AN INSIDE LOOK AT - Massey University services/Careers/CE… · An Inside Look at Accounting An...

1

Insider career info

bull The ins and outs

ofAccounting

bull In-depthcompanyprofile

s

bull Firmspecific

interview advice

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

2

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

Insider career info

bull The ins and outs of

Accounting


s

bull Firmspecificinterview

advice

wwwinsidebuzzcoukbull1000sofauthenticemployeereviews

bullCompanyspecificinterviewadvice

bullFree2013careerguidesforinvestmentbankingaccountinglawconsultingandmore

Accenture Apple Bain amp Co Banco

Santander BBC BCG BNP Paribas

Booz amp Co Citi Clifford Chance

Credit Suisse Deloitte Ernst amp Young

Freshfields FSA Goldman Sachs

Google HSBC John Lewis Partnership

JP Morgan LrsquoOreal KPMG McKinsey

amp Co Morgan Stanley Nomura PwC

RBS Slaughter and May Unilever and

more

100sofin-depthcompanyprofilesandsalaryinfoon

4 5

Copyright copy 2012-2013 Inside Buzz Ltd All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any form or by any means electronic or mechanical for any purpose without the express written permission of Inside Buzz Ltd

Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication Inside Buzz Ltd makes no claims as to the accuracy and reliability of the information contained within and disclaims all warranties

Inside Buzz and the Inside Buzz logo are trademarks of Inside Buzz Ltd

For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book contactInside Buzz Ltd14 Bateman Street London W1D 3AG+44 (0)20 7434 3600Infoinsidebuzzcoukwwwinsidebuzzcouk

Printed in the UK

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2013 edition of our guide An Inside Look at Accounting Firms

If finding a job wasnrsquot already difficult enough securing a graduate position with a top accounting firm following a global recession is a tough nut to crack

Although accounting has never been the most glamorous of professions today the image of accounting has changed Global demand for financial management skills tighter corporate governance the need for transparency and stringent regulations have transformed accounting into a modern and forward thinking industry which today attracts some of the smartest and most dynamic graduates

Far from being bean counters and number crunchers accountants today are multi-practice specialists whose skills appeal to a number of different employers from small businesses to public sector organizations and not for profit to multinational corporations

With vacancies at a premium and more and more graduates competing itrsquos vital you are not only qualified but also prepared for the interview and well informed about the industry and companies

This is where Inside Buzz can help out This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the top accounting firms In these pages you can find out exactly what itrsquos like to interview and work at each of the accounting firm and what you can expect from life as an accountant Yoursquoll get detailed and honest info on topics ranging from the hours training and working environment to the applications and interview process and much more

Best of luck with the job searchThe Inside Buzz Team

INTRODUCTION

6 7

ABOUT INSIDE BUZZInside Buzz is a careers information company that puts a fresh twist on the way graduates and professionals research companies and careers

Year on year Inside Buzz independently surveys thousands of employees to find out what they really think of their job and the company they work for This extensive surveying allows Inside Buzz to get the real scoop on everything from company culture and hours to training perks and salaries Most importantly for graduates and job seekers each companyrsquos interview and selection process is revealed for all to see

Our workplace reviews are renowned for providing an authentic inside look at what life is like at some of the UKrsquos leading employers At Inside Buzz our foremost priority is ensuring that job seekers have all the facts the good the bad and everything in between

An authority on all things careers Inside Buzz provides graduates and professionals with hundreds of constantly updated employer profiles featuring rankings quotes and a comprehensive interview advice section Additionally Inside Buzz brings job seekers the latest career advice and industry news in our popular article and advice section

Inside Buzz also publishes print and digital career guides These guides are updated every year before being distributed for free to eager university students across the UK

Our 2012-2013 Career Guides includeAn Inside Look at Graduate EmployersAn Inside Look at Law FirmsAn Inside Look at Investment Banking EmployersAn Inside Look at Investment BankingAn Inside Look at AccountingAn Inside Look at Consulting

Based in Soho Central Londonrsquos vibrant media district Inside Buzz has been a privately owned and independently run company since it was founded in January 2010

INTRODUCTION

WhATrsquoS IN ThIS GUIDEBaker Tilly

BDO

Deloitte

Ernst amp Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

PwC

8 9

BAKER TILLYBaker Tilly is an independent firm of accountants and business advisers with more than 1600 people and over 250 partners generating an annual fee income of pound182 million - this places them as one of the UKrsquos leading mid-tier accountancy firms

CONSPROSbull Very good career progression opportunitiesbull Lots of team workbull Excellent support throughout your studiesbull Managers are helpful considerate and

approachable

bull Lower pay than the Big Four Accountancies

ThE STATSNoofemployeesintheUK1600Annualgraduateintake50

DEPARTMENTSAudit and Assurance bull Specialist Advisory Services bull Tax

LOCATIONSNoofUKoffices28

UKLocationsBasingstoke bull Bath bull Birmingham bull Brighton bull Bristol bull Bromley bull Bury St Edmunds bull Chelmsford bull Chester bull Crawley bull Edinburgh bull Glasgow bull Guildford bull Hereford bull Hull bull Leeds bull Lerwick bull Liverpool bull London bull Manchester bull Milton Keynes bull Newcastle bull Saltaire bull Stoke on Trent bull Tunbridge Wells bull Warrington bull Watford

LONDON OFFICE25 Farringdon StreetLondon EC4A 4ABTel +44 (0)20 3201 8000wwwbakertillycouktrainees

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFOContactGraduate Recruitment Teamgraduaterecruitmentbakertillycouk

BAKER TILLY

Baker Tilly accepts graduate applications almost year round though with only 50 or so vacancies available competition is fierce The firm has a structured training programme in place so you can work at the firm and earn a salary while studying for the ACA or the CA as well as more specialised qualifications such as the AAT the CTA the JIEB and the CPI Before applying to Baker Tilly yoursquoll have to decide which route is right for you

The application process starts off with an online form that can be found on the Baker Tilly website It is a straightforward form that asks about personal information as well as academic achievements To be employed at Baker Tilly you will have to have at least a C in five GCSEs (at least a B in Maths and English Language) at least 280 UCAS points from your top 3 grades and have or expect to be awarded a 21 degree However if you donrsquot quite make the grade you might still be in with a shout If there are extenuating circumstances you may submit a letter along with your online application explaining your situation and the firm will take this into consideration The form is not timed and can be saved and completed over several sessions so make sure you take time to fill it out carefully and avoid poor grammar and spelling errors

If Baker Tilly is impressed with your initial form you will then be asked to complete online verbal and numerical reasoning tests The verbal test takes 18 minutes while the numerical test lasts 24

Assuming you pass the online tests yoursquoll be invited to an assessment day which involves a variety of elements the first being written verbal and numerical reasoning tests These are then followed by a group exercise where you will be put

into a small group and given a case study to discuss In this exercise the firm is looking for people who can work well with others and who have leadership qualities while also not overpowering the conversation

After the group exercise you will move on to your first interview Here expect the typical mix of questions about yourself as well as why you have chosen Baker Tilly Past questions include lsquoTell me about your degree and why you chose that subjectrsquo lsquoWhat do you like about accountancyrsquo and lsquoHow has accountancy changed over the last 10 yearsrsquo

After lunch therersquos a feedback session where yoursquoll find out if yoursquove been invited to stay for the afternoon If you are then expect an office tour a case study (given to you on the day) and a second interview

The application process is long but not as long as the Big Four firms All in all the firm is looking for the usual qualities ndash people who are bright enthusiastic focused can build strong relationships with colleagues and clients and are committed to combining study with a full time career

ThE BUZZ ON GETTING hIRED

ldquoIn the group exercise Baker Tilly is looking for people who have leadership qualities while also not overpowering the conversationrdquo

10 11

FIRM PROFILEBaker Tilly is an independent firm of accountants and business advisers with more than 1600 people and over 250 partners generating an annual fee income of pound182 million - this places them as one of the UKrsquos leading mid-tier accountancy firms The firm has a strong regional office network with major offices in all key cities throughout the UK which enables it to provide a consistent national service through client teams focused on their clientsrsquo needs and demonstrates their commitment to local market places

Baker Tilly is represented internationally through their membership of Baker Tilly International ndash the 8th largest international alliance of accountancy firms The headquarters of Baker Tilly International is based in the firmrsquos Farringdon Street office in London

The firm traces its origins back to 1870 to the firm of Walter Howard Since then the firm has grown from strength to strength Transitional historical name changes and mergers with many different firms have brought us to where they are today arriving at Baker Tilly in 1988 which was the merger between Howard Tilly and Baker Rooke

Baker Tillyrsquos client base is made up of fast growing entrepreneurial businesses owner managed and family owned companies as well as international and listed companies Their client companies range from high growth ventures to multi-national group organisations

Baker Tilly aims to be different from the competition by focusing on supplying their clients with the support and commitment they need and they provide many of the services needed for established businesses looking for continued or accelerated growth including

bull audit and assurancebull accountancy and business advisory servicesbull corporate financebull restructuring and recoverybull e-business consultancybull forensic servicesbull growth advicebull IT advisorybull management consultancybull strategic planningbull taxation

ldquoThe firm aims to be different from the competition by focusing on supplying their clients with the support and commitment they need for continued growthrdquo

ldquoBaker Tilly has a strong regional office network with major offices in all key cities throughout the UKrdquo

BDOLondon-headquartered accountancy BDO is the UK member of BDO International Viewed as a major challenger to the Big Four BDO is the fifth-biggest accountancy network in the world with over 1000 offices in more than 100 countries and more than 40000 on staff

CONSPROSbull Professional yet personal atmosphere Little

office politics and a supportive culturebull Partners encourage you to leave earlybull Flexibility in working from homebull Women are encouraged to succeedbull Perks include free yoga classes good maternity

and paternity pay private health care days off for moving etc

bull Most of the graduates are from Londonbull Complexity of work sometimes isnrsquot there in

comparison to Big Fourbull Overall pay is lower than at the Big Four

ThE STATSEmployerType Limited Liability PartnershipCEO Jeremy NewmanNoofEmployees 44000Noofoffices1000+

DEPARTMENTSAudit Services bull Business Restructuring bull Corporate Finance bull Forensic Accounting bull Tax Services

LOCATIONSNoofofficesworldwide 6000

UKLOCATIONSBelfast bull Birmingham bull Bristol bull Cambridge bull Chelmsford bull Epsom bull Gatwick bull Glasgow bull Hatfield bull Leeds bull London bull Manchester bull Reading bull Southampton

LONDON OFFICE55 Baker StreetLondon W1U 7EUTel +44 (0)20 7486 5888wwwbdoukcom

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFOContactGraduate Recruitment TeamEmail studentrecruitmentbdocouk

BDO

12 13

As with the other leading UK accounting firms you canrsquot just walk into a job at BDO To apply for the graduate programme you need a minimum 21 in any discipline unless you wish to apply for the forensic services department in which case you need an IT-related degree If you fulfil this criterion itrsquos a tough five stage process from then on

The road to landing a contract begins with an online application designed to assess your academic background as well as to determine why and if you really want the job You will be asked three questions so take your time formulating your answers use spellcheck and make sure you actually answer the questions asked

The second stage is in the form of a 40-minute online ability test ndash consisting of verbal and numerical reasoning Prepare for these tests and if you run out of time make sure you fill out all questions even if you have to guess as you will not be marked negatively If you pass itrsquos time for a one-to-one interview with a manager from the department you applied to This is designed to ascertain whether or not you have the necessary competencies to succeed in the role You will be asked to draw and constructively comment on past experiences so have a look at the competencies

outlined on the BDO website and think about how you have displayed them If you impress during the interview itrsquos back to the computer to complete an online personality questionnaire this is to determine your preferred working style and behaviour

