from day one – the important thing to start with is to make sure you choose the right firm with which to train. I was lucky to find a firm where I was able to work with people I get on with and I was given the sort of tasks and responsibility that I found interesting.

PaRTNER DESIgNaTE

you are about to get into an industry that can provide you with a variety of work, the

chance to meet people and – most importantly –

a lot of fun.

BACK TO CONTENTS


42

SENIOR PROFIlES

PAUL STEEPLES

After nearly 25 years in the business, Paul has worked his way from audit trainee to head of finance. As he stops to enjoy a career break, he looks back over his career so far and gives some insider tips on working in finance and the retail sector.

former head of finance alliance boots

How did you hear about the Arthur Andersen vacancy and what did you enjoy about your training?As part of my degree I could do a sandwich year placement. I was keen to do this with one of the big accountancy practices and most offered sandwich placements. Arthur Andersen attended the Loughborough careers fair, which gave me an insight into the people and work I would do.

What I enjoyed about accountancy practice was the variety within the role – there was rarely a typical week. Audit assignments lasted one or two weeks. I moved between clients frequently, learning about new businesses and building relationships with the finance teams so they could provide the support and information required to complete the audit. Routine elements of the role included bank reconciliations, preparing audit schedules, conducting audit testing and performing stock counts.

Did you always want to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant?I decided on a career in accountancy whilst studying A Level economics. Economics gave me a broader interest in business which I felt could be best pursued through gaining an accountancy qualification. I was driven by a desire for success. At the time I was making my A Level and degree choices the majority of finance directors in FTSE 100 companies were ACAs – I believe that remains the case today. A career path to managing director via ACA and finance director was a well-trodden route.

Having worked at senior levels of industry, what has been your career highlight so far? I have many highlights from the various roles and companies I’ve worked for. The majority of these boil down to working with, training or developing people. At Arthur Andersen, I was seconded to the world-wide training centre in St Charles, Chicago to help develop training material. I lectured new audit trainees at Arthur Andersen’s European training centre in Segovia, Spain. At Rolls-Royce, I was seconded to mergers and acquisitions and learnt a huge amount about corporate finance processes. My highlights in Boots include leading the people agenda for finance, successfully launching

2004

Became Head of Finance, moving around Marketing, Operations, & IT

1998-2002

Progressed through different roles from Projects Manager to Business

Development Manager

1996

Joined Boots as a Financial Review Analyst

1994

Moved to Rolls-Royce Plc as an Internal Auditor

1989-1994

qualified as an auditor at Arthur Andersen

1989-1994

Career break

2013

BACK TO CONTENTS

43


FORmER HEaD OF FINaNCE

a finance graduate scheme at Boots and introducing the ACA qualification.

How has the ACA has helped your career progression?The ACA qualification develops a range of skills and knowledge which have been essential in many aspects of my career. A grounding in technical accounting and understanding accounting standards is the foundation for almost all finance roles. Working in an audit practice gives a broad insight into different businesses through the numerous audits I worked on. It allows you to meet and work with a range of clients. This breadth has given me useful experience, particularly in relationship building which has been essential throughout my career.

What do you enjoy about working in the retail sector?I’ve worked in the retail sector for the majority of my career. I have a passion for retail, which has grown over my time working in the sector. Retail is fast paced, continually changing and developing. It is easy to relate to retail customers as we are all shoppers. I enjoy the opportunity to:• Make a tangible difference to the

business and help improve the overall performance.

• Think strategically about the future direction of the business and deliver these plans in the business.

What are the challenges and opportunities the retail sector faces today?Today’s economic climate has a big impact on the confidence of businesses and consumers. Some businesses are struggling to get funding whilst others have cash available but little confidence to invest in further growth opportunities. Consumers have less disposable income and are reluctant to take on debt to fund spending. In response, retail is more price competitive which results in an increasing number of failing retailers. This has a negative impact on the shopping experience of many high streets as more shops are empty. Retailers now must be ready to seize opportunities as they arise – for example, new store locations that may become available.

How can graduates contribute to these changes and opportunities?All employees must be flexible and adapt to changes in the economy. Think about how you, as a graduate, can demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability – these are transferrable skills which you may bring from being involved in a team sport, university society or part-time job.

What is your advice to graduates wanting to work in the retail sector?Research and understand the retail sector and the specific businesses that you’re interested in working for: • Visit shops – the specific retailer and

their competitors. • If you aren’t a customer of particular

retail brands talk to others who are (friends, family etc).

• Visit different formats of retailers’ shops, for example out of town and convenience stores.

• ‘Google’ them – research online to look at retailers’ websites, corporate pages and what is in the news about them.

• The annual report and accounts is a fantastic source of information, not just on the numbers but on the business itself, and will often give useful information about customers, business model, consumer markets and recent significant activity – which will be great background and show that you are interested in the business.

Any ‘insider’ tips for graduates looking to secure finance roles or internships? Try to get as much work experience as possible. It doesn’t have to be office based – look for opportunities to develop skills which will be transferrable to the corporate environment, such as team leadership, decision-making and dealing with customers. Think about people you know that can help with work experience or approach companies which offer work experience direct. It’s vital you are clear why you want a finance role (this is true for any area of the business) so that the recruiter can see that you’ve thought about your career choices. It’s not sufficient to say ‘I like working with numbers’!

BACK TO CONTENTS


44

SENIOR PROFIlES

What was it like to study for the ACA and work full-time? It was a challenging time adjusting to work as well as studying, especially with all of the social activities London has to offer a graduate with money in their pocket. It was and still is important to learn to work under pressure; I still remember the pressure of having to sit exams like it was yesterday. When I was studying there was the risk of losing your job if you fell short on an exam and the day you qualified there was a real sense of achievement.

Some people know at the age of ten they want to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant – was that you? I think you have other issues you need to deal with if you want to be a chartered accountant at ten years old! I fell into the profession but I do have sympathy with the pressure on today’s students to build a CV at an early age.

Having worked at senior levels of industry, what has been your career highlight so far?I’ve been lucky to work in fast-paced business environments. There have been many highlights, but if pushed to name one, it was being hired by NBCU. It was a company that when interviewing felt like a really good fit for me, so being hired was a special day. The best aspect of working for NBCU International is the culture of the company and its people. How did you end up in the entertainment industry and what advice do you have for graduates wanting to work in this area?I didn’t choose a career in the entertainment sector. After qualifying I went to a recruiter, who asked if I was open to a job with travel. I was and I got a job working for Sony across their Music and Film divisions in corporate audit, travelling the world. I saw it as backpacking with a Samsonite! At Sony I spent 70% of my time travelling for three years between Europe, Latin America and Asia and since then my career has involved business travel, but I have not had a permanent overseas placement. I would like that experience if it became available.

My general advice for those wanting to work in the entertainment industry would be to try and work for good

In his finance career within the music and entertainment industry, Rowan has travelled the world. he talks us through his career so far, from qualifiying as an ACA at Saffery Champness to becoming Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NBCU International.

ROWAN CONN

2004

Became CFO at universal Pictures International

2002

Joined Mean Fiddler Music Group PLC as Finance Director

2000

Moved to become Finance Director at Extravaganza Records

1996

Became Finance Manager at Sony Corporation of America

1991 - 1996

Worked as an Accountant at Saffery Champness

Chief financial officernbCu International

2011

CFO at NBCu International – Film & Television divisions

BACK TO CONTENTS

45


leaders and don’t be afraid to move around to gain experience or be put off by a job because it isn’t in a particular sector. In your early career you can afford to move around accumulating knowledge and refining what you want to do in the medium term.

What are the differences between working in the music and film industries? Both businesses have similar challenges, however, I have found film to have a much greater awareness of the challenges to the industry than music was at the time I worked in it.

How has the ACA qualification helped your career progression? The ACA qualification is well recognised, but for me what differentiates the ACA experience from the other qualifications is the client focus. I still see that today and generally I can tell who is an ACA and who is not.

What are the challenges and opportunities the entertainment sector faces in today’s economic climate? Entertainment isn’t recession proof and we are facing similar challenges to other

business sectors. Southern Europe across all our divisions is in stress and in the uK the loss of traditional retail for our DVD business is challenging.

At our heart we are a content company and good content continues to connect with the consumer. Digital business is now more than an exciting growth opportunity: it is an area that is significant today and forecast to grow rapidly.

CFO

Try and work for good leaders and don’t be

afraid to move around to gain experience or be put

off by a job because it isn’t in a particular sector.

Find more profiles

online:


acc

BACK TO CONTENTS



finding the right Job

BACK TO CONTENTS

ChOOSING ThE RIGhT EMPLOyER

WORK ExPERIENCE & INTERNSHIPS

EDUCATION AND SKILLS48

50

52

BACK TO CONTENTS

48

FINDINg THE RIgHT JOb

you might be surprised about what skills and qualifications accountancy employers are looking for. There are many different entry points to the accountancy profession, whether you’re a graduate, a school leaver or a professional looking to move industry.

what grades do I need?eduCatIon and sKIlls

Do I need a degree?The majority of students entering accountancy training agreements each year are graduates. However, you don’t need a degree to train as a chartered accountant – you can also enter the profession directly from school after A Levels, or after completing the AAT qualification.

you may be surprised to learn that you don’t even need A Level maths to study for the ACA either, or a degree in accountancy, business or finance. you can study any A Levels or degree discipline you want. It’s the result that counts, not the subjects you studied!

What grades do I need?Entry requirements vary across organisations, many of which set their selection criteria at a high level. however, in our experience, the minimum grades employers are looking for are:

• A 2:1 in any degree subject (some organisations accept a 2:2, check our employer directory at the back of the guide for specific details from each company).

• At least two A Levels and three GCSEs with A – C grades, including A or B in maths and English GCSE. International Baccalaureate or equivalent school-leaving certificate qualifications are also welcomed.

• A UCAS tariff score of 280 or above (general studies often not included). Places are competitive, so to gain a training position with some companies, you will need to have a uCAS tariff score of 300 or above.

If you have a non-UK qualification, check whether it counts with the National Academic Recognition Information Centre at:

BACK TO CONTENTS

49


EDUCaTION aND SkIllS

www.naric.org.uk. The UCAS website: www.ucas.ac.uk and International Baccalaureate website www.ibo.org offer help to calculate your tariff score.

Employers include their minimum selection criteria in their profiles at the back of this guide or on their website – you should use this information to help you to target your applications. Generally, employers stick to the criteria they have stated, but if there is good reason for not meeting their requirements, you should provide an explanation in your application.

Training to be a chartered accountant is hard work and covers elements such as basic accounting and tax, through to business strategy and law. your employer provides the ongoing support and necessary technical work throughout your training and into your career. Because the training is so rigorous, employers will not offer you a training agreement unless they believe you can succeed; research shows a clear correlation between past academic achievements and success in the ACA examinations.

Employability skills Recruiters look for a broad range of personal skills, not just academic ability. Having demonstrated your sharp mind,

you’ll also need to show that you have the right character and outlook. That means being good with people (particularly clients), at ease with numbers and interested in the way an organisation’s financial matters impact on performance.

As well as being quick-witted, imaginative, independent, confident and outgoing, employers are looking for candidates to posses the following skills:

• Teamwork• Communication• Presentation skills• Decision making skills• Problem solving skills.

Being able to demonstrate where and when you have used these skills and traits is vital when in an interview or writing applications. Don’t forget to take into account the skills you have developed in your part-time jobs and voluntary work when answering questions.

Commercial awareness is important too; you need to be able to show that you have an understanding of the industry and factors, such as the impact of economic issues and how they affect the organisation you have applied to.

understanding the organisation, their clients and the market they are in will also demonstrate your awareness of the sector. A good place to find information is an employer’s website, but remember to only speak about the elements you fully understand and can elaborate upon. Be careful not to repeat the website word for word as you will look under prepared. This will not impress the interviewer.

The employment process can be rigorous – in today’s competitive climate, graduate employers want the best candidates – so why not maximise your chances of success by getting some work experience first? Find out more on page 50.

Recruiters look for a broad range of personal skills, not just academic

ability.

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.naric.org.uk

http://www.ucas.ac.uk

http://www.ibo.org

50


According to the High Fliers report ‘The Graduate Market in 2013’, more than a third of entry-level positions for graduates are filled by people who have already had work experience with that employer, whilst over half of recruiters warned that they were unlikely to offer a job to graduates with no work experience. Find out more about the importance of placements and internships and where to find them.

The number of work experience places in accountancy and professional services is on the rise. 1,756 were on offer for 2013, a 12.3% rise from the previous year. Work experience is a great way to show employers you have the interest and ability to work as a chartered accountant. The experience can give you an understanding of the industry and help you to decide whether or not this is the career for you, as well as look great on your CV.

