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2:2 in accounting and finance degree , job prospects

I want to apply for a graduate scheme as an accountant .
I understand that i may never be contracted by the Big 4 or higher firms but was wondering what are the job prospects with a 2:2 degree in Accounting and fiance from a top 30 uni.

Any feedback would be nice thank you

Reply 1

maxmadx

1

It might slow you down, but checking the ICAS and ICAEW websites, you don't need to have a 2.1 to be taken on by a training firm- its basically up to the training firms themselves. In the current climate though competition is likely going to be very tough, so the more open route of studying towards the ACCA whilst working at an accountancy firm/financial services/ etc.. OK whilst not being a 'graduate route' might get you where you want to get to in a shorter space of time than waiting for maybe a year or two before building up the old CV to make up for the 2.2.

CIMA via an industry route might be worth a look since it too is a very strong qualification, and you might be able to sell yourself on more of a leadership/managerial skill/talent angle.

Reply 2

Thorpe

OP

Thank you for the reply , i am currently i 2nd year student studying accounting and finance but have got off to a bad start . I will be 21 when i finish this year.
I enjoyed studying management during my first year and achieved a mark of 66% . If i was to attain a 2:2 after my 2nd year , do you think it would be smart for me to change to Accounting and Management and redo my 2nd year. As i believe i would be able to achieve a 2:1 .

Reply 3

maxmadx

1

I think that if you come out with a 2.1 then you will have a better chance of getting on graduate schemes etc.. I got on a traineeship at 24, so if you are finishing uni at 22 rather than 21, its no big deal. If you enjoyed the management modules then that obviously helps too. Which university are you studying? Most professional bodies have like an endorsement list of courses from different unis that give you exemptions during their exams. Let me know and I can check them for you.

Reply 4

Thorpe

OP

University of Essex.
Thanks for the advice

Reply 5

maxmadx

1

Thorpe

University of Essex.
Thanks for the advice

hi sorry for the delay.

The ICAEW requirements for Accountancy and finance are: (for exeter)

Upper Second or first degree award or 50% is required in all of the modules listed below:

BEE 1001 Principles of Economics

BEM 1003 or BEA 1005 Management Concepts and Practice

BEA 2003 Management Accounting

BEA 1003 Business Law for Accountants

LAW 3043A Company Law for Accountants or

BEA 3004 Corporate Law

BEA 2001 Financial Accounting

BEA 2004 Auditing

BEA 3002 Financial Statement

2008/2009 Onwards BEA 1005 Management Concepts and Practice

They specified it on the website- so I assume if you change to management it may be more difficult to get exemptions.

Reply 6

MaxMara

5

I'd have a look at the small accounting firms that operate in your area. They usually don't get as many applications from the top grads, so less competition.

Reply 7

Thorpe

OP

Thank you for your advice

Reply 8

romski

11

but then a 2.2 in maths/physics wouldnt be seen as bad as say a 2.2 in media studies/weak subject

Reply 9

Thorpe

OP

Sorry to bump this thread again but i was wondering if anybody had a 2:2 degree and got into accountant? Maybe they could share there struggle?

Reply 10

jayc-south

Instead of wasting a year changing your degree I would recommend applying for a work placement because employers value that tremendously. Besides that, I think an Accountancy and Finance degree is a great specialist course to study. In fact a lot of employers just specifically want Finance graduates so therefore I wouldn’t advise you to give that course up.

Hence, a 2:2 + Work Placement = 2:1. (I know what I am talking about because I have a 2:1 + no relevant accounting work experience. Therefore some employers are just not interested in my application because I do not have enough experience.)

A few examples of employers that except a 2:2 are as follows:
• Orange
• Government Finance Professionals
• Babcock Defence Services
• Audit Commission
• Jaguar
• Network Rail
• HBOS

Obviously, if you get a 2:2 the main disadvantage is that you cannot apply to graduate schemes that have minimum entry requirements of 2:1. However, I have been rejected from some graduate schemes that only require a 2:2, in spite of my qualifications.

Reply 11

DarthVader

Hmmm I'm surprised to see HBOS on that list - I'm sure they wanted a 2:1 when I tried them last year but on checking it out it really is a 2:2.

Reply 12

Thorpe

OP

Thank you Jay for the list of employers that have a entry level of 2:2 . Did you find this out by your own research?

Reply 13

sharpy100

Hi, please i do need your advice regarding my situation. I graduate with a 2.2 in accounting and finance but at the moment i have no work experience and i am studying towards my Acca. I am part qualified now and all things been equal i will finish my Acca by December. At present i have no relevant work experience. What do u think my options are with regards to job? Thank You

Reply 14

Shakz

20

Original post by Thorpe

Thank you for the reply , i am currently i 2nd year student studying accounting and finance but have got off to a bad start . I will be 21 when i finish this year.
I enjoyed studying management during my first year and achieved a mark of 66% . If i was to attain a 2:2 after my 2nd year , do you think it would be smart for me to change to Accounting and Management and redo my 2nd year. As i believe i would be able to achieve a 2:1 .

hey there, what a-levels did you do?

2:2 in accounting and finance degree , job prospects

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