The final stage constitutes an assessment centre involving an ice-breaker exercise group task presentation and second interview The group task involves reviewing a case study and discussing the content with other group members Assessors will be looking at your problem solving as part of a team and as an individual They will also be evaluating the recommendations you would make to BDOrsquos clients ndash make sure you find out about the services the firm offers so you can make informed and concise contributions Next up is the presentation based on a topic provided on the day Use this to demonstrate that you can quickly and accurately process information under pressure and within time constraints Lastly you will be re-interviewed by a partner again this is to assess your competencies and follows the same pattern as the initial one-on-one interview


ldquoAs with the other leading UK accounting firms you canrsquot just walk into a job at BDOrdquo

ldquoCandidates should use the presentation to demonstrate that you can quickly and accurately process information under pressure and with time constraintsrdquo

BDO

Founded later than its Big Four rivals BDO International has done a pretty good job at playing catch up 40000+ staff more than 1000 offices in 110 countries and a turnover of more than $5 billion in 2009 places the firm as one of the largest accountancy networks in the world BDO ndash the UK member of BDO International ndash has 14 offices nationwide covering six primary areas audit and assurance business restructuring corporate finance disputes and investigations investment management and risk advisory service and tax

BDO can trace its roots back to 1903 when it was founded as Stoy amp Co by the eponymous Fred Stoy Then in 1919 Jack Hayward joined ranks and the firm became Stoy Hayward and Co The firm didnrsquot come to prominence however until after World War II when it cashed in on clients in the emerging retail and property industries A series of mergers ndash with Finnie and Co in 1992 and the BDO Binder Hamlyn offices in 1994 ndash created BDO Stoy Hayward which became the UK member of BDO International The firm became a limited liability partnership in 2004 and in 2009 the UK arm dropped the lsquoStoy Haywardrsquo and adopted the worldwide branding of BDO ndash the intention being to create a global consistency so that the BDO network could be presented as a single entity

BDO opened a new corporate finance office in Dubai to act as a hub for corporate finance and restructuring advisory work in the Middle East BDO Corporate Finance (Middle East) LLP ndash a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK arm ndash focusses on building relationships with and working alongside regional family offices institutional investors and businesses as well as helping UK businesses that want to break into the Middle East

The UK branches aim to provide bespoke business solutions to its clients by specialising in a variety of sectors most notably financial services manufacturing property retail and TMT The firmrsquos clients include mid to large national and

international companies and their financial stakeholders as well as organisations in the public and voluntary sectors BDO is therefore more than accustomed to dealing with the complex multinational business and personal tax affairs of its clients

BDOrsquos business restructuring department gives advice on a variety of topics ranging from restructuring finance forensic accounting and tax its corporate finance department deals with acquisitions fundraising flotations and disposals the disputes and investigations division provides myriad forensic accounting services including expert witness alternative dispute resolution tax investigations and anti-money laundering services and the investment management team provides investment products and advice on investing asset classes equity funds hedge funds property funds and bond funds

BDO is known throughout the City for the high quality of life it provides its staff and for its promotion of diversity Employee benefits include the option of working from home ndash or from another off-site location ndash using remote access free yoga classes career breaks and good maternity pay ndash with a bonus of up to two monthsrsquo salary for mothers returning to work Women are clearly encouraged to succeed at BDO the firm even made The Timesrsquo 2007 list of the lsquoTop 50 Where Women Want to Workrsquo and one of its partners won lsquoThe Women of Achievement Awardrsquo from Women in the City 2008 BDO also provides employees with private healthcare and additional dispensations for religious holidays and moving house

FIRM PROFILE

14 15

DELOITTEWith 180000+ staff across 150 countries Deloitte is one of the largest and most globally recognised professional services organisations The second biggest of the Big Four in both the UK and the rest of the world Deloitte offers its clients audit tax consulting and financial advisory services

CONSPROSbull Early promotion opportunitiesbull Lots of team based workbull Great name to have on your CVbull Friendly and helpful atmospherebull Good management and employee

communication

bull Mentoring can sometimes be hard to come bybull Your training depends on yourself ndash yoursquoll need

to take the initiative and sign up for classesbull Not as diverse as other top firmsbull As with every accountancy hours can be very

long during busy period (Jan to March)

ThE STATSNoofemployeesworldwide180000+

DEPARTMENTSAudit bull Consulting bull Corporate Finance bull Tax

LOCATIONSNoofofficesworldwide150 countries

UKLOCATIONSAberdeen bull Bath bull Belfast bull Birmingham bull Bristol bull Cambridge bull Cardiff bull Channel Islands bull Gatwick bull Glasgow bull Isle of Man bull Leeds bull Liverpool bull London bull Manchester bull Milton Keynes bull Newcastle-upon-Tyne bull Nottingham bull Reading bull Southampton bull St Albans

LONDON OFFICE2 New Street SquareLondon EC4A 3B2Tel +44 (0)20 7936 3000wwwdeloittecom

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFOApplicationDeadline29 September 2012

DELOITTE

bull Getthelatestgraduate

careernewsamparticles

fromaroundtheweb

bull Findoutwhorsquoshiring

andstayontopofthe

latestjobs

bull Connectandengage

withtherightpeople

16 17

DELOITTEOvERALL SATISFACTIONldquoThe work at Deloitte is very varied whatever department you are in There are always opportunities if you are keen to get involved in different thingsrdquoAssistantManager

ldquoDeloitte is a great company to work for Auditing isnrsquot the best job in the world but the work can be challenging and you learn new things every day I work very closely with the client and that makes the job more satisfying and interestingit isnrsquot just number crunching alone all the timerdquoSenior Associate

CULTUREldquoThere is a very good team atmosphere at Deloitte Everyone is very friendly and supportive When people have down time then they offer to help others to get the job done as effectively as possiblerdquoAssistantManager

ldquoLots of like minded people People in my department (financial services audit) tend to have a good mix of intelligence work ethic and social skills (ie what the Irish might refer to as craic) There are plenty of clubs (sports and other) There are lots of nights out to reward for long hours during busy periodrdquoAssistantManagerLondon

RELATIONS WITh MANAGEMENTldquoInternal communication is excellent which certainly enhances the open culturerdquoDirectorAudit

ldquoManagers are easy to approach and very helpful Our department sends around a newsletter with announcements about company decisions etc which keeps all levels of staff in the know New clients and deals are also announced so everyone knows what is going on in the departmentrdquoSenior Associate

CAREER PROSPECTSldquoEarly promotion is available for individuals who know how to network show leadership and work hardrdquoSenior Associate

ldquoEveryone is expected to drive their own career forward which can make things rather competitiverdquoSeniorAssociateTax

FORMAL TRAININGldquoMany training sessions provided throughout the year Managers are accessible though they seem quite busy all the time so you must have the courage to speak to them But they are all willing to help if you talk to themrdquoGraduateAudit

ldquoYou have to take the initiative to sign up for courses the firm provides and will need to get them approvedrdquoAssociate

ldquoIn your first few years there is loads of training ndash both formal and informal Some are general relating to auditing however many are specific to the industry you work in which is very useful There is also college for the ACA exams So in the first two years time is split pretty evenly between actual work and studytraining which is a nice transition from uni to the workplace ldquoSenior Associate

WhAT EMPLOYEES hAvE TO SAY GREEN INITIATIvESldquoActive efforts to reduce the firmrsquos consumption of energy in its buildings and via travelrdquoAssociate

ldquoStrong recycling culture which has rubbed off onto my personal liferdquoAssociateAudit

DIvERSITYldquoThe firm seems concerned about womenrsquos careers theyrsquove set up a Women in Leadership group and two members of the board are female partners at any given timerdquoSeniorAssociateAudit

ldquoMembers of my teams are from all over the worldrdquoGraduateAudit

hOURSldquoIn audit there can be very long hours in busy season (Jan ndash March) It is much more reasonable for the rest of the yearrdquoAssistantManager

ldquoHours vary on your engagement with the client and the industry you cover Oil and gas in particular has very good hours but I know that sometimes banking can be gruelling especially during busy periodrdquoAssociate

ldquoEmployees arenrsquot expected to work really long hours and on the occasions they do it is appreciated by the managers Managers understand if you need to take time off for personal reasons or emergency leaverdquoAssociate

SALARY amp PERKSldquoThere is no lsquobonusrsquo the first two years but there are recognition awards for a minimum of pound750 The nomination process is very rigorous so not many people get themrdquoSenior Associate

ldquoI think itrsquos about average for grads in the UK (24k) but way below banksrsquo payrdquo Junior Associate

ldquoEmployees use their pay to purchase different packages depending on your priorities ndash extra holiday child care vouchers a dental plan or extra salary among othersrdquoSeniorAssociateAudit

ldquoThe private gym in the London office is well-equipped and offers a highly reasonable membershiprdquoInsider

PLUSESldquoThere is a lot of autonomy in the role and it is quite varied Marketers work directly with Partners which is great for establishing senior relationships and understanding the business Strength of the Deloitte brand is also a huge bonusrdquoMarketingManager

ldquoPeople and the social aspectrdquoAssistantManagerLondon

MINUSESldquoThis varies from job to job (ie client to client) Itrsquos more dependent on the client as opposed to the nature of the work Often the luck of the draw on clients All of mine have been pretty goodrdquoAssistantManagerLondon

ldquoWhen you have to work and study at the same time itrsquos so stressfulrdquoGraduateAudit

18 19

With 10 applications received for each of its 14000 vacancies securing a spot as a graduate at Deloitte is no walk in the park The company is so big and covers so much that before applying you need to honestly ask yourself whether Deloitte is a good fit and whether the division you have in mind is right for you

Whether itrsquos providing reliable financial information to clients helping them pay the right amount of tax in the most efficient way assisting them in raising investing and spending capital or identifying and solving business issues the roles are varied so have a good hard think and pick wisely according to your interest skills and personality Another important step is making sure you fill Deloittersquos academic requirements before you begin your application In GCSEs you need to have scored a B or higher in Maths and at least a C in English Your A-Level scores which Deloitte looks at using the UCAS point requirement need to score either 24-26 or 300-320 depending on which position yoursquore applying to And finally you need to have a 21 honours degree from your university The application process itself has many steps but is fairly straightforward

ONLINE APPLICATIONFirst you must complete a basic online application form about your history and skills Yoursquoll be faced with standard questions such as lsquoWhy does a position at Deloitte appeal over other career optionsrsquo lsquoWhy are you particularly interested in joining the service line you have specifiedrsquo and lsquoWhat do you think you will be doing on a day-to-day basis as a graduate in your first choice service linersquo

ONLINE PSYChOMETRIC TESTSIf yoursquore successful you will be asked to complete two online psychometric tests designed to evaluate your reasoning both with words and

numbers Each part is 20 minutes and only if you pass the first portion of the test will they ask you to complete the second The verbal reasoning section will test your ability to understand verbal descriptions explanations or arguments you need to demonstrate you can interpret meaning grasp key points and draw conclusions The numerical reasoning will measure your capacity for quickly analysing numericalfinancial data with computations where appropriate whether embedded in a narrative or presented in tables So make sure you practise You will have one week to complete the test and the questions for each test are different Luckily Deloitte has a re-testing policy so even if you donrsquot do well the first time you may be allowed to re-sit the test before your first in-person interview

TELEPhONE INTERvIEWBefore you reach the face-to-face interview stage you will need to have a telephone interview These are designed to test your communication skills and your level of enthusiasm for the job The call only lasts about 10-15 minutes but beforehand be sure that you have prepared why you want to work at Deloitte and have reviewed your academic and work history