The two main types of work experience are internships and placements. Placements, also known as ‘a year in industry’ are opportunities available on specific degrees to take a year out of studying to work for a company in a related industry. Internships usually only last a few weeks and are not linked to a degree course.

PlacementsSome accounting, business and finance degree courses will give students the option to take a placement year as part of the degree. Some firms based locally to universities may offer placements, especially if the school of study has good business links. Larger national employers may offer these programmes too; at least half of companies in the High Fliers survey offered industrial placements. Placement years can help you to:

• Gain invaluable industry experience.• Increase subject knowledge, potentially

helping with your course marks.• Build employability skills. • Apply the theory from your degree.• Earn money to support yourself through • your studies.• Help secure a graduate position

post-graduation.

Most universities that offer placement years will have a dedicated department to assist your placement search, but students can also search for and contact employers directly. University careers fairs can be a good place to start.

InternshipsInternships are often completed over the summer holidays. Larger firms often have formal programmes available, normally for second year students. If you are interested in an internship, the key is to research and apply early: the ideal time to find out about application deadlines is at the end of your first year. Formal internships are popular among students, as they can provide up to twelve weeks of experience.

Accountancy internships are usually paid, but smaller firms may offer shorter, unpaid internships to individual students which can be equally as useful.

Alternative types of work experienceunfortunately in today’s competitive market there are not enough opportunities for every student interested in work experience. Therefore it’s important to continually think about building your CV while at university. If you haven’t been able to secure work experience in chartered accountancy, have you considered…

• Volunteering as a treasurer for a university club or society? Being treasurer of a sports club could prove useful in an interview situation and on a CV. This role demonstrates to employers that you will have experience of budgeting, basic accounts and expenditure. It will show that you can balance work, study and outside interests as well as hold a position

work experience &InternshIPs

BACK TO CONTENTS

51


wORk ExPERIENCE aND INTERNSHIPS

of trust, accountability and authority.• your part-time job? Employers always

look for customer-facing experience, as it is crucial to an accountancy role. you could also ask to be involved in company stock takes. OK, no one likes working late, but putting this in your CV shows some of the key skills required for an audit and shows that you are committed, able to take on extra responsibility and have a good understanding of a commercial business. you’ll be able to comment on which products sell well and potentially which are a bad investment, all from your Saturday job.

• What you did on your gap year? If you have travelled, maybe taught English abroad, think about how this could benefit a future employer. you can work cross cultures, work alone or as part of a team, meet different people and possibly speak foreign languages.

So the truth is, while internships, work experience and placements are useful to securing a training agreement, other

experience you gain through university life and in part-time jobs can also benefit future employers with transferable skills and commercial awareness.

Getting the application rightEngaging with employers is just the first step to gain experience. Many undergraduates fall short on the quality of their application. Poor written English (yes even from English graduates), bad spelling, not answering the questions and missing deadlines are nothing a graduate employer hasn’t seen before. To ensure an application is the best that it can be, complete it in plenty of time and don’t be afraid to ask a careers adviser, or trusted flat mate, to read through it.

The recruitment process for work experience can be just as rigorous as for a permanent graduate role, and involve online tests, interviews and assessment centres, depending on the employer. Find out more about the accountancy application process and advice on how to succeed at www.insidecareers.co.uk/acc

TOP FIVE PLACES TO FIND INTERNShIPS AND PLACEMENTS:

We’ve all heard stories of desperate graduates painting their faces or sending pizza boxes to employers in a last ditch attempt to find their dream job. Fortunately a career in chartered accountancy does not require such drastic measures.

1. Inside Careers Find and apply for work experience and internships on our website: www.insidecareers.co.uk you can also find accountancy company profiles and graduate jobs here.

2. ICAEW Training Vacancies ICAEW provide an online and hard copy guide detailing many of the internships, placements and work experience opportunities. The hard copy guide is available free at careers centres and fairs, or for up to date listings visit www.icaew.com/careers

3. University careers centres your careers service will be able to help you with CVs as well as give advice about applying for work experience. They may also know of firms looking for dedicated students. If you are studying accountancy, why not ask your lecturers and personal tutors for names of firms and useful contacts?

4. Campus events and visits Make the most of employers visiting your campus. Many chartered accountancy firms, along with ICAEW, will hold presentations, networking sessions and exhibit at university careers fairs. Often trainee ACAs attend, which is a great way to find out about opportunities and to find out what the role involves, so take advantage of face-to-face networking.

5. Your own research Research online which firms cater for internships, placements and work experience. A polite call or good covering letter could reveal a bespoke opportunity. Avoid blanket applications though – a few targeted and well-researched applications will yield more results.

BACK TO CONTENTS



http://www.insidecareers.co.uk


52


Where you choose to train and work as an accountant will directly affect your day to day activities, salary and career prospects. Make sure you know the differences and relative advantages and disadvantages of different areas of industry and sizes of firm before making an informed decision about where to start your career.

Deciding what type of employer you would like to work for is one of those important choices that you have to make when you start looking for work. Different sectors all have their own advantages and disadvantages: it’s down to you to decide what suits your personality and career aspirations best.

An ICAEW Chartered Accountant can choose to work in any sector and in all sizes of organisation: there is no typical employer. Although the majority of ICAEW training agreements tend to be offered in public practice, there are a growing number of training agreements in banks and businesses.

With over 3,500 registered training offices, recruiters will look for evidence that you have researched the sectors and specialist areas you are interested in. Showing that you can differentiate employers by size, by their services, their clients and what sector they operate in will reflect well on you in interviews. The ACA qualification remains the same regardless of where you are working, so it is important to find an authorised training employer who suits you.

WHERE CAN I TRAIN? Public practice Public practices provide a variety of accounting and business services to clients. These are accountancy firms that offer fee-paying services, ranging from audit and tax to management consultancy and forensic accounting.

Within public practice there are large international firms, including the ‘Big Four’ global accountancy firms - PwC, Ey, KPMG and Deloitte – as well as medium and small accountancy firms, known as small and

choosing the righteMPloyer

Within public practice there are large

international firms, including the ‘Big Four’ – PwC, Ey, KPMG and

Deloitte.

BACK TO CONTENTS

53


medium practices (SMPs). Large firms have offices in major towns and cities around the country and abroad, providing the possibility of travel, and often have hundreds of trainees at any one time, allowing you to specialise in specific areas early on.

Smaller firms may be concentrated in one location or specialise in a particular type of client. At a smaller firm you will have the opportunity to gain a broader experience, providing an all-round service to clients on a more personal basis and achieve responsibility early on in your training.

Public sectorThe public sector includes local and central government, charities and not-for-profit organisations. Examples include The National Audit Office, NhS and Department of Work and Pensions, which trains ICAEW Chartered Accountants.

If you work in the public sector you will quickly develop commercial and decision-making skills as you allocate and monitor resources – helping to see that they’re efficiently and effectively employed to give value for money. Many graduates look towards the public sector to develop their career because it provides the opportunity for a work/life balance and the chance to give something back to society.

As well as training and working directly in the public sector, there are many opportunities

with professional services firms to work within specialist public services practices, advising client organisations in the public sector.

Industry and commerce After qualification many accountants move into industry and commerce. This includes major commercial companies, such as those in the manufacturing, retail and telecoms industries. Many of these businesses also offer ACA training themselves, including Centrica and McDonald’s.

Financial services can include global banks with departments that offer ICAEW training agreements. Examples are Goldman Sachs, hSBC and Macquarie. Typically accountants working within financial services work in middle office banking roles, such as working in control, monitoring trade activity.

BEyOND TRAININGThree years may seem like a long time when you are at university, but in the world of work that time will pass quickly. Whatever size or type of organisation you choose to train with, your career opportunities are endless; the ACA qualification opens doors to all business sectors. Once qualified you will not be limited in your opportunities to gain exposure to larger companies or experience within a specific sector.

In the meantime it’s really up to you to see what you enjoy most and decide what type of environment suits you best!

CHOOSINg THE RIgHT EmPlOyER

BACK TO CONTENTS


The Institute & qualifications

Find out more about

accountancy qualifications:


acc

BACK TO CONTENTS


CFAB

BECOMING AN ICAEW CHARTERED ACCOuNTANT

ABOuT ICAEW56

58

61

BACK TO CONTENTS

56

THE INSTITUTE & QUalIFICaTIONS

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a leading professional body for the accountancy and finance professions. Their members provide financial knowledge and guidance based on the highest professional, technical and ethical standards.

As a professional membership organisation, we support over 140,000 chartered accountants in more than 160 countries around the world. Our members work in a wide variety of roles across all industry sectors – from CEOs and finance directors of global companies, to owners of small accountancy firms on the high street. ICAEW members provide financial knowledge and guidance based on the highest professional, technical and ethical standards. ICAEW Chartered Accountants use ACA or FCA after their name. They are taught to listen and question, to ensure that the decisions and recommendations they make are of the highest standard. They have in-depth knowledge and technical expertise gained from rigorous training, and the ability to apply it to all financial situations. ICAEW members are bound by a code of ethics ensuring their professionalism and responsibility to their clients.

BENEFITS OF ICAEW MEMBERSHIP When you start training for the ICAEW’s chartered accountancy qualification, the ACA, you will become an ICAEW student member. While you’re training you’ll have access to a wide range of ICAEW resources to help you progress: Student society you’ll become a member of your local ICAEW student society free of charge, which is a great way to meet and network with other ACA students. Many societies also offer exam revision, career development programmes and social events.

ICAEW Business CentreStudent members can use the ICAEW Business Centre. Located on the ground floor of Chartered Accountants’ Hall in Moorgate, it has a café; PCs; free Wi-Fi and houses our business library, which has the largest collection of uK accountancy, audit and tax resources in the world.

ACA study resourcesOnline information, guidance and resources are available to all students at: www.icaew.com/students which contains ACA study resources including past exams, webinars and examiners’ feedback. There is also a student online community for you to meet and share ideas with trainees throughout the uK and internationally.

ICAEW student support helplineSpecialist advisory teams are on hand to support you throughout your career and help with any problems, issues or questions. Advice is free and confidential. Whether

aboutICaeW

BACK TO CONTENTS

57


abOUT ICaEw

it is a technical or ethical query, or the need for career guidance, the support lines are able to help. For financial or emotional assistance you also have access to the Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (CABA).

Relevant communication to help with careers and studyStudents receive ICAEW publications including the monthly ICAEW member magazine, economia and the quarterly student magazine VITAL. A regular e-newsletter is sent to all student members with information to keep you up to date with the latest developments and resources as you progress through the ACA training.

Finally, as an ACA student you will also benefit from exclusive student discounts and are able to apply for an NUS extra card.

ONCE qUALIFIED Our members can work in any industry they choose, in any type or size of organisation. As an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, you’ll be recognised as having the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, up-to-date technical expertise and the capability of a qualified professional.

Our members can work in any industry they

choose, in any type or size of organisation.

BACK TO CONTENTS


58


As ICAEW Chartered Accountant, you will have trained for and successfully completed the components of the ACA. The bonus is that, you will have the opportunity to work full time while you train. This article gives an overview of the qualification and how to become a chartered accountant.

The ACA qualification is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. It has integrated components which give you in-depth understanding across accountancy, finance and business. Combined, they help build the technical knowledge, professional skills and practical experience needed to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

How it worksThe components are designed to complement each other, which means that you can put theory into practice and understand and apply what you learn into your day to day work. The components are:

Professional developmentICAEW Chartered Accountants are known for their professionalism and expertise. Professional development prepares you to successfully handle a variety of different situations that you will encounter throughout your career.

The ACA qualification improves your ability and performance in seven key areas: • Adding value• Communication

• Consideration• Decision making• Problem solving• Team working• Technical competence.

Ethics and professional scepticismEthics is more than just knowing the rules around confidentiality, integrity, objectivity and independence. It’s about identifying ethical dilemmas, understanding the implications and behaving appropriately. ICAEW integrates ethics throughout the ACA qualification to develop your ethical capabilities – so in a world of scrutiny and accountability you’ll always know how to make the right decision and justify it.

3-5 years practical work experiencePractical work experience, or on-the-job training, is done as part of a training agreement with one of ICAEW’s 2,850 authorised training employers around the world. you need to complete 450 days, which normally takes between three and five years. The knowledge, skills and experience you gain as part of your training agreement is invaluable, giving you the opportunity to put what you learn into practice – all while earning a competitive salary.

your training agreement also outlines the support you’ll receive from your employer, including paid tuition, study leave and mentoring. It ensures that all ACA trainees receive the highest quality and standard of training possible.

