Improving access to the accountancy profession

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Access Accountancy is a movement for change across the accountancy profession. Accountancy firms and professional membership bodies in the sector have committed to delivering real change by welcoming talented and ambitious young people to the profession from all backgrounds.

They recognise that work experience placements are a great opportunity to learn more about the accountancy profession. A number of employers have signed up and committed to offering work experience placements where you’ll get to explore what the day-to-day life of an accountant is like, while also gaining new skills and enjoying new experiences.

Benefits of work experience:
  • Get an insight into the profession.
  • Meet a network of new people – they could help you in the future.
  • Develop skills that employers are looking for - you can use these as examples on your UCAS statements, CV’s or job applications.
  • Demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team.
  • Challenge and prove yourself in an environment outside of school.
  • Prove you are able to communicate with a diverse range of people.
  • Develop your understanding of what is required in the workplace and improve your confidence in a working environment.

What to expect

The work experience placement will last for 30 hours or more and activities will vary across the different organisations. Below is an outline of what could be included:
Introduction - Your first day will include a welcome to the employers’ offices and an overview of the firm, a talk about careers in accountancy and you'll get an introduction to business areas that the firm offers. As the week progresses, you'll also get more information about school leaver and graduate routes into accountancy and an insight into the recruitment process and qualifications on offer.
Employers will also provide you with help both before and after your placement to make sure you get the most out of the experience.

Getting a work experience placement 

There are lots of work experience opportunities on offer across the UK with organisations who are committed to offering work experience that will give you an insight into the career and if it is right for you.

Check out the Current Opportunities page for more details.