COMPETENCY INTERvIEWThe competency interview is next and takes place in the office yoursquove applied to Your interview will be with a manager from the line of service to which you applied and will last up to an hour All interviewers at Deloitte have been trained by an in-house team on how to interview graduates and all interviews are standardised the interviewer will read out prepared questions and record your responses During this one-to-one interview you will be asked to draw on your personal professional and educational experiences to highlight exactly how you have demonstrated the required competencies This will include standard questions

ThE BUZZ ON GETTING hIRED DELOITTE

INTERvIEW PROCESSldquoTwo interviews and a long and intensive assessment day Mostly competency questions during first interview but the partner interview was more like a chat though you still need to be alert about what you were sayingrdquoGraduateAudit

ldquoI had a one-on-one interview about my CV and career interests where they asked lsquoWhy this department Why consulting And why Deloittersquo type questions Following that I attended a half day assessment centre where I completed a case study a team game an essay an interview with a partner and a technical interviewrdquoJunior Associate

INTERvIEW TIPS amp ADvICEldquoPeople skills are an absolute must seeing as we work in teamswith the client all of the time It is important to read up on the news before the interview as the Partner interview during the assessment day usually involves questions about recent topicsrdquoSenior Associate

ldquoMake sure you know what Audit as opposed to accountancy is research the industry and market trendsrdquoGraduateAudit

ldquoWhen deciding on which industry to enter (if joining a department where you choose which industry to specialise in) definitely pick one you have a GENUINE interest inrdquoAssistantManagerLondon

WhAT MADE YOU ChOOSE YOUR FIRMldquoGreat experience and opportunities to relocate to other foreign offices within the firmrdquoExperiencedAudit

ldquoItrsquos the best of the Big 4rdquoGraduateAudit

20 21

Part of the global professional services organisation Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Deloitte is the second-biggest accountancy firm in both the UK and the rest of the world Its 180000+ staff spread across 150 countries specialises in audit tax consulting and financial advisory services Deloitte was founded in 1845 by the eponymous William Welch Deloitte he is considered by many to be the father of the accountancy profession developing the profitable business of managing bankruptcies His grandfather Count de Loitte had fled France at the time of the French Revolution to avoid becoming victim to the guillotine So born in London William Deloitte started in finance early becoming an assistant to the Official Assignee at the Bankruptcy Court and founding his own office by the time he was 25

Carving its way through the UK market with a niche in the rapidly expanding railway industry the firm was appointed by The Great Western Railway Company as the first-ever independent auditor in 1849 During the 1850s and 1860s William Deloitte developed a system for keeping railway accounts that protected investors from mismanagement of funds So successful was this practice that it was subsequently adopted as the industry standard Not stopping there Deloitte also created a similar system for the hotel industry that proved just as successful Over the years Deloittersquos firm has gone through a number of mergers the most recent of which was in 1989 when Deloitte Haskins amp Sells merged with Touche Ross to form Deloitte amp Touche Finally in 2003 the firm was re-branded as Deloitte

Deloittersquos mainstay practices are its traditional audit and tax departments and also the more profitable corporate finance and consulting divisions Providing specific advice to a range of sectors ndash from financial services technology media

and telecommunications to consumer business and travel and tourism ndash Deloitte offers a range of services to its clients bull AuditandEnterpriseriskservices ndash traditional

accounting and auditing enterprise risk management information security and privacy data qualityintegrity and IT control assurance

bull Consulting ndash the firm offers assistance to clients in the areas of technology integration strategy and operations human capital and short-term outsourcing

bull Financial Advisory ndash Deloitte provides corporate finance services to clients including dispute personal and commercial bankruptcy forensics and valuation

bull International Financial Reporting Standards(IFRS) ndash this is a lsquoprinciples basedrsquo set of standards in that they establish broad rules as well as dictating specific treatments Deloitte has taken this standard to all levels of business

bull Tax ndash the firm advises clients on how to increase their net asset value undertake the transfer pricing and international tax activities of multinational companies minimise their tax liabilities implement tax computer systems and also provides advisory of tax implications of various business decisions

In addition to these areas Deloitte offers a range of services it calls market insights Designed to help organisations stay ahead of the game it provides information on trends and markets emerging competitors and advice on rapidly shifting technological and regulatory changes Combining commentary on hot topics in the market international tax and business guides and podcasts Deloitte is able to produce research and advice that delivers solutions to the strategic challenges facing the UK businesses

FIRM PROFILE DELOITTE

like ldquoWhat is the hardest decision yoursquove ever had to makerdquo As well as company-specific questions such as ldquoIf you were the head of Deloitte what would be your priority for the companyrdquo You will also be asked about business issues in the news about any professional qualifications that may be relevant as well as what you think the job would entail It goes without saying brush up on whatrsquos in the news and review your personal history again Once completed the interviewer will grade you and return these details to the graduate recruitment team for processing You should receive feedback on your interview within three days

ASSESSMENT DAYFinally comes the assessment day which has been described as ldquogruelling but satisfyingrdquo It lasts about five hours and includes a partner interview an e-tray exercise an additional email-based exercise and a more relaxed meeting with a current graduate trainee

The 60 minute lsquoe-trayrsquo exercise is an inbox exercise which involves prioritising emails and choosing the most effective course of action before writing an e-communicationbusiness email based upon the scenario developed over the previous hour

You will also be required to analyse a business case (for example potential takeover targets) and based on the information provided make your recommendation to the clientrsquos board of directors Yoursquoll be faced with a 20-minute meeting during which you will have to present using only the notes yoursquove prepared There are no right or wrong answers here keep in mind that they are simply testing your reasoning so you must be able to substantiate your decision Whatever you say is likely to come under scrutiny so you should be prepared to defend your position

PARTNER INTERvIEWLastly you will interview with a partner There are no set questions itrsquos more of an informal chat about your career motivation and commercial awareness Sounds tough ndash well it is Deloitte is after the cregraveme of the crop But with the right profile and skill set a little confidence and the desire to work in a top notch work environment you should ace the interview Good luck

22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG

Accounting is sometimes referred to as the second-oldest profession and Ernst amp Young is one of its oldest practitioners Part of the Big Four Ernst amp Young LLP is the UK member firm of Ernst amp Young Global Headquartered in London it employs over 152000 across 700 offices ndash providing auditing and accounting services in 140 countries

CONSPROSbull Solid international reputation and a strong

launchpad into other corporate finance rolesbull Flexible working hoursbull Even ratio of men and womenbull Relaxed liberal atmospherebull Colleagues are friendly and helpfulbull Smart open plan offices on the South bank and

a really good canteen with a deli bar

bull Relatively lower salary compared to other Big Four firms

bull Organisational changes imposed by high level management

bull Too much politics and little career progression unless you play the politics

bull Has a hot desk policy where everyone has to move every day

ThE STATSNoofemployeesworldwide152000NoofemployeesintheUK11000+

DEPARTMENTSAdvisory bull Assurance bull Tax bull Transactions

LOCATIONSNoofofficesworldwide770+

UKLOCATIONSAberdeen bull Belfast bull Birmingham bull Bristol bull Cambridge bull Cork bull Edinburgh bull Exeter bull Glasgow bull Hull bull Inverness bull Leeds bull Limerick bull Liverpool bull London bull Luton bull Manchester bull Newcastle-upon-Tyne bull Nottingham bull Reading bull Southampton bull Waterford

LONDON OFFICE1 More London PlaceLondon SE1 2AFTel +44 (0)20 7951 2000wwweycom

The motto at Ernst amp Young (EY) is ldquoQuality in Everything We Dordquo and when applying you will quickly find that it is precisely ldquoqualityrdquo the firm looks for in its candidates Aside from the standard 300 UCAS points As andor Bs in Maths and English at GCSE and a minimum 21 in any discipline yoursquoll also need drive talent and commitment as EYrsquos lengthy application process is designed to weed out the diamonds from the rough

The first step is to think carefully about which track you want to pursue at EY As a graduate you have the option to apply online for positions in audit and assurance business advisory corporate finance or tax at various locations throughout the UK Herersquos a quick look at what yoursquoll be doing in each of the division Advisory is pretty much consulting and you will spend your time identifying and solving business issues and optimising clientrsquos businesses In Assurance which includes Audit providing reliable financial information to clients for them to make sound decisions is the name of the game Corporate Finance is all about helping clients raise invest and spend capital whereas in Tax yoursquoll help clients pay the right amount of tax in the most efficient way As you can see the roles are quite varied so pick wisely according to your interested and personality

Itrsquos then down to the application and although the process vary slightly from division to division itrsquos quite straightforward and typically requires candidates to 1) fill out an online application form 2) work through an online numerical and verbal reasoning test 3) sit an interview 4) complete a numerical reasoning test and 5) attend an assessment centre

Once you have decided where to apply your first step towards landing that job will be to fill out an online form that will cover your basic information as well as additional questions about yourself and how you work If you can answer questions such as ldquoWhat was the last activity you completed that

took you out of your comfort zone Describe a time when you have contributed to motivating a team Describe how you applied something you learnt which made a practical difference Describe a situation where you took responsibility without being asked Describe the last time you delivered a task that required sustained effortrdquo Then you should have no problem with the online form

If you successfully clear the first hurdle yoursquoll then be asked to sit online numerical and verbal reasoning tests The majority of candidates are required to sit both tests That said if yoursquore lucky enough to have had experience in a maths (either via a previous job your A Level maths) then you may not need to take the numerical assessment You may also be exempt from the next test which is a written numerical quiz and whizz on straight through to the interview For the rest the numerical piece will test your basic understanding of maths and walk you through a set of questions in arithmetic numbers ratios fractions percentages interpretation of data and graphs and so on The verbal section will require you to read short passages on business related topics and then select the right answer from multiple choices Quite straightforward but a little practice beforehand never hurts

If successful at completing the online application form and test you will later be asked to attend a numerical test in person at an EampY office The test will most likely consist of 35 questions with a time limit of 30 minutes Questions are multiple choice in a similar format to the online test and therersquoll be five possible answers for each question You will be required to interpret data from tables

ThE BUZZ ON GETTING hIRED ERNST amp YOUNG

ldquoEampYrsquos lengthy application process is designed to weed out the diamonds from the roughrdquo

24 25

and graphs and typically there are 2-3 questions based on each Donrsquot worry if you run out of time before answering all of the questions The test is intentionally designed to be very challenging and EY is much more interested in you getting as many questions right as you can rather than answering every single one Nerve wracking hey Luckily you wonrsquot be kept waiting for an answer yoursquoll be told your fate within 2-3 days

HerersquosacloserlookatTax as itrsquos a slightly different process Your first in-person interview will last about an hour and you will need to discuss your personality and work habits as well as tax-related questions Successful EY applicants will have had to concisely answer ldquoWhat have you done to learn about tax When have you persuaded someone Is there a companybrand you admire If you could ask them some questions what would you askrdquo As long as you have reviewed your academic and work history have given some thought about what your strengths and weaknesses are and about tax in general you should do well in the interview

Lastly comes the assessment day First you will have another interview this time with a partner The questions will be about tax as well as yourself Remember that online form you filled out in step one of the application process Many times the partners use this as an interview guide so make sure you have reviewed the answers you gave on the form

Next comes a case study You will be given a packet of information stating that an EY partner is due for a meeting with a client and you must advise them beforehand You will be able to do this exercise and write your thoughts down on a laptop so no worries about handwriting But you will need to think about important issues the partner should raise in the meeting and why they are critical Some preparation hints for the case study make sure you brush up on all of your knowledge of tax think about international tax subjects and what tax issues face EU and non-EU countries (and make sure you know which countries are in the EU and which arenrsquot) and make sure you know what tax

areas are covered by EY

The group exercise is the next phase of the assessment day and is based on that same case study so fortunately there is no new information to digest You will be put in groups with other candidates and given instructions to further prepare the partner for the theoretical meeting You will not only have to discuss the tax areas that your interviewers point out but also think about other services that EY could provide for this client Here they will be looking for how well you work with others that no one person overtakes the exercise and that everyone had a chance to speak