Accountancy, finance and business modulesEach of the ACA modules is directly relevant to the work that you will do on a day to day

becoming anICaeW Chartered aCCountant

BACK TO CONTENTS

59

basis. you will gain in-depth knowledge across a broad range of topics in accountancy, finance and business, allowing you to confidently progress through the qualification.

There are 15 modules with exams over three levels.

Certificate levelThere are six modules introducing you to the fundamentals of accountancy, finance and business. They each have a 1.5 hour computer-based assessment which you can sit at any time.

Most graduates complete the first six modules within the first year of their training agreement. however you can take some Certificate Level modules before you start a training agreement, either through the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB) or credit for prior learning. If you have studied accounting, finance or business at degree level or through another professional qualification, you may be eligible for credit.

Professional levelThe next six modules build on the fundamentals you have already learnt, and test your understanding and ability to apply technical knowledge to real-life scenarios. Each module has a 2.5-3 hour exam, which takes place four times per year.

These modules are flexible and you can take them in any order to fit with your practical work experience. The Business Planning: Taxation and Business Strategy modules help your progression to the Advanced Level.

Advanced levelThe Corporate Reporting and Strategic Business Management modules test your understanding and strategic decision making at a senior level. They present real-life scenarios, with increased complexity and implications from the Professional Level modules.

The case study tests all your knowledge, skills and experience gained so far. It presents a complex business issue which challenges your ability to problem solve, identify the ethical implications and provide an effective solution. The case study is fully open book, so it replicates a real-life scenario where you have all the resources at your fingertips.

A highly rewarding careerIf you’re looking for a highly rewarding career in accountancy, finance or business – become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Go to www.icaew.com to find out more or go to page 38 to read about where ICAEW Chartered Accountants are working and where the ACA qualification can take you.


bECOmINg aN ICaEw CHaRTERED aCCOUNTaNT

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.icaew.com

http://www.icaew.com


60


BACK TO CONTENTS

61


ICaEw CFab

ICAEW CFAB – fast facts• Getting started: no formal academic

entry requirements needed.• What you’ll learn: essential knowledge

in finance, accounting and business.• Modules: covers the same six

modules of the Certificate level of the ACA qualification, the first level of ICAEW’s leading chartered accountant qualification.

• Study: you can study in your own time to fit around other commitments. Study options include online, classroom tuition, self-study and more.

• Timing: the certificate can be gained in one year – but you can go at your own pace.

• Exams: six computer-based exams – can be taken in any order and at any time.

• Exam credit: credit is available for five out of six modules for students with components of finance, accounting or business in their degrees.

• Credibility: once you’ve passed all the exams, you’ll get an internationally recognised certificate from ICAEW to prove your achievement and knowledge.

Why choose ICAEW CFAB?• Get ahead: improve your knowledge

and skills to help you get ahead in the job market. It helps show prospective employers you are ambitious and self-motivated.

• New career: if you are considering a career in business, finance or accounting, you can study ICAEW CFAB to see if it’s right for you.

• More career options: a solid grounding in business, finance and accounting can help open up new career options for you.

• Career path into chartered accountancy: the certificate can be gained as part of your journey towards chartered accountancy, because it consists of the first level modules of the ACA.

• Gap year: make your gap year count by gaining key knowledge and a certificate to demonstrate your achievement.

What do our UK and international ICAEW CFAB students say?• ‘It got me jobs that I would not have

got before.’ • ‘When I graduate, I’ll already have one

certificate in my hand which will help me when I apply for jobs.’

• ‘After studying CFAB, I can actually see the bigger picture of the business world. I believe CFAB is my next ticket for my journey into the competitive business world.’

• ‘It will definitely enhance my long-term career options.’

More informationFor more details and how to register, visit www.icaew.com/cfab or email [email protected]

A good understanding of business, finance and accounting is highly valued in any role in any organisation around the world. The ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB) will teach you the key elements you need to help you succeed.

certificate in finance, accounting & business: ICaeW Cfab

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.icaew.com/cfab


Employer Directory

BACK TO CONTENTS

89

88

86

85

84

82

80

70

68

66

64

rEEvES

rEES pOllOCK

pwC

mOOrE STEphENS

mErCEr & hOlE

mAzArS

luBBOCK fiNE

BrEBNErS

BliCK rOThENBErg llp

BdO

BArNES rOffE llp

72 ClEmENT KEyS llp

74 dElOiTTE

75 dixON wilSON

76 rSm TENON90Ey

77 gOOdmAN jONES llp

78 hAzlEwOOdS

79 lArKiNg gOwEN

92 SAffEry ChAmpNESS

94 SwAT uK

96 uhy hACKEr yOuNg

BACK TO CONTENTS

64

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Barnes roffe is a rapidly expanding medium-sized firm of accountants specialising in audit and tax planning for small to medium-sized owner managed businesses. Our clients range in size from companies turning over a few hundred thousand pounds to large groups turning over £300 million. One thing our clients have in common is that they require a high level of service to enable them to meet their compliance obligations in as tax efficient a manner as possible.

To enable us to meet this need we require a team that is flexible, knowledgeable, professional and able to communicate complex ideas in a way that remains accessible to non-financial professionals. We therefore expect a lot from our graduates, both in the office and in their studies – in return our graduates receive a training package that is varied and exciting and prepares them to be our future partners. Indeed, most of the current partners trained with the firm and achieved partnership in their thirties.

No. of employeesc. 120

No. of partners20

No. of trainees35

Locationslondon

International opportunitiesyes

No. of work experience vacancies0

No. of graduate vacancies10-15

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points280

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support and social events

How to applyOnline

Contact informationwww.barnesroffe.com

Application deadline31 December 2013

Scan for Barnes Roffe’s live jobsA

pp

lic

At

ion

de

tA

ils

vA

cA

nc

y d

et

Ail

sc

om

pA

ny

de

tA

ils

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.barnesroffe.com

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/barnes-roffe/

65


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Trainee ProfileNAmE

lOCATiON uNivErSiTy

dEgrEE

rOlE

Cee Wah Chan

london

University of Bath

mBiol Biology

Trainee Accountant

I studied biology at the University of Bath. Once I graduated I looked into a variety of careers and found that the ACA qualification was highly regarded. The ACA training contract at Barnes Roffe offers excellent experience of a wide variety of businesses, whilst providing the support required to study for the ACA.

I have been at Barnes Roffe for two years and have gradually gained experience and responsibility through this time. Each week varies depending on the requirements of our clients, but here is a recent week by way of an example.

MondayOn the office planner I am down to prepare the accounts for a design company at the client offices. On Monday morning I discuss the accounts preparation with the client manager, who provides detail on the nature of the company and areas of the accounts which may require further attention. At the client’s offices I meet the directors, explain my work plan and begin work on the actual accounts file.

TuesdayWork on the accounts continues, and I work to daily targets to ensure that the job falls within budget. I speak to the directors to gather extra information as required and discuss areas

of the accounts with the client manager to ensure that he remains informed about the status of the file.

WednesdayI continue to gather the last pieces of information, discussing with the client variations identified in the draft accounts and ensure that the file is complete. The client manager comes on site to review the file I have prepared and raise any areas that he feels require extra work. I also prepare secondary accounts for a holding company.

ThursdayI come back to the office and clear the manager review points from the design company’s accounts. Further, I work to finish another set of accounts for a partnership that I had worked on in the previous week, ensuring the file is complete for manager review.

FridayI am planning audits and accounts that are due to start in the near future. This includes reviewing statutory documents filed with Companies House and preliminary data for the year end provided by the client where available. The planning documents allow managers and partners to record potential areas of importance or difficulty on upcoming jobs and are used to brief the audit and accounts preparation staff.

BACK TO CONTENTS


66

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyOnline

Contact informationwww.bdo.co.uk/graduates

Scan for BDO’s live jobs

Type of work experience offeredInternships and insight days

No. of graduate vacancies200



Min. UCAS points280


Benefits25 days holiday, gym membership, healthcare, life assurance and pension scheme

No. of employees3,500 (UK) 55,000 (worldwide)

Locations23 locations across the UK plus an office in Guernsey

Not all big accountancy firms are the same. We pride ourselves on being big enough to matter, yet small enough to value our clients as people rather than commercial opportunities. At BDO our difference is that exceptional client service is simply non-negotiable. We employ exceptional people – and help them to get on with the job, without needless bureaucracy. Our systems work to support our people, not the other way around.

Our training is as exceptional – and individual – as the people we recruit. Most study for the ACA, but there are also routes to other professional qualifications. Training is tailored to your needs and centred on first hand experience. That’s why we get such excellent results.

The firm offers you opportunities in a range of exciting areas from tax to forensic services, with the chance to take real responsibility on projects alongside partners and colleagues. Refreshingly, our partners are known for their hands-on involvement and mutual support is an essential part of the culture.

At BDO we deal with a genuinely diverse range of clients, whose needs vary as much as their specialisms and situations. You’ll face stimulating challenges that expose you to many different sectors. You could also spend time abroad: BDO is a global accountancy network with more than 1,000 offices in over 100 countries – and 23 locations across the UK and guernsey.

What else? BDO has won a number of service and sector related awards including, for the second year in succession, Accountant of the Year at the 2012 M&A Awards, Auditor of the Year at the Real Business’ FDs’ Excellence Awards 2012 and Best Innovation in ClientService and Relationship Management at the Managing Partners’ Forum European Leadership Awards 2012.

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.bdo.co.uk/graduates

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/bdo/







11643(B) BDO Ad_210x148.indd 1 26/06/2012 12:30



68

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

How to applyOnline application form

Contact [email protected]

Application deadline31 March 2014

Scan for Blick Rothenberg’s live jobs

No. of employees155 No. of partners21

No. of trainees22

Locationslondon

International opportunitiesNo

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Who are we?Based in the West End of London with a client base to rival that of the very largest professional firms, Blick Rothenberg LLP is in a league of its own.

Our activities fall into three main areas: a strong focus on inward investment, tax and investment advice to private clients expatriates and business advice to owner managed small and medium-sized businesses.

We have received an accreditation for the past four years from workplace engagement specialists, Best Companies, who run their accreditation programme in association with The Sunday Times. We place a high emphasis on employee engagement and a number of related activities take place throughout the year.

Who are you?You will be highly motivated, ambitious, entrepreneurial and have a strong analytical ability. Your communication and personal skills will be second to none, allowing you to forge excellent relationships with our clients as well as work efficiently in a team environment.

What’s in it for you?Few other firms will be able to offer you the opportunity to work with a client base of such quality and diversity in such a personal environment.

We take on approximately ten trainees a year so there is no chance of being lost in the crowd. There are plenty of opportunities for the right graduates to remain with the firm and reach partner level or to diversify their careers.

Throughout your training period and beyond, as well as working towards your professional qualification, you will attend internal training courses on technical subjects as well as soft skills.

Last but not least, we firmly believe you should live as well as work! Our firm and departmental social and CSR committees ensure Blick Rothenberg is a fun place to work which helps us to keep our priorities in order.

To learn more about us please visit our website at www.blickrothenberg.com.



Disciplines recruited fromAny


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, overtime paid at time and a half, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme, performance bonus and social events

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.blickrothenberg.com

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/blick-rothenberg/

69


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Why did you choose to come to BR?Blick Rothenberg LLP is a firm which stood out for me within the medium sized accountancy firms in the industry. The firm has a large client base covering a variety of company sizes and industries so I knew that I would gain a lot of valuable experience. There is a strong emphasis on training at the firm, and there is an open door policy which makes it easy for staff to speak to the partners with any queries or for advice.

What experience have you gained here?At Blick Rothenberg LLP I have gained experience in a wide range of industry sectors, including manufacturing, retail and IT. Throughout my training contract I have received help and support from the partners and managers which has enabled me to progress and take on larger jobs. Responsibility is given at an early stage, and this is seen as a vital part of the training.

What type of training have you had? As well as technical training received at college, I have also received bespoke training in-house which has provided me with a good basis pre and post exams. In addition, soft

skills training courses have been available throughout my time at Blick Rothenberg LLP.

What career opportunities are there at BR?As mentioned, responsibility is offered very early on in your career at Blick Rothenberg LLP. A high level of importance is attached to career progression and trainees are given the opportunity to lead teams on larger assignments from an early stage. Many of the current partners and managers actually started their careers as trainees at the firm.

How do you rate the work/life balance at BR?There is a very good work/life balance at Blick Rothenberg LLP, which is coupled with an active social committee. The firm understands that the exam process can be intense and there is a considerable amount of support and advice available, in addition to generous study leave.

