Degrees for Accounting graduate schemes
10
Hey! I have just completed my first year for a degree in Software Engineering BSc, and was wondering, even though i love programming, and the problem solving we get to do, I was thinking of pivoting to accounting or bookkeeping after university. Would it be realistic for me to do this with my degree? And how exactly on a CV would I ..spin it to make myself a good candidate?
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
Reply 1
Al3x235
OP
10
I have also done a module in Business and Financial Computing - if this helps somewhat 
Reply 2
Al3x235
OP
10
bump? 
Reply 3
19
Real advice here: If you can land a SE job then DO NOT COME to Accounting. Computer science is the best uni degree right now and having an IT job means you work 9-5 with good salaries with good life ahead. All the IT people I know are living comfortably.
To get into accounting there're 2 routes: Go straight to industry accounting roles or 3-year training with a big 4 in audit. The former is kinda a career dead-end and the latter will qualify you for chartership and open up all the £50k+ roles. But you need to go through 3 years of hell for peanut pay. Read up about 'Big 4 busy season'. Don't quote me but I'd think most SE grads earn 45k out of the gate and Google pays £75k+ which you will never make this much unless you become a director.
Audit is the only big 4 service line that relies on international visa sponsorship to fill up the roles. We even recruit random dudes on the street with just A-levels. You can come in from any degree, I know audit seniors who did music that got in. At no part of the selection process do they ask what subject you did.
Just to add audit and accounting are incredibly dull and mind-numbing. Most ACA qualifiers leave to do more interest stuff like Corporate Finance and FBPing becuase they can't cope with spending their life on balance sheets.
To get into accounting there're 2 routes: Go straight to industry accounting roles or 3-year training with a big 4 in audit. The former is kinda a career dead-end and the latter will qualify you for chartership and open up all the £50k+ roles. But you need to go through 3 years of hell for peanut pay. Read up about 'Big 4 busy season'. Don't quote me but I'd think most SE grads earn 45k out of the gate and Google pays £75k+ which you will never make this much unless you become a director.
Audit is the only big 4 service line that relies on international visa sponsorship to fill up the roles. We even recruit random dudes on the street with just A-levels. You can come in from any degree, I know audit seniors who did music that got in. At no part of the selection process do they ask what subject you did.
Just to add audit and accounting are incredibly dull and mind-numbing. Most ACA qualifiers leave to do more interest stuff like Corporate Finance and FBPing becuase they can't cope with spending their life on balance sheets.
(edited 11 months ago)
Original post by Al3x235
Hey! I have just completed my first year for a degree in Software Engineering BSc, and was wondering, even though i love programming, and the problem solving we get to do, I was thinking of pivoting to accounting or bookkeeping after university. Would it be realistic for me to do this with my degree? And how exactly on a CV would I ..spin it to make myself a good candidate?
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
You can go into accountancy grad schemes with any degree normally. I know someone I went to school with who went into an accountancy grad scheme at one of the big 4 with a degree in politics and history.
It's a non-factor really I think.
Reply 5
Original post by Al3x235
Hey! I have just completed my first year for a degree in Software Engineering BSc, and was wondering, even though i love programming, and the problem solving we get to do, I was thinking of pivoting to accounting or bookkeeping after university. Would it be realistic for me to do this with my degree? And how exactly on a CV would I ..spin it to make myself a good candidate?
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
Hey! Many people pivot to accounting after your degree in Software Engineering, and I think your degree itself is valued in accounting. On your CV, highlight these transferable skills: emphasize your analytical abilities, attention to detail, and experience with data analysis. You can also showcase any coursework or projects that involved financial analysis or budgeting. I'd say consider taking some accounting courses or certifications (like ACCA or CIMA- they might be pricey and somewhat hard to pass but if you're passionate enough you'll get through it
) to strengthen your qualifications, and in your cover letters, emphasise on how your background in Software engineering is an asset to the employer. Good luck with your career pivot!Hiba
RAUL Student Ambassador
Reply 6
19
I can't see that you'd have any problem getting into Accountancy. They prefer to take those with STEM degrees as they are usually a better fit but I have seen people with arty farty degrees get in too. Usually depends on how many staff they have lost to industry recently.
Start looking for vacancies in the September before you graduate. Certain firms will close their books once they have the required number of applications. Once they have weeded the undesirables out, they may reopen applications.
A lot of the vacancies will be in Audit as they tend to lose more staff than other areas. The work can be mind-numbingly boring though. Which is why a lot of people leave or move sideways in the same firm.
Do your research on the firms you intend to apply to. They all treat employees differently. For example, do they pay overtime or is there TOIL, are there peak times and are you required to work whatever hours are needed, do you get study time, how many resits do you get, are there months when you can't take any leave etc. Loads of things to consider.
Start looking for vacancies in the September before you graduate. Certain firms will close their books once they have the required number of applications. Once they have weeded the undesirables out, they may reopen applications.
A lot of the vacancies will be in Audit as they tend to lose more staff than other areas. The work can be mind-numbingly boring though. Which is why a lot of people leave or move sideways in the same firm.
Do your research on the firms you intend to apply to. They all treat employees differently. For example, do they pay overtime or is there TOIL, are there peak times and are you required to work whatever hours are needed, do you get study time, how many resits do you get, are there months when you can't take any leave etc. Loads of things to consider.
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