Unfortunately therersquos one more step and it takes the form of a role playing exercise Again it concerns the theoretical meeting from the case study and the group exercise but this time you and one of your colleagues from the group exercise will meet with an actual partner to advise them on what they should highlight during the meeting and propose a meeting agenda You will have 10 minutes to discuss everything with your colleague before you meet the partner The partner will ask you and your colleague lots of questions as this is designed to be more of a back and forth exchange and not just a presentation Make sure to contribute to the discussion but also ensure that your colleague gets to speak as well

And thatrsquos it Yes there are a lot of steps in the EY tax application process But above it all EY is looking for people who are enthusiastic exhibit leadership qualities those who work well with others and candidates who are honest and hard-working If you think you have what it takes to become an EY employee head over to their website to start your application and good luck

For Assurance and Audit the initial process is similar an online application followed by a verbal and numerical test another test the interviews and assessment centres is where things may vary slightly Once invited in yoursquoll most likely kick off the day with a Partner Interview so get ready to tackle questions like ldquoWhy EY and not any of the

ERNST amp YOUNG

other Big4 Why Audit When have you worked in a team Ever had to motivate someone Have you had to lead Etcrdquo

Then itrsquos all down to a writing session Yoursquoll be given information about a business the problems that business may be facing and yoursquoll be asked to come up with solutions and services EY could provide to the business Yoursquoll be timed and will have to work very fast Make sure to clearly jot down thoughts and plan your argument before you start writing Needless to say use correct grammar and spelling and make sure your writing readable The rest is pretty much the same as in tax

For Advisory Consulting itrsquos pretty much the same as for the other divisions (see above) for the first part of the application If successful yoursquoll then be invited to a face-to-face interview at an EY office Your interviewer will be a manager in the line of work yoursquore applying for The interview will last about an hour and there will be lots of questions asked of you in quick succession such as ldquoWould you describe yourself as an effective person Do you believe in talent or hard work Would your friends say yoursquore organised Do you plan your weekrdquo

The last hurdle yoursquoll have to face is the assessment day which consists of a partner interview a report writing exercise and then a group exercise The partner interview will be very heavily competency based and will delve deeper into why yoursquove chosen EY over the other Big Four firms The report writing exercise involves a case study where you only have a certain amount of time to digest the information given to you and to write your report Because you will be doing this will a pen on paper it is advised that you read the case study carefully compose your thoughts or take some notes and only when you have your thoughts organised should you begin to write Make sure you write legibly as you wonrsquot score very high if no one can read your report Finally the group exercise is based on the case study you just read and you will have to work with your team to address certain points about the study Use what you have already writtenthought about during your report writing exercise as the

interviewers wonrsquot know at this point anything about your report In the group exercise they are looking for people who take the lead but who let their colleagues have equal time to speak and make their points heard

Consultants at EY are constantly challenged and have the chance to tackle a wide-range of subjects in a number of different countries making it the perfect place to start or even continue your consulting career

PlacementandInternshipsatErnstampYoungEampY offers 12 month placements for current students as well as popular six week summer internships for students in their last year and two week work experience programmes at Easter The internship has two intakes one at the end of June and the second at the beginning of August This represents a great opportunity to gain experience in accountancy and most crucially in different departments Therersquoll be an initial week of training then interns are given assignments that first year graduates are expected to do ndash such as project work and the opportunity to shadow a partner Successful interns are often offered graduate jobs

The two week work experience at Easter is for first year students and involves two days of intensive training followed by a client-facing project Students that do well are often fast-tracked for the summer internship In addition the firm offers a two day course called Encounter Ernst amp Young held at the London office every June this lets students find out first hand if accountancy is for them If that wasnrsquot enough there is also a milk-round event which students can register for offering the opportunity to speak to staff and participate in an interactive business game

EampY even offers its own degree a BSc in Accounting Auditing and Finance in partnership with Lancaster University Management School and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland This four year course involves 18 months of paid work at EampY split into two three month and one year placements

26 27

Although it may be the smallest of the Big Four Ernst amp Youngrsquos impressive revenue and clients put the majority of the competition in the shade Headquartered in the City EampY is part of Ernst amp Young Global which has member firms in over 140 countries and employs upwards of 152000 people

The primary driving forces behind Ernst amp Young Arthur Young and Alwin Ernst never met and both died in 1948 ndash over 40 years before their firms would merge EampYrsquos inception can be traced back to 1903 when brothers Alwin and Theodore established a small public accounting firm in Cleveland named Ernst amp Ernst Shortly after in 1906 Scotsman Arthur Young established his own accounting firm in Chicago Arthur Young amp Company with his brother Stanley

Ernst pioneered the idea that accounting information could be used to implement business decisions and make a difference to clientsrsquo organisations Young also positioned himself as much a business advisor as an accountant And after several mergers (including Young with British firm Broads Paterson amp Co and Ernst with Whinney Smith amp Whinney) Ernst amp Young was finally created in 1989 During the rapid years of globalisation the new organisation quickly positioned itself as one of the leading accountancy firms focusing particularly on new business technologies and continuous business change

Following the Enron scandal accounting firms were prohibited from simultaneously providing both

audit and professional advice Inevitably with the latter being the more lucrative the other Big Four firms relinquished their auditing clients leaving the path clear for EampY to pick up the unwanted work Consequently 86 of the FTSE 100 firms are now EampY clients

EampY has become an accounting titan through its stalwart advisory assurance tax and transactions services Its assurance department incorporates the provision of information to investors and stakeholders as well as audit committees advisory focuses on improving business efficiency and responding to risks and the tax division helps clients design and implement tax strategies and transactions including advisory roles on MampA deals In addition EampY offers strategic growth services advising British companies on how to become market leaders Due to client demand EampY also provides specialist advice in the two maturing sectors of business advisory and risk advisory services

EampYrsquos global network is split into five regions EMEIA (Europe Middle East India and Africa) the Americas the Far East Oceania and Japan The UKrsquos confederacy EMEIA includes 87 national firms with over 60000 employees However EampY Global does not perform client work and instead sets international standards overseeing global policy and consistency of service The aim of this compound structure is to better cater for an increasingly global clientele who have multinational concerns

FIRM PROFILE

ldquoEampY has become an accounting titan through its stalwart advisory assurance tax and transactions servicesrdquo

ldquoEighty-six of the FTSE 100 are Ernst amp Young clientsrdquo

GRANT THORNTONGrant Thornton International is an umbrella organisation of independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firms employing 29000+ across more than 100 countries The UK branch of Grant Thornton generates the second highest profits after its US counterpart and is the fifth largest accounting firm in the UK

CONSPROSbull Expect a lot of responsibility and challenging

work from the startbull Efficient open and collaborative culturebull Training is very good with lots of courses and

feedbackbull The firm talks the talk and walks the walk on

green policies and initiativesbull Informal friendly interview process

bull Some managers expect too much from traineesbull Getting hired in London is harder than at

regional offices

ThE STATSNoofUKemployees4000+NoofUKPartners240+AnnualgraduateintakeApprox 250

DEPARTMENTSAccountancy bull Audit amp Assurance bull Budget Comment bull Business Risk Services bull Buying amp Selling bull Capital Markets bull Competition Services bull Corporate amp International Tax bull Employer Solutions bull Entrepreneurial Advisory bull Entrepreneurial Services bull Financial Services bull Forensic amp Investigation Services bull Fraud Insolvency Division bull HR Consultancy bull Lead Advisory bull Not for Profit bull Operations amp Post Deal Services bull Outsourced Accounting amp Payroll bull Private Client bull Private Equity bull Project Finance bull Public Sector Audit bull Public Sector Consultancy bull Public Sector Risk Management bull R amp D Tax Relief bull Recovery amp Reorganisation bull Regulatory Outsourcing bull Renewable Energy amp Environment Services bull Tax bull Tax Investigations Services bull Technology Solutions bull Transaction Services bull Transaction Tax bull Valuations bull Wealth Management amp Financial Planning


UKLOCATIONSRECRUITINGGRADUATESBelfast bull Birmingham bull Bristol bull Bury St Edmunds bull Cambridge bull Cardiff bull Edinburgh bull Gatwick bull Glasgow bull Ipswich bull Kettering bull Leeds bull Leicester bull Liverpool bull London bull Manchester bull Milton Keynes bull Norwich bull Oxford bull Sheffield bull Slough bull Southampton

LONDON OFFICEGrant Thornton House22 Melton Street Euston SquareLondon NW1 2EPwwwgrant-thorntoncouk


GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON

CULTUREldquoFlatter hierarchy with very welcoming friendly and helpful staff They go above and beyond job descriptions to put myself and the other trainees at easerdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

ldquoAll members of staff make themselves as available as possible including partners ndash you never feel undervalued as a less experienced member of staff There are lots of social and voluntary activities to get involved in outside of workrdquoTaxEntrylevelKettering

OvERALL SATISFACTIONldquoGrant Thornton is a very approachable company The staff are friendly and helpful at all times The atmosphere is relaxed enabling better working They offer all the opportunities of the Big 4 and morerdquoTaxEntrylevelMiltonKeynes

ldquoThe amount of effort and thus money that has been put into our training has been phenomenal and has made me feel well prepared both for exams and the job itselfrdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

RELATIONS WITh MANAGEMENTldquoI believe managers have a fantastic relationship with employees I feel that I can discuss most matters comfortably with my line manager There are many updates with respect to firm wide decisions that are conveyed at Quarterly Business UpdatesrdquoTaxEntrylevelLondon

ldquoPartners are friendly and approachable a marked difference from Big Four accounting firms Contact with senior management is frequent Yoursquore known as a person and not just a numberrdquoAuditEntrylevelCardiff

CAREER PROSPECTSldquoAs it is a slightly smaller firm career progression is slightly easier and if people are doing well they can progress quickly You are given an annual review and you are also reviewed when you become exam qualifiedrdquoTaxEntrylevelLondon

ldquoSet lsquoladderrsquo for progression from first year trainee up until qualification After qualification progression is less determinable and dependant on individual performancerdquoAuditEntrylevelCardiff

TRAININGldquoWhole training manor dedicated to courses No expense spared on any training internally or externally It is not just about passing the exams with Grant Thornton itrsquos about becoming a good accountant at the same time and being allowed the time for it to really sink inrdquoTaxEntrylevelMiltonKeynes

ldquoTraining is clearly very important ndash in the first five weeks wersquove had two daysrsquo office-based training and inductions two-daysrsquo national induction in London two weeks in the purpose-built manor-house training centre (which were amazing fun) and now two more weeks of Kaplan Therersquos loads and itrsquos really really goodrdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

hOURSldquo375 hours work Company is very flexible to the needs of the staff Currently do not work on weekends and would only stay late for meetings etcrdquoTaxEntrylevelMiltonKeynes

WhAT EMPLOYEES hAvE TO SAY ldquoIn the 10 weeks Irsquove been at the company Irsquove been at the office 3 days one of which was an induction The rest of my time has either been spent at a client or at various training centres Weekly hours are 375 if you work over this yoursquore given it back via holiday time It is very easy to sell or buy holiday and the company is fairly flexiblerdquoAuditEntrylevelCardiff

SALARY AND PERKSldquoNo bonuses or other remuneration though we get overtime back as holiday allowance and there are loads of benefits to choose fromrdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

ldquoWages are raised regularly as you go through the training processrdquoAuditKettering

ldquoPay slightly lower than Big Four however overtime is allowed and accounted for by the way of time off in lieurdquoAuditEntrylevelCardiff