Is there anything specifically about BR that stands out to you?The people, from the juniors to the partners, are all very friendly and approachable. We are all under one roof and so it is easy to become integrated into the firm.

NAmE

lOCATiON uNivErSiTy

dEgrEE

rOlE

Emily Richards

london

University of Bristol

MSc Chemistry

Senior

Trainee Profile

BACK TO CONTENTS


70

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

About us Brebners is a long established firm in the West End of london.

Clients are drawn from many sectors including restaurants and leisure, media, manufacturing, service industries and finance. They range in size from large corporates to individuals in business.

We aim to be the best in our field. Our service is based on a thorough understanding of our clients. Our success has come from consistently providing dynamic, imaginative solutions to our clients’ problems. Our strength lies in the range of specialist advice we provide and the consistent quality of service. That quality is not negotiable because we want our clients to be as proud of us as we are of them.

The firm is large enough to have specialist departments, which are used by the client contact partners to provide top quality service, but small enough to maintain close relationships with clients.

TrainingStudents join our audit and accountancy department spending on average a couple of weeks on each assignment. Secondments to other departments ensure that a wide variety of experience, both of types of work and different businesses, is a feature of the training. SWAT UK provides both in-house work related courses and the link to the tutors for your examinations. We provide an office environment that is friendly and hardworking with the support of colleagues and partners as you build up your knowledge and experience.

About youThe skills needed to complete the vigorous training regime are well known, accountancy is neither all numbers nor all client contact! Those with good social skills and an ease with numbers will undoubtedly do well and we hope you will bring them to us. Once qualified and building on your breadth of experience, there is plenty of scope to specialise within the partnership.





Min. UCAS points300


Benefits20 days holiday, study support, season ticket loan and social events

No. of employees80

No. of partners17

No. of trainees19

LocationsShaftesbury Avenue, London, Sevenoaks, Kent


How to applyVia our website or SWAT UK: www.swat/co.uk/AccountancyRecruitment

Contact information130 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5ARwww.brebners.comT: 020 7734 2244

Application deadlineEnd February 2013

Scan forBrebners’ live jobs

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.swat/co.uk/

http://www.brebners.com

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/brebners/

Head online and find the tools you need to help you get ahead in your accountancy career.

Stand out, get noticed

ACCOUNTANCY



72

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

The firm Clement Keys LLP is one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants in the West Midlands, with over 100 employees. We provide an empowering and supportive working environment, resulting in an enjoyable and fulfilling career prospect.

Being a single office practice (our office is based in Edgbaston in the West Midlands); you will quickly become a valued member of the team and have the opportunity to work with all the partners and staff.

Our approach is designed to give you the training you need to do your job effectively and develop personally to deliver the highest quality of service expected by our clients.

An ‘Investors in People’ champion, we offer training and development opportunities that are not only fundamental to our continued success but also demonstrate the investment we make in our employees.

All our employees are valued and helped to achieve a work/life balance. The ‘client experience’ and variety of work makes your career at Clement Keys LLP unique. From small entrepreneurial start-up businesses to well-established corporate entities and listed companies, we work hard to deliver a superior personal service.

Clement Keys LLP has a formidable reputation in the provision of services in the spheres of general accountancy, tax planning and auditing. Our services include:

• Audit • Corporate finance• Management support services• Pensions and charities • Service charge• Tax.

Our valuesWe pride ourselves on our reputation for quality, reliability and service and recognise this is built on the commitment and capability of our employees. A number of high-profile awards have recognised our success as an employer, a service provider and a member of the wider community.

At Clement Keys LLP we give equal value to our employees, the individual contributions they make and the skills, experience and the commitment they bring. Our employees are professionally trained and encouraged to be:

• Business aware • Client focused • Socially responsible • visionary • Proactive in providing a positive

contribution to the firm.

Our benefitsThe firm has a flexible remuneration package, including:

• A competitive salary• Life assurance• Pension scheme• Private healthcare and sight tests • Option to buy up to five days annual

leave each year• Childcare vouchers • Study support for relevant professional

qualifications• Payment of professional membership

fees.

Non-financial• Social events/charitable giving • Work/life balance • Supportive/friendly office environment • Learning and development opportunities • Possibility of working one day a week

at home• Career progression.

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/clement-keys/

73


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Please note, some of our benefits are dependent on grade and position.

Graduate recruitmentOur graduates train as general practitioners and receive a wide range of experience from the first day they join us. Students join our audit and accountancy department, spending an average of a few weeks on each assignment.

The support you will receive as a traineeWhilst you are studying towards your professional qualification, the firm will offer you:

• Ongoing study support • Professional development • Practical experience working with a variety of teams.

Training programmeOur graduate training programme lasts for 36 months and will include a combination of professional tuition and external courses, internal technical training and continuous ongoing support. This will equip you with the skills you will need to meet the challenges of your practical experience when you qualify. Your professional training will take place at one of the market leading training providers in Birmingham City Centre.

Why join Clement Keys LLP?There are many reasons to join Clement Keys LLP, but ultimately, we believe that our staff are our biggest asset. With regular social events, Clement Keys LLP is an enjoyable firm to work for.

Entry requirementsApplications from students are accepted from any subject or degree discipline. To apply for a training contract you will be expected to meet the firm’s entry requirements which is a 2:2 (Hons) degree in any degree discipline and 300 UCAS points. In addition to your proven academic ability, you will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.

When to applyApplications are accepted from January onwards for graduate training schemes which commence at the end of August each year.

How to applyApplication form by email or post. Apply from January each year onwards

Contact informationMelanie Parker personnel manager8 Calthorpe Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1QTT: 0121 456 4456

Application deadlineOngoing until vacancies have been filled

Scan for Clement Keys LLP’s live jobs

Type of work experience offeredInternships



Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees disciplines


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits28 days’ holiday, pension scheme, study support, life assurance and social events

No. of employees100

No. of partners10

No. of trainees25

LocationsBirmingham


BACK TO CONTENTS


74

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyOnline application form. Applications are filled on a first come, first serve basis

Contact informationwww.deloitte.co.uk/graduates

Scan for Deloitte’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies1,200


Type of work experience offeredInternships and industrial placements

Disciplines recruited fromWe accept applications from all degree disciplines


Min. UCAS points300


BenefitsHealthcare, pension scheme, study support, interest-free loan, season ticket loan, life assurance and bike scheme

No. of employees14,000 (UK)

No. of partners890

Locations21 offices across the UK from Aberdeen to Jersey


Helping the biggest businesses make some of their biggest decisions. Tackling the most complex operations. Leading the leading-edge. Developing expertise not just in one company, but in entire industries. This is what it means to be a professional at Deloitte, the world’s largest professional services firm. We offer five distinct entry routes:

• Audit• Tax• Consulting• Corporate Finance• Technology.

Choose any of these programmes and you’ll enjoy an unparalleled start to your career in business, tackling a wide range of assignments with high-profile clients across different sectors; receiving coaching from senior colleagues; benefiting from world-class training and development; and working towards professional qualifications. What’s more, you can expect excellent rewards and plenty of recognition for your hard work too.

Who we’re looking forWe accept graduates from any degree discipline. However, for the majority of our vacancies you will need the following (or equivalent if not taken in the UK):

• A 2:1 in your first degree• 300 UCAS points (320 for Consulting and

Corporate Finance) • GCSE Maths grade B or above• English grade C or above• A real interest in business and excellent

interpersonal skills.

To find out more information and to apply online, go to www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates. We operate on a first come, first served basis, and places are limited so we’d encourage you to apply as early as possible.

It’s your future. How far will you take it?

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/deloitte/

75


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyOnline application form. CV and covering letter for internships


Scan for Dixon Wilson’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies12 -14



Disciplines recruited fromAll disciplines considered


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits21 days holiday, healthcare, study support, season ticket loan, life assurance and social events

No. of employees125

No. of partners16

No. of trainees38

Locationslondon and paris


Dixon Wilson is one of the leading accountancy firms in the UK with offices in London and Paris. We specialise in providing accountancy, audit and tax advice and strategic planning to private clients, companies, entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Your development We offer a three-year training contract with support from external tutors, who provide training designed to enable our students to pass the ACA examinations first time.

We also provide in-house training designed to help students with a wide range of technical and soft skills.

A training contract with Dixon Wilson offers:

• A mix of private client and corporate work.• An interesting variety of accountancy, taxation

and audit assignments.• Involvement with assignments from start to

finish and no excessively lengthy assignments. • The maximum degree of responsibility at an

early stage.• The opportunity to meet clients at a senior level. • The opportunity to work directly with managers

and partners.• Good career prospects – most of our qualified

staff trained with the firm and over 90% of the present partners trained with Dixon Wilson.

Our ability to offer this combination arises from the size of the firm and the nature of our practice.

Application detailsIf you believe that you have the appropriate qualities and commitment and would like to know more about Dixon Wilson, please visit the website at www.dixonwilson.co.uk/careers, where you will also find an online application form, or contact the HR department on 020 7680 8100.

BACK TO CONTENTS



http://www.dixonwilson.co.uk/careers

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/dixon-wilson/

76

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Go further, fasterEY is one of the world’s leading professional services firms. It has 167,000 people in 140 countries, with combined global revenues of US $24.4 billion and plans to be a $50 billion organisation by 2020. It seeks driven, ambitious graduates who want a stimulating and challenging start to their careers.

EY’s clients are some of the most successful, innovative and respected global organisations, and range across all industry and public sectors. EY people understand how businesses work. Their ingenuity, dynamism and creativity help anticipate and meet their clients’ needs: improving how they work, grow, seize opportunities, and make vital business decisions about the future of the working world. They work in four service lines across the world: Advisory, Assurance, Corporate Finance and Tax.

EY prides itself on its world-class training, mentoring and professional qualifications – the first step to a successful, varied and fulfilling career path. The firm offers on-campus workshops with guidance about applications, interviews and provides useful advice on how to increase employability. Inspiring talks and sessions offer insights into the business world to help improve your commercial awareness.

Students are encouraged to apply to one of the EY undergraduate programmes, designed to discover their natural strengths and forge a career that takes them as far as they want to go. And with an internship or placement, candidates will engage directly with global organisations on real projects while learning what working life is like at EY.

Careers at the top of the business world are defined by where they start. Starting at EY gives the skills, contacts and experiences to make a career go further, faster.

How to applyOnline, followed by a first interview and strengths-based assessment centre

Contact informationwww.ey.com/uk/careers

Application deadlineYear-round recruitment. Early application advised

Scan for EY’s live jobs



Disciplines recruited fromvarious


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, season ticket loan, life assurance and gym membership

No. of employees167,000 (worldwide)

No. of partners549 (UK)

No. of traineesc. 1,500 (UK)

LocationsNationwide


BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.ey.com/uk/careers

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/ernst-young/

77


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

About usGoodman Jones LLP is a central London firm of chartered accountants. Established in 1934, we are a team of accountants, auditors, tax and business advisers. Our clients include UK owner managed businesses, UK subsidiaries of large international groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations, and start-up business and entrepreneurs.

Your career at Goodman JonesWe are looking for students with strong academic results and enthusiasm. Approximately 18 students currently train with us and no function receives more care and attention than the selection and training of our graduate intake to ensure that not only do you qualify, but also that you develop as an individual into a well-rounded and assured professional.

When you start your training you will have the opportunity to work as part of a team on a wide variety of clients, ranging from small owner-managed businesses to large groups of companies trading both in the UK and internationally. This will involve work in accounting, auditing and corporate tax. You will gain strong skills in all of these key areas.

Your futureEvery applicant chosen to become one of our trainees is selected on the basis that they have the attributes we believe are required to progress to a very senior level at Goodman Jones. Indeed, many of our current managers and partners trained at Goodman Jones.

All work and no play...We’re a social bunch at Goodman Jones. We have a professional office, but know that a good office atmosphere is essential to making work enjoyable.

How to applyEmail CV and covering letter to [email protected]

Contact [email protected] Bailey –[email protected] on 020 7388 2444

Application deadlineApplications accepted from 1 December 2013

Scan for Goodman Jones’ live jobs





Min. UCAS points320


Benefits20 days holiday, golden hello, flexitime, season ticket loan and social events

No. of employees50

No. of partners13

No. of trainees15-20

LocationsCentral London


BACK TO CONTENTS





http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/goodman-jones/

78

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

sA

pp

lic

At

ion

de

tA

ils

vA

cA

nc

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyApplication form online or via email. Early application is strongly advised

Contact [email protected] Hazlewoods Staverton CourtStaverton Cheltenham, GL51 0UX

Scan for Hazlewoods’ live jobs

No. of employees225

No. of partners 18

No. ot trainees44

LocationsCheltenham, Gloucester and Staverton



No. of school leaver vacancies5

Min. UCAS points320


Benefits20 days holiday, study support, flexitime, life assurance, bike scheme and social events

Our future is in your handsHazlewoods is one of the UK’s leading firms of accountants and business advisers servicing a diverse client base across a variety of sectors. We truly believe that our success is dependent on the people we employ.

