Accountancy, business, and finance provide a wide range of graduate opportunities, from working in management, to organising a company’s finances or taxes, as well as working in insurance. There are so many options!
The major global accounting companies, generally known as the “big four,” are the primary graduate recruiters. However, small to medium-sized firms (SMEs) and other organisations such as insurance companies, banks, and building societies provide equally challenging, prestigious, and career-forming opportunities.
You must be versatile, analytical, and a team player with excellent communication abilities. You’ll need to be good in mathematics as well as have a strong interest in the industry, keeping up with new technology and breakthroughs as well as current events and developments in the market.
Working under pressure and having the ability to flourish in a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere are essential elements of the work. With some of the best graduate beginning wages and promotion opportunities, the rewards are endless.
What graduate schemes are there?
There are a number of opportunities that fall under this industry. These include:
Accountancy graduate schemes: Involve obtaining professional certifications in the majority of cases. You could work as a chartered accountant, as well as many other positions.
Banking graduate schemes: Depending on the nature of the services supplied, you might specialise in investment banking, wealth management, or global markets.
Finance graduate schemes: In addition to corporate finance, you might specialise in banking technology like data science or analytics.
Insurance graduate schemes: These programmes, run by insurers and brokers, can enable you to specialise and build knowledge in underwriting, claims, or risk management.
Who are the main graduate employers?
Accountancy: what are some of the best graduate accounting programmes?
BDO
BDO is an accountancy and business advisory firm. Our global network operates in 167 countries with 1600 offices worldwide.
Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands.
EY
EY is one of the largest professional services networks in the world.
KPMG
KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services.
Mazars
Mazars is an international audit, tax and advisory firm committed to helping our clients build and grow their business.
National Audit Office
The National Audit Office (NAO) scrutinises public spending for Parliament.
PwC
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems.
RSM
RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market leaders, globally.
Willis Towers Watson
Managing people, risk and capital to propel the world’s leading businesses forward.
Banking
Barclays
We’ve designed our graduate programmes so you can truly make the most of everything Barclays has to offer.
HSBC
We welcome graduates who will bring fresh perspectives and knowledge to our different global business and functions.
Lloyds Banking Group
Our graduate schemes are entry-level jobs with a difference – you can build a career with real impact.
NatWest Group
Our graduate programmes are the perfect way to begin your career with us. Expect responsibility and exposure from day one
Santander
Our Retail and Business Banking graduate programme is all about giving you tools and know-how to lead us confidently into the future.
Insurance
Zurich
We aim to provide a supportive and enriching learning experience, via which graduates can grow, explore and identify where they can excel personally and professionally.
Admiral
This is a 2-year scheme encompassing four 6-month placements across your choice of business areas to help you develop yourself and your skills.
Direct Line
Direct Line Group is a place where tried and tested comes together with new and exciting.
Aviva
Our graduate programmes are based in some of the UK’s most vibrant cities, all of which are great places to live and work.
Churchill
Have you seen our graduate scheme? We want to develop our future leaders.
Allianz
Join the Allianz:LV=GI graduate scheme and you’ll spend two and a half years learning, growing and developing invaluable leadership skills.
Aon
As an Aon graduate, we’ll give you room to grow alongside talented colleagues, helping you find opportunities that play to your strengths.
AXA
AXA IM values the fresh perspectives students and graduates can bring to the table.
Lloyd’s of London
Our two-year Insurance Graduate Scheme is aimed at those with an interest in Insurance, who want to pursue a career in the industry.
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