Why choose a degree in accounting?
If graduates from any discipline can train to become accountants, why should you choose to do an accounting degree? An accounting (and finance) degree offers several benefits over other degree subjects for students interested in becoming a professional accountant:
- Exemptions from professional-stage examinations. Because accounting and finance students have a head start over graduates from non-relevant degree subjects, they receive exemptions from some of the professional accountancy bodies’ examinations.
- Opportunity to ‘taste’. A degree in accounting enables you to develop a feel for the subject without having to commit to a career in accounting. The business and quantitative skills developed as part of an accounting and finance degree are highly prized by a variety of other employers should you eventually decide against a professional accounting career.
- Fast-track qualification. Students on our Accounting, Auditing and Finance degree (NN43) qualify up to 18-months earlier than graduates from other degree programmes.
The training contract
The typical graduate training contract offered by the medium and large accounting firms is for 3 years' duration and involves a mixture of practical experience and professional examinations. Trainees are required to balance full-time employment with studying for professional examinations in the evenings and at weekends. As a result, the qualification process is extremely demanding. Salaries for trainee accountants can exceed £22K, depending on the firm and location.