To ensure we have a prosperous future we set our employees up for success. We provide them with first class training which is not limited to professional qualifications. At Hazlewoods we want to give our employees every opportunity they need to develop beyond their professional careers and offer a wide variety of pre and post qualified training opportunities designed to meet both technical and personal needs.

We recognise that our employees are individuals and not just cogs in big corporate wheels. We commit to getting our employees involved in a wide range of activities right from the start, both in the office and on site with clients, and offer a friendly working environment where new ideas are encouraged and autonomy is second nature.

Whether you are looking to start your career in accountancy or you are looking for the next step in your career, Hazlewoods is a great choice and we want you to choose us.

We are recruiting seven graduate trainees and, in addition, four AAT trainees for those who are looking to start their careers in accountancy without obtaining a degree. You will receive exceptional training and a fast track career.

Please send all applications to [email protected].

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS



http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/hazlewoods/

79


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

No. of graduate vacanciesc. 5

No. of work experience vacancies40 annually


Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered but finance, accounting and business preferred


Min. UCAS points280


Benefits21 days holiday rising to 26 with service, pension scheme, study support, life assurance and social events

No. of employeesc. 275

No. of partners18

No. of traineesc. 65

LocationsBungay, Colchester, Cromer, Dereham, Diss, Fakenham, Holt, Ipswich and Norwich


How to applyApply via application form – full details at www.larking-gowen.co.uk

Contact [email protected] Street House 15 Upper King StreetNorwich NR3 2RBT: 0845 612 0416

Application deadline31 December 2013

Scan for Larking Gowen’s live jobs

Larking Gowen are committed to becoming the first choice independent business and taxation adviser in East Anglia. We are a firm with an ambitious growth plan which we will achieve through increased regional representation, delivery of general practice service, and evolving specialisms, and through the consistent delivery of exceptional client satisfaction.

Our client base is wide ranging, from agriculture to charities, medical practices to solicitors, and in size, from sole traders to limited companies. We are registered auditors and have specialisms in corporate finance, business recovery and insolvency, forensic accounting and tax.

We strive to provide our staff with great opportunities to progress both professionally and personally through high quality, tailored study, training and development. At the same time we will provide you with challenging work in dedicated and highly motivated teams. We pride ourselves on our reputation for quality, reliability, service and value and recognise that this is built on the commitment and capability of our staff.

Visit our website to read staff profiles and learn more about this ever expanding firm. We are sure you’ll be keen to join our winning team!

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.larking-gowen.co.uk


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/larking-gowen/

80

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Founded in 1929, Lubbock Fine is an expanding medium-sized firm of chartered accountants and business advisers based in London. The firm has actively developed its international operations through Russell Bedford International, a network which extends to 260 offices, 100 members and 88 countries globally.

Our general practice is structured to provide a personalised service to all clients and we are dedicated to meeting their individual requirements. Our clients range from large private companies, professional partnerships, smaller family businesses and sole traders. Outside the UK, we also undertake assignments for multi-nationals and the European Commission. In addition to routine audit and tax compliance the firm provides specialist services including IT consultancy, corporate finance, specialist audits, insolvency, litigation support and more. Recruiting high calibre staff with friendly, confident personalities and good interpersonal skills is crucial to us, as is their ability to cope with professional exams alongside daily work. We monitor the progress of our trainees closely with formal individual reviews every six months.

Comprehensive training and support is provided for professional examinations as well as development of practical and personal skills to assist in day to day work.

Significant characteristics of our firmLubbock Fine is a friendly firm providing an informal working environment. Our watchword is ‘integrity’ and that is what guides us in our work for clients and in the running of our business. Opportunities for early responsibility and rapid progression are available to those who have the necessary attributes.

Training offeredA five year training contract leading through to ACA qualification.

Offices or linked companies outside UK: Russell Bedford (Dubai) Limited, Member of Russell Bedford International.

No. of employees70

No. of partners 14

No. of trainees5

Locationslondon


No. of graduate vacancies5 with a September start date


Disciplines recruited fromRelevant and non relevant degrees


Min. UCAS points280


Benefits28 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, golden hello, study support, season ticket loan, bike scheme, gym membership and social events

How to applySubmit application form online. Early application is strongly advised Contact [email protected]

Application deadlineOn-going until intake is filled

Scan for Lubbock Fine’s live jobs

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/lubbock-fine/

Jobs & deadlines l Latest industry news l Advice

Like us on FAcebook /insidecareers

FoLLow us on twitter@insidecareers

FoLLow us on Linkedin /company/inside-careers

http://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-careers

https://www.facebook.com/insidecareers

https://twitter.com/InsideCareers

82

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Go from trainee, to qualified accountant, to the top of your game!Mazars is an international, integrated and independent organisation specialising in audit, advisory, accounting, tax and legal services. The Group operates in 71 countries, and draws on the expertise of 13,500 professionals to assist companies – major international groups, SMEs, private investors – and public bodies, at every stage in their development.

We make a differenceOur work is at the heart of business. And our purpose is to make the difference, to help our clients achieve success by providing the very best advice and support.

However, we not only make a difference for our clients, we can also make a difference for our staff. We work across a broad range of sectors, including banking and insurance, public sector and charity, and we work throughout the UK and on international assignments too. This means we offer a fantastic range of opportunities and experiences for all our staff to experience!

From the first day you arrive at Mazars, you will be welcomed with rewarding work, a good client list and supportive colleagues – all the crucial ingredients you need to inspire and educate you as you study for your qualification. As a fully integrated international firm, we can give you the opportunity to work in one of our offices overseas, if you’d like to gain international business experience. We offer a diverse range of client services, so there are plenty of routes your career can take. Whichever path you decide is right for you – we’ll be on your side.

You’ll make a difference.If you do decide to join the firm, you can be certain there is plenty of scope for you to make a difference too!

We want driven professional individuals who excel at working with others, who have the ability to communicate at a high level and who share the same values as Mazars. Alongside this you must be able to demonstrate analytical skills, commitment, drive, commercial awareness, flexibility and creativity. As future leaders of the firm......together we’ll make a difference!

How to applyOnline via www.graduates.mazars.co.uk


Application deadlineOngoing

Scan for Mazars’ live jobs


No. of work experience vacanciesc. 10




Min. UCAS points280


Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership and social events

No. of employees1,250 (UK) 13,500 (Worldwide)

No. of partners116

Locations17 offices in the UK


BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.graduates.mazars.co.uk


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/mazars/

www.graduates.mazars.co.uk

GO FROM TRAINEE, TO QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT, TO THE TOP OF YOUR GAME!

Mazars is an international, integrated and independent organisation specialising in audit, advisory, accounting, tax and legal services. The Group operates in 71 countries, and draws on the expertise of 13,500 professionals to assist companies – major international groups, SMEs, private investors – and public bodies, at every stage in their development.

Make all the difference

From the first day you arrive at Mazars, you will be welcomed with rewarding work, a good client list and supportive colleagues - all the crucial ingredients you need to inspire and educate you as you study for your qualification. But achieving your chartered status is just the beginning. As a fully integrated international firm, we can give

you the opportunity to work in one of our offices overseas, if you’d like to gain international business experience. We offer a diverse range of client services, so there are plenty of routes your career can take. Whichever path you decide is right for you - we’ll be on your side.


84

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

How to applyApplication form via email or post

Contact informationwww.mercerhole.co.uk/graduate-programme

[email protected]

Application deadline31 January 2014

Scan for Mercer & Hole’s live jobs





Min. UCAS points260


Benefits23 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, flexitime, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme and social events

No. of employees153

No. of partners18

No. of trainees25

LocationsLondon, Milton Keynes and St Albans


Mercer & Hole is a modern firm but with roots established in 1905 by the founding partner, William Mercer. Whilst Mercer & Hole initially provided just audit and accountancy services, linked to the necessary tax calculations and returns, we now work with business and private clients on many varied aspects of their financial affairs, for example, offering taxation and trust services, business development, corporate finance, financial services and rescue, recovery, and insolvency services. One of the top 50 firms of accountants in the country, we are also one of the top 20 firms for taxation services. Two of our number are former presidents of The Chartered Institute of Taxation and another is a leading UK lecturer in this field.

In response to the increasingly international nature of business, Mercer & Hole became a founder member of The International Accounting Group (TIAG) and through this network and its sister network of legal firms TAGLaw, we can recommend firms to provide accounting and legal services abroad.

As well as offering you the opportunity to work for an expanding and reputable firm, trainees are offered the following:

• Full training, sponsorship and support for professional study (ACA)

• Study leave• Competitive salary • Company pension scheme• Life assurance• Childcare vouchers• Career progression.

We also offer trainee opportunities in taxation and rescue, recovery and insolvency.

Registered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales to carry out audit work. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/mercer-hole/

85


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

How to applyApply early. Online application form at: www.moorestephens.co.uk/careers.aspx

Contact informationMoore Stephens LLP150 Aldersgate StreetLondon EC1A 4ABT: 020 7334 [email protected]

Application deadlineOpen until all vacancies are filled

Scan for Moore Stephens’ live jobs

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s





Min. UCAS points300


Benefits23 day holiday increasing to 25, healthcare, pension scheme, study support, interest-free loan, seasonticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership and social events

No. of employees600

No. of partners70

No. of trainees60

LocationsCity of London


Moore Stephens is one of the largest national and international accounting and consulting groups. Our global association comprises of over 600 offices in 95 countries and our UK network is the UK’s 10th largest by fee income.

Our business strategy is to be the best in our chosen markets, providing services including:

• Audit and accounting• Business and personal tax planning• Business planning• Corporate finance• Information technology• Litigation• Management consultancy• Restructuring and insolvency.

We service a broad client portfolio in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with clients ranging from international organisations with worldwide operations to small firms and individuals.

grAduATE OppOrTuNiTiES Client work Moore Stephens LLP has a graduate intake every September, with trainees going into our audit and tax departments (all roles are currently based in our London office).

Our firm is small enough to provide a personal service, but large enough to offer specialist expertise in all areas. This allows you to work with senior staff across a range of clients to develop a broad understanding of their businesses.

Training As one of our ACA trainees you can expect to receive comprehensive training. We provide full study support for your ACA qualification and in addition to this we have developed an extensive internal training programme to complement your studies at collage, meaning you cultivated your business, personal and technical skills to the full.

The life of an ACA trainee at Moore Stephens LLP is a busy one, full of travel, client work, study and socialising!

BACK TO CONTENTS



http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/moore-stephens/

86

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

How to applyOnline at www.pwc.com/uk/careers – apply early to avoid disappointment

Contact informationPwC recruitment helpline: T: 0808 100 1500

Application deadlinedeadlines apply in some areas. Please visit our website for details

Scan for PwC’s live jobs

Type of work experience offeredInsight days, talent academy, shadow a female leader, internships and work placements

No. of work experience vacanciesc. 800 (across all business areas)

No. of graduate vacanciesc. 1,200 (across all business areas)

Disciplines recruited fromAll degree subjects


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits25 days holiday, bike scheme, gym membership, healthcare scheme, interest-free loan, life assurance, season ticket loan and study support

No. of employeesc. 17,000 (UK) c. 180,000 (worldwide)

LocationsOffices across the UK

International opportunitiesVisit our global site for more information – www.pwc.com

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. You live it. You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of a career with us. Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything. And we’re proud, based on the opportunity we offer, that students have voted us the number one Graduate Employer in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last ten years.

What we doWe help our clients create the value they want, from public and private companies, to governments and charities. We help to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them.

Our offer to you• To be part of the world’s leading professional

services network and enjoy the benefits that come with that.

• Work directly with big name clients where you’ll get to grips with the value they’re looking for by getting into the detail.

• Provide an environment where you’ll be able to explore new opportunities, to help you grow and find your niche.

• Give you access to the best learning and development around. Every graduate enjoys a structured career programme, and many join career paths that involve study towards a professional qualification.

What you need to bring to usYour intellect, willingness to learn, ability to build relationships, put yourself in others’ shoes, while always making a positive impact with our clients and each other. For most of our programmes we take any degree subject.

How to applyWe know that the skills and experiences you develop with us will stay with you throughout your career. So join PwC. We’ll help you reach your full potential.