INTERvIEW PROCESS ldquoApplication form online tests 1st interview and assessment day The whole process was very well planned out and didnrsquot leave me pressured at any stage Communication between each stage was also very prompt which allowed me to work preparation around other commitmentsrdquoAuditEntrylevelCardiff

ldquoI really enjoyed the interview and selection process as it felt like the managers and partners were really interested in me The generic lsquogroup-based exercise followed by interview followed by written exercise etcrsquo Assessment structure was dealt with in a much more natural relaxed way which made me very keen to come and work for the firmrdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

INTERvIEW TIPS amp ADvICEldquoBe yourself be friendly and interested whilst also being assertiverdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

ldquoFind them at University open days and get to know as much as you can about the firmrdquoAuditEntrylevelBristol

ldquoIt is very important that an individual can integrate into the team and work well with its members You must be able to juggle work and study though you will be given plenty of helprdquoTaxEntrylevelLondon

30 31

Grant Thornton takes on graduates in a number of departments including audit tax recovery and reorganisation actuarial and business risk services It then offers successful applicants the chance to specialise within these areas Applications are made through an online form however the requirements are tough To secure a place on the graduate programme yoursquoll need at least a 21 in a relevant discipline 300 UCAS points and a B or above in GCSE Maths and English

If your application is successful then yoursquoll have to sit two online 20 minute aptitude tests ndash one verbal reasoning one numerical However their website does offer applicants help and advice on preparing for both of these If successful you will be invited to a competency interview (or phone interview) with a member of the HR team The questions

asked will explore your academic and vocational decisions including what attracts you to a career at Grant Thornton in particular and why you want to join the service line to which you applied

Tick the interviewers boxes and yoursquoll be invited back for an assessment The assessment day at Grant Thornton is generally considered to be more laid back and relaxed than at other firms It will last approximately three hours and consists of a 30 minute partner case study and in some cases a 45 minute interview with a manager This will be followed by a lunch with the other candidates before concluding with a company presentation from the HR team Yoursquoll be please to hear that Grant Thornton donrsquot mess around ndash candidates are normally notified of the outcome of the final interview within 5 working days

ThE BUZZ ON GETTING hIRED GRANT ThORNTON

FIRM PROFILEAs a leading financial and business adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has offices in 30 locations across the UK more than 25000 individual and 15000 corporate and institutional clients and now regularly posts revenues in excess of the $1 billion barrier Grant Thornton International is an umbrella organisation that encompasses 100 independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firms worldwide including Grant Thornton UK This accounting network employs more than 2400 partners in over 100 countries and over 29000 people globally The UK branch Grant Thornton UK generates the second highest profits after its US counterpart and it is the fifth largest accounting firm in the UK ndash a position it seems content to maintain rather than attempt to break into the Big Four

In 1924 26-year-old Alexander Richardson Grant ndash then a Chicago based senior-accountant with Ernst amp Ernst (now Ernst amp Young) ndash left the relative comfort of an established company to pursue his plan for public accounting He subsequently founded Alexander Grant amp Co ndash a firm committed to providing services to mid-sized companies this stance is still held by the firm today

The 1950s and early 1960s were times of explosive growth and centralisation for the firm During the mid-1960s the firmrsquos leadership decided it was the ideal time to expand internationally In 1969 Alexander Grant amp Co joined with firms from Australia Canada and the UK to establish the organisation of Alexander Grant Tansley Witt

By 1980 Alexander Grant amp Co had joined with 49 other accounting firms ndash most notably Thornton Baker in the UK a firm with similar qualities clients

and values These alliances culminated in the founding of Grant Thornton International in 1986 when US firm Alexander Grant merged with UK firm Thornton Baker Then in 2007 Grant Thornton UK merged with Robson Rhodes ndash the biggest merger in the UK since PricewaterhouseCoopersrsquo inception in 1998 ndash to become the fifth largest accounting firm in the UK

The UKrsquos outpost has three main departments audit tax and advisory It does however offer additional services including corporate finance business risk services forensic investigation services financial advisory recovery and reorganisation renewable energy and environment services fraud insolvency and technology services The firm provides these services to more than 40000 individuals privately-held businesses and public interest entities And the vast majority of AIM-listed companies automatically look to Grant Thornton for their services ndash a situation reflected by a client list 40 greater than its closest rival

Grant Thorntonrsquos audit services are particularly commendable The independent Takeover Panel that supervises and regulates takeovers and mergers recently named Grant Thornton UK as their new external auditor ndash a role previously bestowed to PricewaterhouseCoopers This makes Grant Thornton the external auditor for three important regulatory bodies as it also audits the Financial Services Authority and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Additionally Grant Thornton produces an annual review of corporate governance in the FTSE 350 which has become a standard reference document on the market

Checkonlineforcompanyprofilesarticlesandinsiderinter-view advice inbull Accountingbull Bankingbull Consultingbull Lawbull And more

WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33

KPMGBig Four incumbent and one of Europersquos largest accountancies KPMG LLP is a member firm of the KPMG global network ndash an umbrella that employs over 145000 across 152 countries providing its clients audit tax and advisory services

CONSPROSbull Good career progression opportunitiesbull Relaxed and supportive environmentbull Early responsibility with varied and challenging

workbull Open door policy and approachable partnersbull Very diverse and a good firm for diversity (many

female managers)bull Good environmental policies eg reduced air

travel car sharing recycling etc

bull Training has been cut back latelybull Lower pay than the other Big Four firmsbull Limited and scattered office space and some

offices are quite oldbull No casual dress days

ThE STATSNoofemployeesworldwide145000+ NoofemployeesintheUK10000+

DEPARTMENTSAudit bull Tax bull Performance amp Technology bull Risk amp Compliance bull Transactions amp Restructuring

LOCATIONSNoofofficesworldwideOffices in 152 countries

UKLOCATIONSAberdeen bull Birmingham bull Bristol bull Cambridge bull Cardiff bull Edinburgh bull Gatwick bull Glasgow bull Ipswich bull Leeds bull Leicester bull Liverpool bull London bull Manchester bull Milton Keynes bull Newcastle bull Nottingham bull Plymouth bull Preston bull Reading bull St Albans bull Southampton bull Watford

LONDON OFFICES8 Salisbury SquareLondon EC4Y 8BBTel +44 (0)20 7311 1000wwwkpmgcom

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFOCONTACTGraduateRecruitmentTeamTel0500 664 665Email ukfmgraduatekpmgcouk

KPMG

CULTUREldquoHierarchy in the office is structured so that we have one partner associated with each client a senior manager or manager an assistant manager and then an assistant Each level will report to the next level or two up Colleagues always support each other and are on hand if you have a query even if it is not a client of theirs We socialise quite regularly whether this be just after work drinks or a full blown night outrdquo TaxGraduateNewcastleuponTyne

ldquoThere is a good colleague network at the office and I often socialise with staff outside of work There could be a few more staff socials (funded) but due to the economic climate it is understandable why there isnrsquot There tends to be little disagreements with a solid hierarchical structure ndash although managers are of a young age and interact with assistants on a personal basis as well as a professional onerdquo AuditGraduateLeeds

ldquoSocial life What social life Average working week is always 60+ hours There is very little time for a social life when the department continues to take on more work and less staffrdquo AuditMidlevel

OvERALL SATISFACTIONldquoHigh quality work which is getting more complex and interesting as I progress Initially compliance based work which was very mundane After leaving the graduate programme I got more responsibility and more interesting work transactions based etcrdquo TaxMidlevelManchester

RELATIONS WITh MANAGEMENTldquoManagement do listen to our concerns but sometimes there is a feeling that these are not acted on Most of management are approachablerdquo TaxGraduatePreston

ldquoWe have monthly department meetings to keep us up to date in the department and cascades quarterly to update us on nationwide updates We also get emails of any big news as soon as it happens The management interact well regularly taking us out for lunch and drinks so they can find out what we think of the businessrdquo TaxGraduateManchester

CAREER PROSPECTSldquoIt is a standard procedure to move up the ranks and as soon as you are professionally qualified you are immediately promoted After that you are promoted when you are ready for the next stage and this is done via a formal promotion procedure where you nominate yourself for promotion and then your progress over the next year is monitored closelyrdquo TaxGraduateNewcastleuponTyne

ldquoItrsquos becoming more and more congested at the top so is harder to progress To progress you have to work hard but also become a specialist in a specific area The newer and faster growing the sector the easier it is to get promotedrdquo TaxGraduateManchester

WhAT EMPLOYEES hAvE TO SAY

34 35

KPMGTRAINING

ldquoThe firm has good formal training programmes ndash both mandatory and elective Informal on-the-job training is also effective and managers and senior staff are happy to coach juniors All employees have a performance manager with whom they meet 2-3 times a year or more if desired to discuss goals performance and any issues arising In general I have found the managers to be very good PMs and invested in helping staff achieve their goalsrdquo ForensicSeniorAccountantBirmingham

ldquoThere are monthly technical training sessions which everyone contributes to We do have mentoring systems in place but generally I end up speaking to the people I feel most comfortable with rather than my formal mentorrdquo TaxGraduateEdinburgh

hOURSldquoI spend an average of 35-40 hours in the office a week except in December and January where this can leap to nearer 50 I have worked weekends when office resources have been limited and the job has been urgent Can purchase additional holiday and tend to be very flexible on when this holiday is takenrdquo TaxGraduateLeeds

ldquoOn average I spend 36-38 hours in the office at week I hardly ever have to work on weekends as I am on a training contract and instead the emphasis is on studying during the weekends My company is very flexible and works with me to find a suitable arrangement with regards to working hours I tend to come in a bit earlier than most and leave at 530 but on days where I need to I can come in a little later as long as I make the department awarerdquo TaxGraduateManchester

SALARY AND PERKSldquoPay is OK I think it compares slightly worse to the other Big 4 (well thatrsquos what I have heard) but once you are qualified itrsquos a good wagerdquo ForensicSeniorAccountantBirmingham

ldquoBonus seems fairly random Salary can vary between staff of the same grade which can be frustratingrdquo TaxMidlevelManchester

ldquoItrsquos a toss-up Find a job with better pay but longer hours Or stay content with better hours but less pay My opinion on my remuneration varies with the time of the year eg less favourable when looking at holidays or just after coming back from holidays There are reward schemes where we can nominate and recognise people for their helpcontribution Rewards can be monetary andor extra day off Anyone can nominate someonerdquo AuditMidlevelBirmingham

PLUSES ldquoPeople at KPMG are friendly and committed KPMG offer a wide variety of services and so there is significant opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of industries regions and service linesrdquo ForensicJuniorAccountantNottingham

ldquoThe people both in your own office and country wide Also the support to gain two professional qualifications through tax is something no other Big 4 firm providesrdquo TaxExperiencedPreston

ldquoGreat reputation good qualification and good prospects for the futurerdquo AuditGraduateAberdeen

MINUSESldquoNo longer being involved in the detailed work as this has been outsourcedrdquo TaxGraduateManchester

ldquoRemuneration It is market competitive and allows me to have quite a number of good holidays each year Irsquom just waiting to make partnerrdquo AuditMidlevelBirmingham

ldquoThe long hours demanding work and sometimes a lack of praiserecognition (although not always)rdquo AuditMidlevelNewcastleuponTyne

INTERvIEW PROCESS ldquoFour rounds (tests first interview assessment centre partner interview) The questions tended to be less technical and more general as it is vital the firm knows that you can interact well with clients The whole business is based around client relationships and the employees at KPMG and therefore this is the key elementrdquo AuditMidlevelNewcastleuponTyne

ldquoFor the graduate route the first step is a short online form followed by a first round interview focussing on core competencies Finally there is an assessment centre where candidates do an e-tray exercise a group exercise and a partner interview The assessment centre is fairly relaxed and candidates are taken out for lunch and can chat more informally with people on the graduate schemerdquo ForensicJuniorAccountantNottingham

