03-16-2005, 09:22 AM
Being a science student shouldn't hinder your job prospects in UK accountancy firms. If you want good job market for you then you shouldn't look anywhere but Big 4. And, you shoudl try to get on a training contract for ACA, i.e. ICAEW. Once you are done with ACA and provided that you were in the Audit department that focuses on the financial institutions, then you shouldn't have any trouble getting on the investment banking 3rd year analyst level. I have couple of friends who did that and are now at the VP level.
Although you would probably get initially a three year contract for your ACA (or any professional qualification) but upon qualification firm would try its best to retain the talent - after all it has spent a great amount of resources in your development and it wouldn't want a free rider problem. It may offer you competitive salary or a promotion etc. But even then people try to jump ships for better prospects and money.
CFA is generally an investment management qualfication. If you are thinking to go into banking and want to get into buy side then you should definately consider CFA, i.e. after qualifying as ACA. I don't know about other Big 4 but KPMG definately sponsor you for it provided you present a solid case.
Don't worry about that yet just focus on getting a contract of ACA from any Big 4 firm and try to get it in London. It's expensive but all worth it.
If you don't get into Big 4 then look for medium but expanding firms like Grant Thornton. Be aware that not many firms will sponsor you for Work Permit (if you need it) but the exeption of Big 4.
Hope it helps.
Although you would probably get initially a three year contract for your ACA (or any professional qualification) but upon qualification firm would try its best to retain the talent - after all it has spent a great amount of resources in your development and it wouldn't want a free rider problem. It may offer you competitive salary or a promotion etc. But even then people try to jump ships for better prospects and money.
CFA is generally an investment management qualfication. If you are thinking to go into banking and want to get into buy side then you should definately consider CFA, i.e. after qualifying as ACA. I don't know about other Big 4 but KPMG definately sponsor you for it provided you present a solid case.
Don't worry about that yet just focus on getting a contract of ACA from any Big 4 firm and try to get it in London. It's expensive but all worth it.
If you don't get into Big 4 then look for medium but expanding firms like Grant Thornton. Be aware that not many firms will sponsor you for Work Permit (if you need it) but the exeption of Big 4.
Hope it helps.