Take the opportunity of a lifetime.www.pwc.com/uk/careerswww.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.pwc.com

http://www.pwc.com/uk/careers

http://www.pwc.com/uk/careers

http://www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/pwc/

87


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

I joined PwC on the Assurance graduate programme, in September 2011.

How did you hear about PwC?I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in chemistry, so one of my friends who did an accounting degree suggested I apply for a summer internship with PwC.

How would you describe your job?In Assurance I work in a team that visits client sites and audits all their financial statements. It’s about finding out what businesses do with their money, so we look at the cash in their financial statements and see what accounts they have. I might send a letter to the banks to confirm amounts or investigate why year-end balances might be different from what was anticipated. It’s our job to test all the reconciled items and see if they’re right or not. I have a lot of direct contact with the clients both when I’m working on client site and in the PwC office.

What do you like most about your job?I really like working in a team because you never feel like you’re on your own – there’s always someone to go to. I also love the

variety. I’m always working on different projects, meeting new people and working in different offices. Sometimes there might be a point when you feel like there’s a lot to take in, but if you’re stuck, there’s always someone around to help. We have a good team and coaching structure. Senior colleagues will often ask if I’d like to join them at meetings and I’ll get a lot of exposure to different projects this way.

What would you say are the benefits of a career at PwC?On top of my degree, PwC has given me the opportunity to get a professional qualification. Some of the other benefits are the variety and career progression.

What’s next for you?Soon I’ll move up to the next level which will bring more responsibility and I’ll have to coach the first year graduates. You learn valuable skills from coaching the first years and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. The amount of responsibility you get straight away is also great – it was quite daunting at first, but now I appreciate it as I’ve learnt so much.

Trainee Profile

NAmE

lOCATiON uNivErSiTy

dEgrEE

rOlE

Stephanie

St Albans

Nottingham University

Chemistry

Assurance Associate

BACK TO CONTENTS


88

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

sA

pp

lic

At

ion

de

tA

ils

vA

cA

nc

y d

et

Ail

s





Min. UCAS points340

Starting salary£26,000 per annum

BenefitsPension scheme, study support, interest-free loan, life assurance, bike scheme and social events

No. of employees50

No. of partners8

No. of trainees20

Locationslondon


How to applyCV, covering letter and application form by email or post. Early application is strongly advised

Contact information35 New Bridge Street London, EC4V [email protected]

Application deadlineOngoing

Scan for Rees Pollock’s live jobs

Rees Pollock was formed in 1990 by a team of experienced partners and managers from Ernst & Young. Nearly 25 years later we have developed a firm that is widely recognised as a leading financial adviser to businesses with turnovers of between £1 million and £50 million, and have won the title ‘Small Accountancy Firm of the Year’. We combine the technical expertise of the larger firms with the personal attention and approachability of a small firm.

You will obtain a wide variety of work experience at Rees Pollock. We have particular experience in the media, retail, restaurants and financial sectors. We encourage our students to think for themselves and use their initiative. Responsibility is given relatively early, although assistance and encouragement are never far away.

Rees Pollock recognises that training is one of the most important criteria when choosing an employer. We have therefore tailored our package to ensure you obtain the best all-round experience by using a combination of BPP, other specialist training organisations, and our own in house and on-the-job training. This has led to excellent exam pass rates and to a number of our students obtaining prizes in their exams.

We welcome applications from graduates of any discipline with a consistent record of achievement. We are looking for strong communication and analytical skills and a willingness to contribute both to the work itself and the atmosphere of the firm. In return our trainees obtain excellent training and the opportunity to work with a group of very bright people on an exciting range of clients.

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/rees-pollock/

89


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

How to applyOnline at www.reeves.co/careers


Application deadline8 January 2014

Scan for Reeves’ live jobs



Type of work experience offeredIndustrial placements



Min. UCAS points300


Benefits22.5 days holiday, study support, life assurance, bike scheme, and social events

No. of employees251

No. of partners40

LocationsCanterbury, Chatham, Gatwick and london


Firm structureReeves & Co LLP are chartered accountants and business advisers offering audit, accounts, strategic tax and business development advice and is one of the major accountancy and financial services firms practising in the South East of England. Established over 100 years ago in London, we have built a growing reputation for our award winning tax and financial advice. Today, we have offices in Kent, Gatwick and London. We believe it is about understanding our clients’ needs in order to provide a personal, proactive and professional range of financial services. Although some of our main functions include auditing and accounts preparation, we see ourselves more as business advisers who help companies to raise capital, restructure and to set up advanced accounting systems to sharpen their competitive edge in the marketplace.

Training contractIf you think accountancy is just about number crunching… then Reeves is NOT the firm for you.

Many practices say that they value people, but we really do, in fact we invest over £60,000 in every trainee over the course of their training contract. Commitment and loyalty are key principles that are applied throughout the firm. They are central both to our client relationships and our approach to those who would like a career with us. Corporate Social Responsibility is high on the agenda at Reeves too.

A training contract with Reeves is the key to a secure future. Our approach to professional development is a two-way collaborative responsibility. We expect you to take the initiative for directing your career and we will help you achieve your goals in terms of professional satisfaction, career progression and personal development. We will support you financially, help you to achieve your professional goals and promote your personal development in return for your hard work and commitment to us.

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.reeves.co/careers


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/reeves-co/

90

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyOnline with application form, CV & covering letter. We recommend early application

Contact informationwww.rsmtenon.comRecruitment contact details: T: 01952 231 [email protected]

Scan for RSM Tenon’s live jobs




Disciplines recruited fromWe accept applications from candidates from any degree discipline


Min. UCAS points280


Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, life assurance and social events

No. of employees2,400

No. of partners200+

No. of trainees400+

LocationsNationwide

International opportunitiesInternational secondments are available once qualified

What do you want from your career? It’s a big question and you might not yet have the answer. You have lots of opportunity in front of you and choices to make.

For exceptional people who are talented, ambitious and have aspirations to build a successful career in our industry, we want to help you make that choice.

RSM Tenon is one of the most progressive and entrepreneurial professional services firms in the UK with over 2,400 people across 38 offices. As the 7th largest accountancy firm, we are big enough to be noticed, and our service range is comprehensive, covering virtually every area of professional practice.

Make contributions from day oneFrom the very start you will make valuable contributions, including direct contact with owners, stakeholders and decision makers. You will quickly find yourself working with clients, who are relying on you to understand their business, and to give practical support and informed advice. We offer opportunities across our service lines – in Audit, Accounts, Outsourcing, Tax, Corporate Finance, Restructuring and Risk Advisory.

Comprehensive trainee programme The quality of your professional training will be your first consideration and it should be. Alongside the professional training you will be given, you will be supported by the RSM Tenon Academy. The Academy team help people be the best they can be. For trainees we actively support professional qualifications, through a mix of internal courses, external training and active mentoring.

The Academy’s trainee programme will complement your experiential learning with the key technical skills, commercial awareness and personal development required in current and future roles.

Once qualified, the sky is the limit. RSM Tenon offers you a career full of opportunities, challenges and rewards, including the opportunity of rapid progression internally and secondments abroad.

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.rsmtenon.com


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/rsm-tenon/

ding you d-

Are you interested in a career in finance, tax or accountancy?

At RSM Tenon, you have the opportunity to develop a professional career and gain valuable hands on experience whilst studying for your accountancy or tax qualification.

If you require further information please contact our National Recruitment Team:

T 01952 231 190

www.rsmtenon.com

Targeting excellence


92

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

About Saffery ChampnessAs a top 20 UK accountancy firm, and advisers to some of the UK’s wealthiest individuals, Saffery Champness is a dynamic and exciting place to launch your career.

Through hard work and innovative thinking – to say nothing of the personal touch which has long been our trademark – we have achieved strong market positions across a range of sectors, but particularly private clients.

Our style is personal and we value our strong client relationships and genuinely partner-led service. Providing excellent training and development opportunities for staff is an important part of what we do, as our long-standing Investors in People accreditation demonstrates. We are also very proud to have been named as one of Britain’s Top Employers for the tenth consecutive year.

Our graduate traineesAs one of our graduate trainees, you can play a major part in our ongoing success story. From early on in your time with us, you will be entrusted with real client assignments and real responsibilities. In return, we will support you with our first-class training and development programme, designed to lay the foundations for an exceptional career.

We seek people with initiative; people who are collaborative teamworkers, natural communicators and able problem-solvers. Above all, we seek people who are motivated by providing the highest level of client service.

On the job trainingWe offer three-year training contracts across our offices with a view to becoming an ACA/CA qualified accountant. Qualifying is not just about passing your exams; gaining a variety of experiences in a range of business environments is of equal importance. We offer exciting development opportunities, with the

chance to build your knowledge in many of the sectors in which we operate, combined with excellent training and support. You will work in a friendly and progressive environment, within teams of varying sizes on audits and accounts preparation assignments. From day one you will be given your own area of responsibility. You may be dealing with private clients, individuals from the entertainment world, family estates or charities.

We use first-class tuition centres alongside our own internally developed technical training programmes to help you prepare for your examinations. This is supported by our dedicated training team who will monitor your progress throughout your studies. We expect our prospective trainees to have gained a thorough understanding of what the exams will involve, so please ensure that you have researched the ACA/CA qualification thoroughly and can convince us that you know what you’re letting yourself in for!

We recruit approximately 15 trainee chartered accountants each year across our regional office network. In addition we offer summer intern placements if you remain unsure about what kind of firm you think would best suit you.

Reward and benefitsWe want to give you the best possible start to your accountancy career. As a Saffery Champness trainee, you will begin your three-year training contract on a competitive starting salary. Throughout your training you will take part in bi-annual performance reviews to discuss your future roles and responsibilities.

As well as your annual salary, your overall remuneration includes our flexible benefits package, one of the first in the chartered accountancy sector, and one that is still highly-regarded thanks to our continual improvements and upgrades.

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/saffery-champness/

93


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

How to applyCV, covering letter and application form via our website: www.saffery.comEarly applications are strongly advised


Application deadline31 July 2014

Scan for Saffery Champness’ live jobs

No. of employees400

No. of partners61 (UK)

LocationsBournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, Inverness, London, Manchester and Peterborough





Min. UCAS points300 (minimum GCSE Maths and English grade B)


Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme and social events

The flexible benefits scheme comprises both payroll-deductible benefits and direct benefits, all designed to save you money and make your life a little easier. Payroll-deductible benefits include:• Flexible holiday entitlements• A cycle-to-work facility• Health screening• Life insurance (up to three times your

annual salary)• Critical illness cover• A contributory pension plan• Childcare vouchers.

On top of this, all members of staff are automatically enrolled in our profit sharing scheme, which runs from October to September each year.

All of these rewards and benefits would mean little without the attraction of a challenging and varied workload in a dynamic office environment. And with excellent prospects for progression, staff members who demonstrate real ability know they will be able to progress quickly through the ranks and rise to more senior positions – with the potential for partnership opportunities further down the line.

RequirementsApplicants must have a 2:1 degree (expected or obtained) in any discipline and at least 300 UCAS points, or equivalent, gained at one sitting. Plus excellent GSCE results with a minimum grade B in English and Maths.

How to applyFor more information and to apply, visit our website: www.saffery.com

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.saffery.com



94

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

How to applyVia an online application form at: www.swat.co.uk/insidecareers


Application deadlineWe accept applications all year round

Scan for SWAT UK’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies30+




Min. UCAS points300

Starting salary£20,000

No. of employees30-100

No. of partners7-14

No. of trainees30+

Locationslondon


Looking for a career with a difference?At SWAT UK we recruit for a number of prestigious firms of chartered accountants based in London and we have over 30 places available every year.

We’re always looking for new people and we accept applications all year-round.

Excellent package including:• Salaries from £20,000• 3-5 year accountancy training contract• Study support package worth in region of £15,000• ICAEW (ACA) Chartered Accountancy qualification• On-the-job training with a wide range of clients• Huge potential for career progression.

Entry requirements• 2:2 degree or above in ANY subject• 300+ UCAS points• English & Maths GCSE (grade B or above).

What you can expectThe firms we recruit for service large client bases covering many industry sectors. As such, our graduate programme offers you the chance to gain experience in a wide range of areas and work with clients in such industries as:

• Authors• Charities and not-for-profit• Film and media (including theatre)• The motor industry• Tourism• Trade unions• And many more.

