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Appenticeship or Uni?

Trying to decide what to do next year. I am thinking that I lean more towards my eventual career being in finance rather than accountancy, but I want to earn at least £80,000 eventually. I am wondering what the best route to take is, whether or not an accountancy apprenticeship will hold me back for jobs as a finance director or consultancy.

I got AAA at AS and Think I will get between A*A*Aa*(epq) - ABBa.

I am only applying for the big 4 and if I don't get in I will go to Uni (if I decide on an apprenticeship.)

So my options are: Apprenticeship at big four, or accountancy and finance at Soton Uni.

Which looks better and will result in higher wages on average?

Also if anyone has any advice on what branch of accountancy to go into if in future I want to be a manager/director/consultant. Thanks guys :smile:

Reply 1

AndyP_14

I had this exact same dilemma myself! I ended up studying Accounting&Finance at Uni of Liverpool instead..

For me, i wanted to head straight into a paying job and become a chartered Accountant with ICAEW. I could achieve this through the apprenticeship route, but I'd have to study a few hours every night after a 9-5 job for exams (usually AAT, then you can study for ACA). My dad is also a Finance Director and he said that it'd be too much stress/pressure on you to do this at such a young age (18/19).

But i noticed that UoL can offer you 12/15 exemptions for the ACA exam (which is outstanding and very rare to see, most unis offer around 7/8 exemptions). So i knew that after my 4 years at uni (i have a yr in industry - which i highly recommend) I could be a chartered accountant a year after I graduate. I would also have a top class degree behind me as A&F will look good on any CV for a job in the business world..

Any more questions, feel free to ask..

Reply 2

Yellow2914

If you want to work for a Big 4 firm, then you could do either university or apprenticeship.

The School Leavers program would allow you to earn money rather than getting into debt, and still becoming a charted accountant, normally within the same time route as university applicants - if not faster.

Or a scholarship program such as EY degree. This means you would have a 4 year degree with 1 year at an EY office. Both options gives you a good chance on securing a job with EY or a big 4 firm afterwards.

good luck!