Introduction

A common route is through a graduate scheme, usually open for applications from September to December in your final year of study - but the smaller the firm, the later the deadline. Graduate programmes typically involve working towards professional membership. Smaller firms may look to recruit entry level positions on an ad-hoc basis.

If you’re looking to gain experience

Evidence of experience is important when applying for graduate positions. Many firms run summer vacation internship programmes with application deadlines usually falling in February and March, sometimes sooner.

Don’t neglect the smaller or niche firms. Smaller organisations may give you greater responsibility and access to relevant software and systems more quickly. You may have to apply on a speculative basis with a CV and covering letter.

Get involved in groups like LSESU's Accounting Society to demonstrate commitment on your CV. Student membership of professional bodies such as ICAEW and CIMA can also offer opportunities to build your network.

If you’re early on in your career

Jobs in tax or accounting require training towards professional accreditation worldwide, so graduate and trainee programmes that allow you to obtain this are common entry points in the UK.

If you have more experience

Initial graduate and trainee positions can progress into finance and consulting roles, or the financial foundations gained can provide a means for transition into ‘non-finance’ roles, for example, in project management, operations, and strategy. Consider how you present your experience on your CV. If you’ve worked for a number of years in a related position, it is likely that experienced hire roles would be more suitable than graduate schemes.

If you’re changing career

Relevant experience is important – for example applied knowledge of Microsoft Excel, modelling and data work would be valuable. If you don't have that experience, it may be possible to develop your skills in a voluntary capacity, e.g. with a charity. Accountancy Age has a useful article on changing to an accounting career.

Not sure what to do next?

We’re here to talk over your career plans with you. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at, so don’t feel you have to have it all worked out. You can book a one-to-one appointment with a careers consultant on CareerHub.

There are many different roles in the sector. We’ve outlined those that are often of interest to LSE students with links to further information. If you can, try to talk to someone who’s doing the job you’re interested in, so you can get a real flavour of what it’s like.

Accountancy and audit

• Chartered accountant – manages the finances of customers, from individuals to large multinational corporations. Keeps financial records and makes recommendations for strategy and business needs. Chartered status is gained after a period of relevant work experience and completion of a chartered accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA). The Prospects Chartered accountant job profile provides further details.
• Management accountant – analyses, researches and reports on financial aspects of a company to support senior managers' decision making. Advises on financial spending and distribution, and future financial planning. Typically based in industry across a range of sectors. Check out the Prospects Chartered management accountant job profile.
• Auditor – provides an independent review of a company's finances, assessing their past performance and their future income generation, to see if they are 'fair and true' and to give confidence to board members and shareholders. May also conduct an audit of a company's other business areas, including CSR, health and safety, etc. For more information, access the Target Jobs Auditor job description.
• Forensic accountant – liaises with the solicitor of a client, looks at and prepares papers related to financial and contract matters and presents them to court. Answers any questions or scrutiny about the work presented. These positions tend to be taken by experienced accountants. The Prospects Forensic accountant job profile is a useful resource.

Taxation

Tax is a mixture of law, administration and accountancy and it draws on a range of intellectual, presentational and personal skills.

• Tax adviser – works with companies and individuals to create the best tax strategies for them. The diverse nature of taxation means that tax advisers rapidly develop areas of specialist knowledge, including corporate, personal, international, inheritance tax, VAT, National Insurance, and trusts and estates. The Prospects Tax adviser job profile provides further details.
• Tax accountant – maintains financial records, produces reports and makes recommendations. A similar role to that of a chartered or management accountant, but specialising in tax.

You may also find some of the roles in our Careers in Financial Services page interesting.