What our graduates say‘My role over the years has changed enormously: audit junior, audit senior, manager, and now partner’. Joe Kinton, Partner (Shipleys LLP)

Read more case studies at www.swat.co.uk/insidecareers

Find out more and applyFor more details and to apply visit www.swat.co.uk/insidecareers

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.swat.co.uk/insidecareers




http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/swat-uk/

Excellent package including:

✔ Salaries from £20k

✔ 3-5 year accountancy training contract

✔ Study support package worth in region of £15k

✔ ICAEW (ACA) Chartered Accountancy qualifi cation

✔ On-the-job training with a wide range of clients

✔ Huge potential for career progression

Looking for a Career with a Diff erence?We can help you achieve your potential.At SWAT UK we recruit for a number of prestigious fi rms of Chartered Accountants based in London.

We’re always looking for new peopleand we accept applications all year-round.

Entry Requirements

✔ 2:2 degree or above in ANY subject

✔ 300+ UCAS points

✔ English & Maths GCSE (grade B or above)

Graduate Opportunities in Accountancy

My role over the years has changed enormously: audit junior; audit senior; manager; and now partner

Joe Kinton, Partner (Shipleys LLP)

For details and to apply, visit www.swat.co.uk/insidecareers

Registered Offi ce: Tor View House, 3 Darklake View, Estover, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 7TL Registered No. 3041771. England and Wales

Accountancy Recruitment

Bring Fergus to life with your Smartphone1. Download the LAYAR Smartphone App from

Apple’s App Store or Androids Google Play

2. Point and Scan this advert3. Watch Fergus the Frog come to life!

1 2 3


96

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

How to applyApply via online application form at: www.uhy-graduate.com(for the Letchworth office, please email your CV to the contact on the graduate website)

Contact informationUHY Hacker Young Quadrant House4 Thomas More SquareLondon E1W 1YWT: 020 7216 4600

Application deadline28 February 2014

Scan for UHY’s live jobs

No. of employees600+

No. of partners100

No. of trainees40+

LocationsLondon, Birmingham, Brighton, Letchworth, Newport, Nottingham, Manchester, Sunderland, Sheffield and Scotland (Campbell Dallas)


No. of graduate vacanciesc. 35 nationwide



Min. UCAS points280


Benefits20 days holiday (ability to purchase additional leave), discounted healthcare scheme, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, life assurance and gym membership

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Background and structureThe UHY Hacker Young Group is an ambitious Top 20 national accountancy network with a strong local presence. Our 100 partners and 600 staff are based across 23 offices around the UK, ten of which offer graduate training.

Our size and position in the market means that every year we need to select only a small number of talented trainees to help our business to grow. Each trainee is given responsibility from day one and has the chance to stretch their talents, and experience a wide diversity of work.

Training with UHYWhilst training does vary from office to office, there are opportunities in all assignments to apply and develop your knowledge and to learn more by dealing with real business situations.

Throughout your training we are interested in you as an individual – what your interests are, what motivates you and how we can help you to meet your professional objectives.

Will you fit the bill?We look for bright graduates with the ability and determination to succeed as qualified accountants. As a trainee with our firm you will be expected to support our strategy for growth and respond to our clients’ changing needs.

We realise that you may not feel you match all of these criteria yet, but part of our job is to make sure you develop and achieve your potential. At the same time, you should also recognise that the exams are tough and we therefore look for past high levels of academic achievement.

Academic requirementsSound English and Mathematics (GCSE or equivalent grade B in each).

Good A level grades, 280 UCAS points as a minimum (or equivalent) and a 2:1 degree (in any subject).

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.uhy-graduate.com

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/chartered-accountancy/employer/uhy-hacker-young/

97


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

What makes a good accountant?A good accountant possesses skills such as logical thinking, strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability and computer skills. It is also very important to be proactive, have a keen eye for detail and communicate clearly with clients and colleagues. Good technical knowledge, commercial awareness and relevant experience are also key for a good accountant. I believe an accountant should always be cool, calm and confident!

What is the atmosphere like at UHY?The atmosphere at UHY is professional and dynamic. There is a diverse mix of colleagues at UHY and from the day I joined, my colleagues have made me feel valued and part of the UHY team! Working at UHY can be challenging but very rewarding. Members of staff are really friendly, approachable and always happy to help.

What is the most challenging thing about your role?Personally, the most challenging aspect of my

role is being able to balance studying for ACCA and work commitments. At times, there can be tight deadlines where clients are relying on the work I do and therefore this role has taught me how to prioritise my time well and manage expectations from senior management.

What made you choose UHY?One of the reasons I chose UHY was due to the size of the firm. I believe that in a medium sized firm, trainees can be recognised in a better way for their work and be treated more like an individual rather than just part of a team. It also gives you the opportunity to meet different clients while on audit, which builds on the overall experience.

I thought it would also be easier to build relationships with colleagues at UHY as you get to know them more personally than you would in a much larger firm. Furthermore, looking at what some of the trainees at UHY said on the website about the friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the firm particularly attracted me to choose UHY.

Trainee Profile

NAmE

lOCATiON uNivErSiTy

dEgrEE

rOlE

Jagrut Sharma

london

Cardiff University

BSc Accounting and Finance

Accountancy Trainee

BACK TO CONTENTS


Reference Tables

BACK TO CONTENTS

BACK TO CONTENTS

100

JOB reference taBle

com

pany

no.

of e

mpl

oyee

s

no.

of p

artn

ers

no.

of t

rain

ees

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

port

uniti

es

type

of w

k ex

perie

nce

offe

red

no.

of w

ork

expe

rienc

e va

canc

ies

no.

of g

radu

ate

jobs

Min

. deg

ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

licat

ion

dead

line

furt

her

info

- pg

Pens

ion

Sche

me

Hea

lthca

re S

chem

e

Stud

y su

ppor

t

Perf

orm

ance

bon

us

Seas

on t

icke

t lo

an

Soci

al e

vent

s

Barnes Roffe LLPwww.barnesroffe.com c. 120 20 35 london 4 - 0 10-15 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l Apply online 31 December

2013 64

BDOwww.bdo.co.uk/graduates

3,500 (UK) - - Nationwide -Internships and insight

days- 200 2:1 280 Competitive 25 l l Apply online - 66

Blick Rothenberg LLPwww.blickrothenberg.com

155 21 22 london 8 - 0 8-10 2:1 300 Competitive 20 l l l l lOnline

application form31 March

2014 68

Brebnerswww.brebners.com 80 17 19

Shaftesbury Avenue, London, Sevenoaks and

Kent

8 - 0 4 2:2 300 Competitive 20 l l l Apply online End february 2013 70

Clement Keys LLPwww.clementkeys.co.uk 100 10 25 Birmingham 4 Internships 1 4 2:2 300 Competitive 28 l l l

Application form by email or post Ongoing 72

Deloittewww.deloitte.co.uk/graduates

14,000 (UK) 890 - Nationwide 4

Internships and

industrial placements

500 1,200 2:1 300 Competitive - l l l lOnline

application formFirst come first served 74

Dixon Wilsonwww.dixonwilson.co.uk 125 16 38 london and

paris 4 Internships 3 12-14 2:1 300 Competitive 21 l l l l

Online application form, CV and covering

letter

- 75

EYwww.ey.com/uk/careers

167,000 (Worldwide)

549 (UK)

c. 1,500 (UK)

Nationwide 4

Internships and


- 700 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l Online Ongoing 76

Goodman Jones LLPwww.goodmanjones.com 50 13 15-20 Central London 8 - 0 4-6 2:1 320 Competitive 20 l l

Email Cv and covering letter

Accepted from 1

December 2013

77

Hazlewoodswww.hazlewoods.co.uk 225 18 44

Cheltenham, Gloucester and

Staverton- - - 11 2:1 320 Competitive 20 l l

Application form online or via

email- 78

Larking Gowenwww.larking-gowen.co.uk

c. 275 18 c. 65 East Anglia 8 Internships 40 pa c. 5 2:1 280 Competitive 21 l l lOnline

application form31 December

2013 79

Lubbock Finewww.lubbockfine.co.uk 70 14 5 london 8 - 0 5 2:1 280 Competitive 28 l l l l l

Online application form Ongoing 80

Mazarswww.graduates.mazars.co.uk


Internships and


c. 10 c. 100 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l l Apply online Ongoing 82

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.barnesroffe.com

http://www.bdo.co.uk/

http://www.blickrothenberg.com

http://www.brebners.com

http://www.clementkeys.co.uk


http://www.dixonwilson.co.uk

http://www.ey.com/uk/

http://www.goodmanjones.com

http://www.hazlewoods.co.uk

http://www.larking-gowen.co.uk

http://www.lubbockfine.co.uk



101

JOB reference taBle

com

pany

no.

of e

mpl

oyee

s

no.

of p

artn

ers

no.

of t

rain

ees

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

port

uniti

es

type

of w

k ex

perie

nce

offe

red

no.

of w

ork

expe

rienc

e va

canc

ies

no.

of g

radu

ate

jobs

Min

. deg

ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

licat

ion

dead

line

furt

her

info

- pg

Pens

ion

Sche

me

Hea

lthca

re S

chem

e

Stud

y su

ppor

t

Perf

orm

ance

bon

us

Seas

on t

icke

t lo

an

Soci

al e

vent

s

Barnes Roffe LLPwww.barnesroffe.com c. 120 20 35 london 4 - 0 10-15 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l Apply online 31 December

2013 64

BDOwww.bdo.co.uk/graduates

3,500 (UK) - - Nationwide -Internships and insight

days- 200 2:1 280 Competitive 25 l l Apply online - 66

Blick Rothenberg LLPwww.blickrothenberg.com

155 21 22 london 8 - 0 8-10 2:1 300 Competitive 20 l l l l lOnline

application form31 March

2014 68

Brebnerswww.brebners.com 80 17 19

Shaftesbury Avenue, London, Sevenoaks and

Kent

8 - 0 4 2:2 300 Competitive 20 l l l Apply online End february 2013 70

Clement Keys LLPwww.clementkeys.co.uk 100 10 25 Birmingham 4 Internships 1 4 2:2 300 Competitive 28 l l l

Application form by email or post Ongoing 72

Deloittewww.deloitte.co.uk/graduates


Internships and


500 1,200 2:1 300 Competitive - l l l lOnline

application formFirst come first served 74

Dixon Wilsonwww.dixonwilson.co.uk 125 16 38 london and

paris 4 Internships 3 12-14 2:1 300 Competitive 21 l l l l

Online application form, CV and covering

letter

- 75

EYwww.ey.com/uk/careers

167,000 (Worldwide)

549 (UK)

c. 1,500 (UK)

Nationwide 4

Internships and


- 700 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l Online Ongoing 76

Goodman Jones LLPwww.goodmanjones.com 50 13 15-20 Central London 8 - 0 4-6 2:1 320 Competitive 20 l l

Email Cv and covering letter

Accepted from 1

December 2013

77

Hazlewoodswww.hazlewoods.co.uk 225 18 44

Cheltenham, Gloucester and

Staverton- - - 11 2:1 320 Competitive 20 l l

Application form online or via

email- 78

Larking Gowenwww.larking-gowen.co.uk

c. 275 18 c. 65 East Anglia 8 Internships 40 pa c. 5 2:1 280 Competitive 21 l l lOnline

application form31 December

2013 79

Lubbock Finewww.lubbockfine.co.uk 70 14 5 london 8 - 0 5 2:1 280 Competitive 28 l l l l l

Online application form Ongoing 80

Mazarswww.graduates.mazars.co.uk


Internships and


c. 10 c. 100 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l l Apply online Ongoing 82

BACK TO CONTENTS


102

JOB reference taBle

com

pany

no.

of e

mpl

oyee

s

no.

of p

artn

ers

no.

of t

rain

ees

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

port

uniti

es

type

of w

k ex

perie

nce

offe

red

no.

of w

ork

expe

rienc

e va

canc

ies

no.

of g

radu

ate

jobs

Min

. deg

ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

licat

ion

dead

line

furt

her

info

- pg

Pens

ion

Sche

me

Hea

lthca

re S

chem

e

Stud

y su

ppor

t

Perf

orm

ance

bon

us

Seas

on t

icke

t lo

an

Soci

al e

vent

s

Mercer & Holewww.mercerhole.co.uk 153 18 25

London, Milton Keynes and St Albans

8 - 0 6 2:2 260 Competitive 23 l l l lApplication form via email or post

31 January 2014 84

Moore Stephenswww.moorestephens.com

600 70 60 City of London 8 - 0 16 2:1 300 Competitive 23 l l l l lOnline

application form

Open until all vacancies are

filled85

PwCwww.pwc.com/uk/careers

c. 17,000 (UK) - - Offices across

the UK - various c. 800 c. 1,200 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l Apply online Check

website 86

Rees Pollockwww.reespollock.co.uk 50 8 20 london 8 - 0 5 2:2 340 £26,000 pa - l l l