INTERvIEW TIPS amp ADvICEldquoHave knowledge on recent business events Often taken in a lift up to the interview so have lsquosmall talkrsquo ready For the partner interview donrsquot do a well known company like Marks and Spencer as the chances are the interviewer will have more knowledge than you on the company especially if they are a client Need minimum 21 and a B in GCSE Maths and English and certain A-Level pointsrdquo TaxGraduateLeeds

ldquoCandidates need to be a general well-rounded individual who fulfils the competencies of teamwork leadership resilience making an impact and commercial awareness Candidates donrsquot need a particular degree discipline but are encouraged from all backgrounds and circumstances Particularly impressive transferable skills include analytical abilities working as a team leadership enthusiasm passion and motivationrdquo TaxGraduateManchester

36 37

A constant fixture in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers list KPMGrsquos working environment and training programmes have both received accolades Graduates can apply for roles in tax audit and advisory in various cities throughout the UK The firm recruits on a rolling basis ndash this means applications are processed on a first come first served basis so make sure you apply early Academic requirements are pretty strict The company expects candidates to have achieved at least a B in both GCSE Maths and English On top of that a minimum of 320 UCAS Tariff points and a 21 in any discipline from a good university is required for successful entry KPMG is particularly keen to hire people with a proven set of skills which primarily centres on your leadership abilities career motivation resilience problem solving competences as well as your business acumen Moreover trainees will have to demonstrate strong lsquointeracting skills and an ability to hold a conversation with people from a variety of backgroundsrsquo Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities are therefore a must

There are four stages to KPMGrsquos straightforward application process application form online tests first interview and assessment centre Itrsquos good to know that the hiring process is pretty much the same wherever you apply The first interview is with a manager or member of HR and is said to be rsquovery competency-basedrsquo so get those team working examples ready Also make sure you know why you have applied to a particular division as you will definitely be asked Interviewers are keen to find

out about your experience and motivation but you should also really do your research on KPMG and its current news

Clearing this hurdle opens the doors to an assessment centre involving two e-tray exercises ndash a simulation of emails being received for 70 minutes then 50 minutes to compose 2 long email responses On top of that there will be a verbalnumerical test a group exercise lunch with current graduates and an interview and pre-prepared presentation with a partner Your presentation should demonstrate your business awareness and while you are not expected to be an expert you need to be confident in showing off your commercial sense The assessment day has been described as rsquochallengingrsquo while interviews are generally lsquovery straightforward andhellip more like a chatrsquo Fortunately you donrsquot have to wait long to find out if yoursquove been successful with one applicant reporting that they heard within two hours of finishing their last interview

Current employees were teeming with advice for those wanting a place at the firm lsquoldquoLook to stand out on your CV with relevant experience and extracurricular activities ndash a lot of people have a degree you need to make yourself stand outrsquo Itrsquos lsquovital [you are]hellip friendly and easy to speak to given thehellip high level of client interactionrsquo KPMG is not after people who are already experts in accounting personality and an eagerness to learn are the real decisive factors

Finally preparation is key know the firm know the role know the industry One good way to do this is through an internship scheme Lasting around eight weeks interns are given the lsquosame type of work as new graduates starting their careerrsquo Furthermore there are some less formal week long placements up for grabs KPMG lists the competencies they look for in their interns on their website so best give them a quick peek before you turn up for your interview


ldquoKPMG is not after people who are already experts in accounting personality and an eagerness to learn are the real decisive factorsrdquo

Although KPMGrsquos history spans three centuries the firmrsquos current network was only formed in 1987 with the merger of Peat Marwick International and Klynveld Main Goerdeler Since then the company has established itself as one of the Big Four international leaders of professional services The firmrsquos core area of expertise lies in audit tax and advisory With 145000 employers spread across 152 countries KPMG is one of the most geographically dispersed firms in accounting It has gained a particularly strong reputation in Europe where it is now one of the biggest accountancies on the Continent

KPMG in the UK forms part of the organisationrsquos global network and is a limited liability partnership and subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP The firm operates from 22 offices across the UK employing almost 10000 professionals and staff

As an integrated business KPMG consists of various national firms These function as independent legal entities that are united under KPMG International headquartered in Switzerland Although these autonomous firms are scattered all across the globe each of them bears the initials of the companyrsquos principal founding fathers

Klynveld Piet founder of the accounting firm Klynveld Kraayenhof amp Co in Amsterdam in 1917

Peat William Barclay the creator of the accounting firm William Barclay Peat amp Co in London in 1870

Marwick James the co-founder of accounting firm Marwick Mitchell amp Co established in New York in 1897

Goerdeler Reinhard the long-serving chairman of Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft and later KPMG

The past 20 years has seen a number of milestones in the firmrsquos growth In 1994 the firm made the decision to explore incorporation a year later the company formed KPMG Audit Plc which undertakes publicly quoted and regulated financial service audit practices In 2002 KPMG in the UK became a limited liability partnership In 2007 KPMG Europe LLP was launched with its head office based in Frankfurt

KPMG provides clients with the main professional services of audit tax and advisory Audit offers services designed to maximise the reliability of information prepared by clients for use by investors creditors and other stakeholders These also include country-specific requirements and a range of reports

Tax is the second area of expertise KPMG prides itself on The company provides its clients with an in-depth understanding of tax governance specialist skills and deep industry knowledge that help to maintain competitiveness and compliance on a local and global level With new trends of tax regulations developing constantly this service is particularly crucial to KPMGrsquos multinational clients

Lastly KPMGrsquos advisory service is another of the firmrsquos core strengths The advisory team works closely with clients to deal with transactions and restructuring performance and technology as well as risk and compliance The firmrsquos global advisory practices deals with industry-specific areas covering for instance the automotive media private equity or healthcare sectors

FIRM PROFILE

ldquoSince 1987 KPMG has established itself as one of the Big Four international leaders of professional servicesrdquo

ldquoThe KPMG Foundation was establised in 2001 focusing on education and social projects for the disadvantagedrdquo

KPMG

38 39

Goonlineforin-depthprofilesandthelatestinterviewadvicein

bull Accountingbull Bankingbull Consultingbull Lawbull Other Industries

WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

Major KPMG clients include consulting firms construction and real estate organisations and financial services groups However much of KPMGrsquos clientele is made up of business corporations governments and public sector agencies as well as not-for-profit organisations

KPMG established its KPMG Foundation in 2001 focusing on education and social projects for the disadvantaged Particular emphasis is laid on

supporting children and young people educationally In the past the firm has acted as sponsor of various charities and institutions including Tate Liverpool Kingrsquos College Centre for Prison Studies and various Refugee Services KPMG also established its Audit Committee Institute to provide information resources and knowledge-sharing opportunities through surveys and publications in order to help audit committee members enhance the efficiency and quality of the financial reporting process

DownloaD our guiDe

an insiDe look at graDuate employersFind out which career is the right one for youIn this guide you will find

bull 1000s of reviews from current employees and internsbull Company specific interview advicebull In-depth employer profiles and salary info

Get the latest Buzz on

Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte

JoHn lewis partnersHip slaugHter anD may

Boston Consulting group

kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41

PWCPwC prides itself on being amongst the main providers of assurance tax and business consulting services in the accountancy industry It boasts a strong global network with 165000 employees working in over 150 countries worldwide

CONSPROSbull Great training schemebull Supportive culturebull Very diverse London officesbull Good opportunities for women at the firmbull Excellent name for your CVbull Relatively good job security

bull Salary depends on your department and its successes

bull Can be bureaucratic and political takes a long time for anything to happen

bull Rigid promotion structure as with most accounting firms

bull Feedback process isnrsquot the best

ThE STATSNoofemployeesworldwide165000

DEPARTMENTSBUSINESS AREASActuarial bull Auditing amp Assurance Services bull Business Recovery bull Forensic Services bull Human Resources Services bull Performance Improvement Consulting bull Tax bull Transaction Services


UKLOCATIONSAberdeen bull Armagh bull Belfast bull Birmingham bull Bournemouth bull Bristol bull Cambridge bull Cardiff bull Dungannon

bull East Midlands bull Edinburgh bull Gatwick bull Glasgow bull Gloucester bull Guernsey bull Hull bull Jersey bull Leeds bull Liverpool bull London bull Londonderry bull Manchester bull Milton Keynes bull Newcastle-upon-Tyne bull Norwich bull Omagh bull Plymouth bull Portadown bull Reading bull Sheffield bull Southampton bull St Albans bull Swansea bull Uxbridge

LONDON OFFICE1 Embankment PlaceLondon WC2N 6RHTel +44 (0)20 7583 5000wwwpwccom

GRADUATE RECUITMENT INFOHowtoapplywwwpwccomukcareersApplicationDeadline29th September 2012

PwC

PwC is at the top of the business world and counts 40 of companies in the FTSE 100 amongst its clients With services that cover business consulting audit tax services and assurance just to name a few it is one of the largest companies in the world boasting offices in 757 cities all over the world and over 165000 employees

PwC has so many roles and seats to fill that theyrsquore constantly recruiting and on the lookout for bright minds But this does not mean that the firm will take just anyone PwC looks for bright enthusiastic candidates who yes test well but the test is not the only thing they consider The application process itself is not a ldquoone size fits allrdquo approach so the kind of interviews and assessments you will have to go through depends largely on the role yoursquore applying for

You will first need to fill out an online application that requires basic personal information and history as well as some questions about what your preferred client at PwC would be In later stages of the process this application form will come back into play so make sure you write about things you are familiar with and enthusiastic about In the case of an in-person interview the interviewer will often use this form as a guide asking you to expand upon what it was you wrote so donrsquot just fill in this form and forget about it

If you are successful in step one yoursquoll next be asked to have a telephone interview Many people find this kind of interview tricky because itrsquos easy for your mind to wander when yoursquore not actually looking at the person asking you questions But

another mistake is thinking it will be easy Take your time to prepare make sure you have a pen and paper in front of you for anything you want to write down take deep breaths and answer every question enthusiastically The interviewer will be looking to see how well you build a connection with them in a fairly impersonal situation while also speaking intelligently

Next you may be asked to take a technical test depending on what yoursquore applying for This is where people start to get really nervous ndash but donrsquot PwC is good at taking into account all aspects of applications so they will never judge you solely on your technical test Yes they are timed tests but you are not penalised for not finishing Perhaps most importantly if there is something on the test yoursquore not sure of ask for clarification and that will give you the best chance at a high score

Finally at some point you will have a face-to-face interview with a partner or director which has been described as more laid back than expected Your interviewer is not interested in tripping you up confusing you or asking you trick questions Rather they want to know what makes you tick why yoursquove chosen to go for a job at PwC and what industry news yoursquove been keeping up-to-date with Some interviewers will focus on what you think needs to be done at PwC so make sure you spend some time thinking about strategies you believe the company should take and the strengths and weaknesses of the firm

The process may seem lengthy but PwC is the biggest player around and therefore the procedure is accordingly stringent Do note though the recruitment process will vary depending on the division and regional office applied to Above all if you relax take your time and express yourself clearly and enthusiastically you may be a PwC employee sooner than you think


ldquoPwC has so many roles and seats to fill that theyrsquore constantly recruitingldquo

42 43

PwC was formed in 1998 after a merger and it has ascended with relentless pace as one of the forerunners of the Big Four PwC prides itself on being amongst the main providers of assurance tax and business consulting services in the accountancy industry It boasts a strong global network with 165000 employees working in over 150 countries worldwide

