2:2

I got rewarded a 2:2 which I'm not happy about. I usually attain A/B grades since GCSEs. What do I do now to become an accountant with this disadvantage?

You've posted this in GCSEs. Are you actually talking about an undergraduate degree result?

What were your a level results and subjects? What was your degree in?

I studied A Levels Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry and got A*BB respectively. I studied Maths at uni and got a 2:2

I studied A Levels Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry and got A*BB respectively. I studied Maths at uni and got a 2:2

which uni?

Cool. So there are a fair few routes into accounting. Some will be more complicated than others due to grade filters. Did you apply for grad schemes during your third year and if so how did you get on?

1) Large accounting firms. Its easy enough to google 'top 50 accounting firms uk' and check their websites for grade requirements. Some will accept a 2.2 but the number was limited last time I looked. EY and Grant Thornton would be good ones to look at for starters. One thing to be aware of - the larger firms have stated a 2:1 minimum for years and yet people with 2:2s get in. These seem to be applicants with STEM degrees from Oxbridge/ Imperial - not sure about other exceptions.

2) Large company grad schemes. Not all have a 2.1 requirement so look through as many as you can find and apply to the ones which are open to you

3) Civil service - I think that should be a possibility and might appeal?

4) Smaller accounting firms. Check https://jobs.icaew.com/ if based in England/ Wales.

5) Normal entry into business accounting - get an entry level job, do some training and progress. Let me know if you are interested in learning more about this route - probably more common as going through grad schemes/ accounting firms but not often mentioned on these forums where people think grad scheme or bust.


Few things to check:
Which area of the country are you in and which regions would you look for jobs in?
Do you have decent GCSE grades particularly English/ Lit?

Queen Mary

2:2 in Maths QMUL, I'd say ground up from smaller firms that accept 2:2 or don't have academic requirements. ACCA on the whole isn't particularly maths intensive iirc. The actuarial route on the other hand may be more difficult to go into as it is maths heavy. Any mitigating circs?

No mitigating circumstances

Find grad schemes or jobs that accept a 2:2, get work experience, take a masters - there’s plenty of options, it’s just going to take some research.

I'm in London. Would prefer a job in London or South East England

That makes things easier - plenty to apply to.

Not really. Means they're applying in a more competitive market.

I'd actually recommend applying outside as well.

I've recruited for accounting positions in industry in London, a nearby town in the south east and in the north of England. Its way easier to get a break and move up the ladder in London so long as you have somewhere to live. The transport network also helps a lot

I suspect some London based grad schemes may be more competitive as most young graduates are happy to live in London. The OP is more likely to be looking at general entry level positions though.

Ahh, I see the confusion. I was referring to grad schemes but obviously entry-level would likely be more realistic considering OPs situation.