CV, covering letter and

application form by email or post

Ongoing 88

Reeveswww.reeves.co 251 40 -

Canterbury, Chatham,

Gatwick and london

8Industrial

placements 10 8-10 2:1 300 Competitive 22.5 l l Apply online 8 january 2014 89

RSM Tenonwww.rsmtenon.com 2,400 200+ 400+ Nationwide 4

Internships and


20 130 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l

Online application form

with CV and covering letter

- 90

Saffery Champnesswww.saffery.com 400 61

(UK) - Nationwide 8 Internships - c. 15 2:1 300 Competitive 20 l l l l



31 July 2014 92

SWAT UKwww.swat.co.uk/insidecareers

30-100 7-14 30+ london 8 - - 30+ 2:2 300 £20,000 Online application form Ongoing 94

UHY Hacker Youngwww.uhy-graduate.com

600+ 100 40+ Nationwide 8 - - c. 35 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l lOnline

application form28 february

2014 96

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.mercerhole.co.uk

http://www.moorestephens

http://www.pwc.com/uk/

http://www.reespollock.co.uk

http://www.reeves.co



http://www.swat.co.uk/

http://www.uhy-graduate.com

103

JOB reference taBle


com

pany

no.

of e

mpl

oyee

s

no.

of p

artn

ers

no.

of t

rain

ees

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

port

uniti

es

type

of w

k ex

perie

nce

offe

red

no.

of w

ork

expe

rienc

e va

canc

ies

no.

of g

radu

ate

jobs

Min

. deg

ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

licat

ion

dead

line

furt

her

info

- pg

Pens

ion

Sche

me

Hea

lthca

re S

chem

e

Stud

y su

ppor

t

Perf

orm

ance

bon

us

Seas

on t

icke

t lo

an

Soci

al e

vent

s

Mercer & Holewww.mercerhole.co.uk 153 18 25

London, Milton Keynes and St Albans

8 - 0 6 2:2 260 Competitive 23 l l l lApplication form via email or post

31 January 2014 84

Moore Stephenswww.moorestephens.com

600 70 60 City of London 8 - 0 16 2:1 300 Competitive 23 l l l l lOnline

application form

Open until all vacancies are

filled85

PwCwww.pwc.com/uk/careers

c. 17,000 (UK) - - Offices across

the UK - various c. 800 c. 1,200 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l Apply online Check

website 86

Rees Pollockwww.reespollock.co.uk 50 8 20 london 8 - 0 5 2:2 340 £26,000 pa - l l l

CV, covering letter and

application form by email or post

Ongoing 88

Reeveswww.reeves.co 251 40 -

Canterbury, Chatham,

Gatwick and london

8Industrial

placements 10 8-10 2:1 300 Competitive 22.5 l l Apply online 8 january 2014 89

RSM Tenonwww.rsmtenon.com 2,400 200+ 400+ Nationwide 4

Internships and


20 130 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l



- 90

Saffery Champnesswww.saffery.com 400 61

(UK) - Nationwide 8 Internships - c. 15 2:1 300 Competitive 20 l l l l



31 July 2014 92

SWAT UKwww.swat.co.uk/insidecareers

30-100 7-14 30+ london 8 - - 30+ 2:2 300 £20,000 Online application form Ongoing 94

UHY Hacker Youngwww.uhy-graduate.com

600+ 100 40+ Nationwide 8 - - c. 35 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l lOnline

application form28 february

2014 96

BACK TO CONTENTS


104

OtHer accOUntancy fIrMS

Company Website Locations

Adler Shine www.adlershine.com london

Albert Goodman www.albertgoodman.co.uk South West

Anderson Barrowcliff www.anderson-barrowcliff.co.uk Stockton on Tees

Arnold Hill & Co LLP www.arnoldhill.co.uk london

Arram Berlyn Gardner www.abggroup.co.uk london

ASE www.ase-global.com Manchester

Beever & Struthers www.beeverstruthers.co.uk London and the North West

Berg Kaprow Lewis www.bkl.co.uk london

Bishop Fleming www.bishopflemingjobs.co.uk South West

Bloomer Heaven www.bloomerheaven.co.uk Birmingham

Bright Grahame Murray www.bgm.co.uk/careers london

Bristow Burrell www.bristowburrell.co.uk guildford

Caldwell & Braham www.caldwellandbraham.co.uk london

Cartwrights www.cartwrights-ca.co.uk Barnet

CBW www.cbw.co.uk london

Chantrey Vellacott www.cvdfk.com London, the South East and the Midlands

CLB Coopers www.clbcoopers.co.uk Bolton, Lancaster and Manchester

Cooper Parry www.cooperparry.com London and the Midlands

Cowgill Holloway www.cowgills.co.uk Bolton, Liverpool and Manchester

Creaseys www.creaseys.co.uk Tunbridge wells

Critchleys www.critchleys.co.uk Oxford

Dodd & Co www.doddaccountants.co.uk Carlisle, Penrith and Lanacaster

Donald Reid & Co www.donaldreid.co.uk Maidenhead

DSH www.dsh.co.uk Maidstone and Rickmansworth

DTE business advisers www.dtegroup.com Bury, London and Manchester

Duncan & Toplis www.duntop.co.uk East Midlands

Duncan Sheard Glass www.dsg.uk.com Merseyside and North Wales

Eacotts www.eacotts.com Buckinghamshire

Eagle Consulting www.eagleconsulting.co.uk Inverness

Elliotts Shah www.elliottsshah.co.uk london

Francis Clark www.francisclark.co.uk South West

Friend-James www.friend-james.co.uk Brighton

Gilberts www.gilberts.uk.com St Albans

Goldwyns www.goldwyns.co.uk Southend on Sea

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.adlershine.com

http://www.albertgoodman.co.uk

http://www.anderson-barrowcliff.co.uk

http://www.arnoldhill.co.uk

http://www.abggroup.co.uk

http://www.ase-global.com

http://www.beeverstruthers.co.uk

http://www.bkl.co.uk

http://www.bishopflemingjobs.co.uk

http://www.bloomerheaven.co.uk

http://www.bgm.co.uk/careers

http://www.bristowburrell.co.uk

http://www.caldwellandbraham.co.uk

http://www.cartwrights-ca.co.uk

http://www.cbw.co.uk

http://www.cvdfk.com

http://www.clbcoopers.co.uk

http://www.cooperparry.com

http://www.cowgills.co.uk

http://www.creaseys.co.uk

http://www.critchleys.co.uk

http://www.doddaccountants.co.uk

http://www.donaldreid.co.uk

http://www.dsh.co.uk

http://www.dtegroup.com

http://www.duntop.co.uk

http://www.dsg.uk.com

http://www.eacotts.com

http://www.eagleconsulting.co.uk

http://www.elliottsshah.co.uk

http://www.francisclark.co.uk

http://www.friend-james.co.uk

http://www.gilberts.uk.com

http://www.goldwyns.co.uk


105



Grant Thornton www.grant-thornton.co.uk Nationwide

Haines Watts hwca.com Nationwide

Haslers www.haslers.com London/Essex

HAT Group www.hatgroup.co.uk Nationwide

Hawsons www.hawsons.co.uk Doncaster, Northampton and Sheffield

haysmacintyre www.haysmacintyre.com london

Hazlems Fenton LLP www.hazlemsfenton.com london

Hill Wooldridge & Co www.hillwooldridge.co.uk london

Hillier Hopkins LLP www.hillierhopkins.co.uk London and the home counties

Howlader & Co howladerandco.com london

Hurst www.hurst.co.uk Manchester, Stockport and london

HW Fisher & Company www.hwfisher.co.uk London and Watford

Javed & Co www.javed.co.uk Birmingham

JCS www.jcssutton.co.uk Surrey

Kendall Wadley LLP www.kwca.co.uk Herford, Malvern and Worcester

Kingston Smith www.kingstonsmith.co.uk London and the South East

KPMG www.kpmg.com/uk Nationwide

Kirkrice www.kirkrice.co.uk Berkshire

Menzies www.menzies.co.uk Hampshire, London and Surrey

MHA MacIntyre Hudson www.macintyrehudson.co.uk london

Moore & Smalley www.mooreandsmalley.co.uk Blackpool, Kendal, Lancaster and Preston

Murray Harcourt www.murrayharcourt.com Yorkshire

National Audit Office www.nao.org.uk London and Newcastle

Newby Castleman www.newbycastleman.co.uk Leicester and Loughborough

O’Hara Wood Ltd www.oharawood.co.uk Bath

Page Kirk www. pagekirk.co.uk Nottingham

Pearson May www.pearsonmay.co.uk Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge

Peters Elworthy & Moore www.pem.co.uk Cambridge

Price Bailey www.pricebailey.co.uk London, East Anglia and guernsey

RDP Newmans www.rdpnewmans.com Harrow and Southend-on-Sea

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk

http://www.haslers.com

http://www.hatgroup.co.uk

http://www.hawsons.co.uk

http://www.haysmacintyre.com

http://www.hazlemsfenton.com

http://www.hillwooldridge.co.uk

http://www.hillierhopkins.co.uk

http://www.hurst.co.uk

http://www.hwfisher.co.uk

http://www.javed.co.uk

http://www.jcssutton.co.uk

http://www.kwca.co.uk

http://www.kingstonsmith.co.uk

http://www.kpmg.com/uk

http://www.kirkrice.co.uk

http://www.menzies.co.uk

http://www.macintyrehudson.co.uk

http://www.mooreandsmalley.co.uk

http://www.murrayharcourt.com

http://www.nao.org.uk

http://www.newbycastleman.co.uk

http://www.oharawood.co.uk

http://www.pagekirk.co.uk

http://www.pearsonmay.co.uk

http://www.pem.co.uk

http://www.pricebailey.co.uk

http://www.rdpnewmans.com

hwca.com

howladerandco.com

106



Reads & Co www.readsco.com jersey

RGL Forensics www.rgl.com London and Manchester

Roffe Swayne www.roffeswayne.com Surrey

Rouse Partners www.rousepartners.co.uk Buckinghamshire

Royce Peeling Green www.rpg.co.uk London, Manchester, North Wales and Stockport

Ryecroft Glenton www.ryecroft-glenton.co.uk Newcastle

S H Landes LLP www.shlandes.com london

Sagars LLP www.sagars.co.uk leeds

Saint & Co. www.saint.co.uk Cumbria and South West Scotland

Sanne Group www.sannegroup.com jersey

Shipleys www.shipleys.com london and godalming

Spofforths www.spofforths.co.uk Sussex

Smith & Williamson www.smith.williamson.co.uk Nationwide

The HHC Partnership www.hhcpartnership.co.uk london

Thomas Coombs www.thomascoombs.com leeds

THP www.thp.co.uk London, Surrey and Essex

Ward Williams www.wardwilliams.co.uk London, Surrey and Berkshire

Watts Gregory LLP www.watts-gregory.co.uk Cardiff

Wellden Turnbull www.wtca.co.uk Surrey and london

Wenn Townsend www.wenntownsend.co.uk Abingdon, Cirencester and Oxford

Wheawill & Sudworth www.wheawill.co.uk Huddersfield

Whitley Stimpson www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Banbury and High Wycombe

Wilkins Kennedy www.wilkinskennedy.com London and the South

Wilson Wright www.wilsonwright.com london

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.readsco.com

http://www.rgl.com

http://www.roffeswayne.com

http://www.rousepartners.co.uk

http://www.rpg.co.uk

http://www.ryecroft-glenton.co.uk

http://www.shlandes.com

http://www.sagars.co.uk

http://www.saint.co.uk

http://www.sannegroup.com

http://www.shipleys.com

http://www.spofforths.co.uk

http://www.smith.williamson.co.uk

http://www.hhcpartnership.co.uk

http://www.thomascoombs.com

http://www.thp.co.uk

http://www.wardwilliams.co.uk

http://www.watts-gregory.co.uk

http://www.wtca.co.uk

http://www.wenntownsend.co.uk

http://www.wheawill.co.uk

http://www.whitleystimpson.co.uk

http://www.wilkinskennedy.com

http://www.wilsonwright.com

the only graduate career guide to

Chartered aCCountanCy

chartered

accou

ntan

cy2013/14

2013/14

graduate jobs l internships & placements l career advicewww.insidecareers.co.uk/acc

What’s InsIde

all about the professionNEW Internship profiles

Graduate & senior profilesSalaries & career paths

Professional qualificationsemployer directory

in partnerShip with







11643(B) BDO Ad_210x148.indd 1 26/06/2012 12:30



in accountancy the only graduate career guide to Chartered ... · 2013-09-27 · the only graduate...

Documents

Transcript of in accountancy the only graduate career guide to Chartered ... · 2013-09-27 · the only graduate...