PwCrsquos current form is the result of numerous alliances and mergers aggregated throughout its 150 year history Its origins stretch as far back as the mid-19th century when Samuel L Price established his own firm in London in 1849 Price Waterhouse amp Co was formed with the merger of Price Holyland and Waterhouse A few years later in 1854 William Cooper opened a similar business also in the capital that ndash after various mergers ndash eventually established itself in the 20th century as Coopers amp Lybrand Several mergers later the 5th and 6th biggest firms Coppers amp Lybrand and Price Waterhouse merged to create PwC in 1998 one of the worldrsquos largest accountancy firms

Augmenting this enviable boast PwC provides a wide range of professional services for both public and private clients Auditing accounts for over half of the global networkrsquos revenue although in the UK other services such as tax and transaction generate more of its turnover PwCrsquos core departments include audit and assurance tax

consulting business recovery corporate finance strategy actuarial sustainabilityclimate change as well as services in HR transaction and forensic

Consumer and industrial products and services are the most lucrative sectors for PwC in the UK followed by financial services technology infocomms (SIC) entertainment and media and government Additionally PwC provides research and consulting services to many industries and publishes a number of reports on related issues

PwC is the UKrsquos largest audit firm and despite the difficult economic environment many PwC network firms across the globe have maintained their leading positions in their respective markets a clear sign of the powerhouse that is PwC Additionally PwC has certainly not lost any of its appeal as a popular graduate employer For the ninth year running the company has been able to maintain its top spot in lsquoThe Times Top 100 Graduate Employersrsquo Survey

Despite the ongoing euro zone crisis PwCrsquos outlook for the future is a bright one The companyrsquos business strategy is centred on achieving more growth of PwCrsquos consulting market share The network is eager to extend its lead in the core businesses of audit tax business recovery services and transactions while other sectors such as human resource services will also be expanded

FIRM PROFILE

ldquoPwC boasts a strong global network with 165000 employees working in over 150 countries worldwiderdquo

ldquoDespite the eurozone crisis PwCrsquos outlook for the future is a bright oneldquo



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY

As accountants are keen to tell you the image of accountancy is changing Accountancy is an industry with a growing profile and an even faster growing emphasis on accountability Today the profession can offer incentives challenges and financial rewards that are on a par with traditionally more glamorous professions such as investment banking and law

Accountancy is the language of business Accountants measure communicate and interpret financial activity so that users of the information can make informed decisions This for example allows managers to look at their organisation assess how well it is performing and implement strategies for future growth There are two main types of accountancy ndash financial and management

Management accountancy provides financial information to managers within organisations enabling them to make strategic and informed business decisions It involves the identification preparation analysis interpretation and communication of financial information used by management to evaluate manage plan and assure the appropriate use of its resources and improve overall financial performance

Financialaccounting on the other hand addresses the needs of decision-makers external to the organisation These decision-makers may include investors banks suppliers lenders government agencies and regulatory bodies special interest groups and the general public The financial accounting process typically culminates

in the preparation of financial reports such as balance sheets and quarterly or yearly income statements that help to answer questions such as lsquoWhat is the financial position of the company on a given dayrsquo and lsquoHow well did the company do during a given periodrsquo Financial accounting is governed by rules (ex IFRS GAAP) which differ from country to country

Herersquos a quick look at accountingrsquos main areas of specialisation

Auditassuranceandadvisory Audit and assurance are the traditional functions of accountancy firms The major purpose of assurance services is to provide independent and professional opinions that improve the quality of information to stakeholders (which are both internal and external parties affected by the firmrsquos actions) An audit is a type of an assurance engagement which provides an unbiased examination and evaluation of the financial statements of an organisation This adds credibility to the claim made by an organisationrsquos management that the financial statements fairly represent the organisationrsquos position and performance Audits are carried out in accordance with various regulations to independently verify the accounts of the entity and the effectiveness of the operating controls A number of advisory services can include completing due diligence on possible acquisition targets recommending improvements on

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY internal corporate governance structures operating efficiencies and profitability confirming compliance with debt agreements etchellip

Tax generally focusses on helping clients minimise their tax liability all the while complying with laws Services cover a range of issues such as accounting for taxes on financial statements the preparation of tax returns ensuring these comply with the laws advice on complex tax issues consultation on MampA and structure to minimise taxes personal wealth and estate planning Corporatefinanceand riskmanagementThis area covers a broad range of services ranging from MampA advice to strategic and financial advisory services designed to minimise risk

Forensic accounting Forensic means ldquosuitable for use in a court of lawrdquo This area of accountancy deals with fraud and describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated disputes or litigation Forensic accountants may for example just specialise in insurance claims personal injury claims fraud construction or royalty audits

Transaction services This area employs audit and tax professionals to maximise the returns on MampA and other transactions analysing each stage of the transaction process for both buyers and vendors to gain full value Services may include financial and tax due diligence transaction structuring deal financing assistance etchellip Managementconsultinghas been a pillar of larger accountancies for some time and the industry is now wholly embracing the lsquoprofessional servicesrsquo tactic Management consulting addresses a multitude of issues related to the overall performance and direction of a companyrsquos business (systems integration business strategy e-commerce and technology) Law consulting Large firms (such as the Big Four) offer financial economic and various data services to companies involved in litigations mediations arbitrations and other forms of dispute resolution

ldquoToday accounting can offer incentives challenges and financial rewards that are on a par with traditionally more glamorous professionsrdquo

ldquoAccountancy is the language of business Accountants measure communicate and interpret financial activityrdquo

46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT

Step 1 ndash decide that you definitely want to become an accountant Step 2 ndash Step 3 ndash profit Letrsquos help you fill in that second step shall we After yoursquove decided you want to become an accountant you need to figure out what kind of accountant Contrary to what you might think not all accountants are the same and the tasks that fall under the accounting umbrella are actually quite varied If you know you want to use your maths skills but donrsquot know which way you can take your love of numerals here are a few ideas to get your job search headed in the right direction

ASSURANCEAssurance accountants are the people who take care of auditing a company Here in the UK businesses must be audited yearly so therersquos always work for assurance accountants The main aim of the audit is to make sure that the bookkeeping is in order and all of the money is where it should be The name of this kind of accountancy work comes from the fact that you are assuring the companyrsquos shareholders that theyrsquore not being cheated or robbed You will start off as a staff auditor doing the nitty gritty work of an audit Staff auditors work closely with clients to make sure that all the information provided is accurate They will spend hours going over books ledgers and statements asking the client any questions which may arise and will work out of the clientrsquos offices every day until the project is finished Staff auditors eventually move up to become senior auditors who review the audits keep an eye on the budget and keep the client up-to-date on the project

TAxTax accountants can deal with income tax employer tax and any number of other compliance questions As a graduate people in this field generally start out learning on the job ndash preparing tax returns researching and helping clients understand what theyrsquore working on Young tax staff doesnrsquot have too much contact

with clients as really it is a learning position to become more familiar with the numerous tax issues that will be dealt with in the future Once you get to tax senior yoursquoll be supervising the tax staff as well as pouring over tax laws to see where the clients can save some money This level of tax accountant probably will liaise closely with the assurance team so that all of the tax documents included in the audit are accurate

MANAGEMENTManagement accountants who are more responsible for managing the overall finances and risk of a company usually rise up from junior internal auditors and may at one time have been accounting managers budget directors or managers of internal auditing If yoursquove dreamed of being at the very top of the finance department in a company being a management accountant would be the right step for you as you could go on to become a CFO treasurer or a VP of finance

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT FORENSICNope it has nothing to do with CSI but rather the practice of re-tracing the steps in a clientrsquos accountancy books to try to uncover any instances of fraud misappropriation and any other kind of financial misconduct Forensic accounting has much more to it than just looking over numbers ndash you may have to interview people search various company records and analyse accounts to perform your investigation ndash you may even have to testify in court You can jump right into forensic accounting but many people come from assurance first Jobs in this sector can be found in private firms specialising in these cases as well as government bodies A forensic accountant will not only have to have a very intense attention to detail but also not be afraid to ask questions and talk to people about sensitive situations

PUBLIC SECTORIf yoursquod really like your accounting work to have a positive impact on the world consider public sector accounting You could find yourself working for the national government a local government body a charity or a non-governmental organisation Like the other accounting types yoursquoll have to be good with numbers and feel comfortable working with spreadsheets and balance sheets Check out our article on different accountancy types where we tell you about the only UK accountancy qualification aimed at the public sector

RISK ASSESSMENTThese accountants are the consultants of the accountancy world A company would bring in a risk assessor to help them figure out the financial impact of a certain move ndash opening an office in another country or purchasing more equipment as examples Risk assessors have to have a handle on the companyrsquos finances but also be able to think about more than numbers using logic to bring to the clientrsquos attention other risks they may not have even thought of Since risk assessors usually work with the very top tier of the company yoursquoll need to have impeccable soft skills too If risk assessment sounds like itrsquos for you donrsquot

count out starting in another kind of accountancy and then making this your specialty once you get the hang of conducting an audit and working with clients

FINANCIALFinancial accounting has to do with helping businesses maximise their potential while making sure their finances are in order You could be looking at treasuries cash flow and helping your company expand in a fiscally responsible way Financial accounting covers loads of different areas so someone who wants to combine accounting with business is sure to find something that interests them here Graduates will probably start in-house and learn on the job as knowing that particular company inside and out is the key to becoming a successful financial accountant

COMMERCIAL FINANCEThese are the accountants that companies hire when they need someone to review their business practices and make recommendations as to how the company can be run more efficiently and of course make more money Accountancy jobs in commercial finance are most often found in the retail and hospitality sectors which might be a draw for you Eventually yoursquoll become a finance manager and you might be in charge of reviewing the whole business or maybe only one product or one service and yoursquoll not only have to analyse the numbers but think creatively about how the business can more forward successfully

BUSINESS ADvISORYEvery company has to file reports on their finances and larger multi-national companies are scrutinised relentlessly on this subject Business advisory accountants help companies with their reporting and can assist in such activities as audits filing taxes and any other advice in regards to laws and compliance If you are a graduate who would like to become a business advisor yoursquoll probably have to enter a worktraining programme (generally three years) and yoursquoll not only have to be comfortable with numbers and business issues but also you must keep up on your regulatory and compliance news too

48 49

ThE ACCOUNTANCY ExAMS

CORPORATE TREASURYA job in corporate treasury will mean that you will work in-house at a company and be in charge of their books most importantly making sure the company has enough cash to run smoothly and without interruption You may have to work with all departments so yoursquoll need soft skills and also a very in-depth understanding of what the business does If you want to go right into corporate treasury you can or you can start off in a different accounting discipline too There are qualifications specifically for treasurers and it might be best to look into that if yoursquore sure treasury is for you

CORPORATE FINANCEAccountants in corporate finance help with major internal transactions such as buy-outs and other deals When such a deal occurs corporate finance accountants help the transaction go through by crunching the numbers helping raise funds if necessary and also performing any due diligence that is needed When the deal is proposed that company will need people to manage the deal making sure it

goes through smoothly people to do the compliance on both sides and accountants making sure all regulations are met and business plans are drawn up Assurance is a great first step into the world of corporate finance and now there is even a specific qualification for corporate finance at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

CORPORATE RECOvERYBusinesses that have seen better days need accountants to help them find alternate ways to survive or downsize their operations to stay in business and thatrsquos where corporate recovery accountants come in Though it may not be the happiest kind of accounting you will have to be creative in finding ways that the company can uncover funds to keep creditors at bay Not only will you have to think creatively working alongside many different kinds of companies but yoursquoll have to have a good eye for detail and here maybe more so than in any other kind of accounting yoursquoll need amazing soft skills People will be stressed sad and even hostile and yoursquoll have to keep the peace while making your recommendations

Checkonlineforcompanypro-filesarticlesandinsiderinter-view advice inbull Accountingbull Bankingbull Consultingbull Lawbull And more

WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

So yoursquore good with numbers and have a keen eye for detail Struggling to think of what career might make you happy Herersquos our suggestion but you have to promise to keep reading Ready Accounting Yes we said it accounting Stereotypically accountants are portrayed as boring nerdy and humourless but in reality it can be a great career as accountants have their choice of several different fields and industries

Every kind of business needs accountants from investment banks to art galleries to hotels Being an accountant can be interesting well-paid and provide job security where other positions canrsquot So how do you land a nice accountancy job Well first of all you donrsquot need to have studied it at uni to gain an accounting qualification or get hired as an accountant One thing is for certain to be taken seriously by potential employers you will need some kind of accreditation Here are the most popular ones in the UK and how those programmes work

ICAEWACAProgrammeThe Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) runs the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) Programme Itrsquos a tough course but it really pays off afterwards On completion you can apply for ICAEW membership and even use the acronym ACA after your name which is not only cool but will bump your CV up a few notches The programme is long ndash three to five years (most people finish in three) ndash but they are spent actually working for a real company not just in a classroom The ICAEW has 2500 companies who are certified with them to train chartered accountants so you will be learning on the job which is the best way to do it Also that means that while yoursquore learning and studying yoursquore getting paid too You will also have to take some exams (14 which sounds like a lot but thatrsquos over three years) to pass the programme but your employer is there to offer guidance and support on those The companies who participate in the programme range from accountancy firms to banks to law firms and even not-for-profit companies There are also training companies in a variety of countries

such as Greece Russia and Singapore so you donrsquot even need to physically be in the UK to gain this accreditation ACCA The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has started a programme in the past few years that is gaining popularity It has similarities to the ACA programme in that you take 14 exams over three years and work while you learn The programme is comprised of three sections exams work experience and an ethics module that you complete online If you have studied accountancy at university you may be able to be exempt from taking a few of the exams but if you havenrsquot donrsquot worry A great part of the accreditation is that you donrsquot even need a degree to get into the programme Many people whose highest level of schooling is A-levels have been accepted into the ACCA programme The ACCA also operates internationally and has even more locations than the ACA programme which is something to think about CIMA The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants accreditation takes a slightly different


50 51

route than the programmes above This is the accreditation for you if you are not so sure you want to be a bean counter auditing records but you rather like thinking strategically about the financial health of a company The CIMA programme is really more about financial management (hence the title) than about accounts The different areas of study are operational management strategic and management accounting This is not a learn-on-the job qualification but classroom study only (you can also do the programme online) You can study at your own pace some very keen students have been able to finish in three months but on average students take a year to complete the accreditation Though it is a great qualification to hold you probably wonrsquot be able to work while you do it so consider carefully if you can survive the length of the programme without getting paid If yoursquore already employed and thinking about going for the CIMA accreditation ask if you can work out some kind of leave for study package so you wonrsquot be completely skint while going through the programme You must pay a registration fee up front then a separate fee for each exam as well as a yearly subscription CIMA has assessment centres all around the globe and thatrsquos where you go to sit your exams as well as get help from tutors

CIPFA The Chartered Public amp Finance Accountant qualification does not have stringent requirements for entry so if you didnrsquot get the best grades in uni you can still get into this programme This one is interesting because it focuses on the public sector and could land you a job working in local government at the NHS or even a charity They offer a variety of certifications including International Treasury Management Public Sector Financial Reporting and Charity Finance So if yoursquod want to use your maths skills to do good in the world look into the CIPFA

All of these accreditations are slightly different so really think about your ideal accounting job to choose the right programme for you The training is long and it wonrsquot be easy but having one of these acronyms on your CV will do wonders for your eventual job search and will impress employers over and over again Time to show the world that people who are good at maths and auditing accounts are more than just bean counters and number crunchers

Herersquos a brief look at the career paths in audit and tax Though the job titles may vary from firm to firm the general career paths and steps remain the same

AUDIT

AssociateAssociates undertake the bulk work of an audit This will include analysing clientsrsquo ledgers and statements and checking them for accuracy Nevertheless you wonrsquot be quite out on your own during the first year on the job as the watchful eye of a senior associate will track your every move

Senior AssociateFollowing your term as a lsquojuniorrsquo associate (which typically lasts anywhere from one to three years) the natural progression is to move to senior associate

Aside from supervising associates one of the senior associatersquos main responsibilities is to ensure the audit is thoroughly and properly documented Other work includes identifying risk creating and maintaining strong client relationships dealing with budget issues coordinating with other internal departments (eg tax) reporting to the audit manager and partner and mopping up any other problems that might arise

ManagerOnce yoursquove passed the exams and have an accounting qualification under your belt itrsquos then onto becoming a manager The core responsibility of an audit manager is to manage client relationships Although not on site as frequently as the associates the audit manager will take a more holistic approach to the project ndash overseeing and typically visiting the client once a week

While senior associates monitor the work of associates audit managers supervise train and evaluate

both the seniors and staff Further responsibilities include programme approval preparing the board presentations staff scheduling and determining billings for engagements

DirectorPartnerThe buck stops with the partners ndash they are responsible for client relationships and business development Dealing with correspondence with HQ partners sign the audit opinion and are responsible for the overall audit

Partners rarely visit the client site However they may well be the only audit team member to attend audit committee meetings Furthermore partners ordinarily purchase equity in the firm and reap the rewards with a share of all profits

TAx

JuniorJunior staff in tax perform a similar role to their audit counterparts dealing with the nuts and bolts of tax work This includes research preparing returns and consulting on any tax issues the client might have (albeit under the watchful eye of more senior tax staff)

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING CAREER PAThS


52 53

On the whole though junior roles in tax have less contact with clients than audit rookies and instead use their first years on the job to learn the minutia of reporting compliance and analysis

SeniorStepping up from the junior staff position tax accountants will spend another one to three years as a tax senior During this time they will further their expertise in preparation for management level

A tax seniorrsquos responsibilities includes preparing and reviewing tax returns researching tax problems making suggestions for tax planning and brushing up on tax laws that will help their clients save money Tax seniors may also work with audit associates to help prepare tax items and like their audit counterparts tax seniors also manage more junior staff

ManagerManagers in tax are responsible for everything from directing and reviewing the work of more junior personnel to approving corporate tax returns and handling day-to-day client issues

By this level tax accountants are expected to be au fait with the technical tax issues related to their area of expertise During their tenure managers will begin to sharpen their marketing skills in preparation for the position of tax director or partner

DirectorPartnerSenior partners are top of the tax tree Like their opposite number in audit tax partners are responsible for client relationships and business development By the time they reach partner level tax accountants will ordinarily have developed a specialism for a specific industry or tax function

Check online for company pro-files articles and insider inter-view advice inbull Accountingbull Bankingbull Consultingbull Lawbull And more

WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThE INSIDE BUZZ TEAMThomasNutt is the founder of Inside Buzz and previously worked for Vaultcom in both New York and London (where he launched Vault Europe and served as European MD) His years of recruitment publication expertise keep the rest of the Inside Buzz team running smoothly and working hard When hersquos not at Inside Buzz HQ or out and about with clients you can find Thomas on the basketball court or travelling around the world

HannahMaltbyis in charge of editorial at Inside Buzz which means she is the one who makes sure the company profiles and employee quotes are collected formatted and posted on the website When not in the office you can find Hannah reading Game of Thrones and rooting for Robb Stark

DanielleMayworks hard to get the Inside Buzz word out to students and young professionals She loves chatting about career choices and the importance of doing a bit of research before sending out CVs When not buzzing tweeting or posting Dani also likes to read Game of Thrones but roots for Joffrey

TomMcDermottis the newest addition to the Inside Buzz team and has a dual role as part of both the editorial and sales teams As a fan of Newcastle United Tom spends most of his time hoping for a return to the glory days of the 1950s

Gavin Woods has a keen interest in corporate journalism and currently juggles a Masters in English with writing and editing for Inside Buzz

Arthur Guy is Inside Buzzrsquos infinitely capable and highly patient web developer Known as the master of the Buzz-matrix Arthur built and maintains InsideBuzzcouk

ZoeColesoversees our design and production She makes our guide and website look good

Do you want to work in equities or corporate financeWill the buy-side or sell-side be right for youKnow your DCF from your EBITDAAnd your spreads from your spots

It can all be a bit overwhelming especially if you donrsquot know where to start

But thatrsquos where we come in

DOWNLOAD OUR INVESTMENT BANKING CAREER GUIDE FOR FREEThis guide will tell you everything you need to know about

bull The ins and outs of investment bankingbull CareerPathsthedifferentrolesanddivisionsbull Aninsidelookatcorporatefinancesalesandtradingequitiesfixedincome

commoditiesforeignexchangeandmorebull Thelatesttipsonapplicationsandinterviewsandanswerstotrickyinterviewquestions

56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk

High quality work which is getting more complex and interesting as I progress Initially compliance based work which was very mundane After leaving the graduate programme I got more responsibility and more interesting work transactions based etc Mid-level Accountant Tax Manchester KPMG

GET ThE LATEST BUZZ ON Baker TillyBDODeloitteErnst amp YoungGrant ThorntonKPMGPwC

IN ThIS GUIDE YOU WILL FINDbull Profiles on the UKrsquos top accounting firmsbull Firm specific interview advicebull The ins and outs of accountingbull An inside look at accountancy exams and

career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

Deloitte is a great company to work for Auditing isnrsquot the best job in the world but the work can be challenging and you learn new things every day I often work very closely with the client and that makes the job more satisfying and interesting it isnrsquot just number crunching alone all the timeSenior AssociateDeloitte

2

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

Insider career info

bull The ins and outs of

Accounting


s

bull Firmspecificinterview

advice













more


4 5






Printed in the UK

INTRODUCTION








INTRODUCTION

6 7








INTRODUCTION


BDO

Deloitte

Ernst amp Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

PwC

8 9



approachable








BAKER TILLY











10 11





















BDO

12 13









BDO








FIRM PROFILE

14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


4 5






Printed in the UK

INTRODUCTION








INTRODUCTION

6 7








INTRODUCTION


BDO

Deloitte

Ernst amp Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

PwC

8 9



approachable








BAKER TILLY











10 11





















BDO

12 13









BDO








FIRM PROFILE

14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


6 7








INTRODUCTION


BDO

Deloitte

Ernst amp Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

PwC

8 9



approachable








BAKER TILLY











10 11





















BDO

12 13









BDO








FIRM PROFILE

14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


8 9



approachable








BAKER TILLY











10 11





















BDO

12 13









BDO








FIRM PROFILE

14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


10 11





















BDO

12 13









BDO








FIRM PROFILE

14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


12 13









BDO








FIRM PROFILE

14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


14 15



communication










DELOITTE



fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


16 17



























18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


18 19
















20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


20 21

















22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


22 23

ERNST amp YOUNG























24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


24 25










ERNST amp YOUNG










26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


26 27








FIRM PROFILE









regional offices







GRANT ThORNTON

28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


28 29

GRANT ThORNTON





















30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


30 31














WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK

32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


32 33














KPMG










34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


34 35

KPMGTRAINING


















36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


36 37




















FIRM PROFILE



KPMG

38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


38 39



WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK




DownloaD our guiDe




Capgemini

Hogan lovells

Jp morganDeloitte



kpmg

tHales

golDman saCHs

nomura

anD muCH more

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2013 EDITION

40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


40 41














PwC











42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


42 43








FIRM PROFILE





fromaroundtheweb


andstayontopofthe

latestjobs


withtherightpeople

44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


44 45

WhAT IS ACCOUNTANCY














46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









TAx




52 53








WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK













more


54 55














56

wwwinsidebuzzcouk




career paths

AN INSIDE LOOK AT


46 47

TYPES OF ACCOUNTANT













48 49







WWWINSIDEBUZZCOUK






50 51





AUDIT









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