Are you an international student or graduate looking to kickstart your career in the UK’s accounting and professional services sector? As the UK is one of the leading financial centres in the world, it’s no surprise that many international students and graduates are keen to start their careers in this field. However, finding a job in the UK can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding the different visa requirements and sponsorship opportunities available.
To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that outlines everything you need to know about working in accounting and professional services in the UK as an international student or graduate.
Which accounting and professional services companies offer skilled worker sponsorships
1: PwC
PwC is one of the world’s largest professional services networks, and it has a significant presence in the UK. As an international student or graduate, you’ll be happy to know that PwC sponsors visas, which means they can offer you sponsorship for a work visa if you secure a job with them. PwC offers a range of graduate schemes and internships across their different business areas, including assurance, tax, and consulting.
Whilst PwC welcomes applications from all candidates, there are some restrictions in some parts of their business. Find out more about working at PwC as an international student/grad.
2: EY
EY is another major player in the UK’s accounting and professional services sector, with 21 offices across the UK.
EY is a sponsor and offers a range of graduate programmes and internships. If you’re an international student or graduate requiring visa sponsorship, it’s important to note that only certain graduate programmes in specific locations can support all the conditions set out by the Home Office Codes of Practice. These programmes include any graduate programme in Assurance, Strategy and Transactions, Consulting, Technology, and Tax (excluding Northern Ireland), as well as Law in London. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in one of these areas and require visa sponsorship, be sure to explore these opportunities and carefully review the visa eligibility criteria before applying to EY as an international student or graduate.
So if you’re an ambitious student or graduate looking to kickstart your career in the accounting and professional services sector in the UK, consider applying to EY.
3: Deloitte
Deloitte is one of the world’s largest professional services firms, (part of the Big 4) and it has a significant presence in the UK. Deloitte is a sponsor and offers graduate programmes.
For most of their graduate programmes, Deloitte can apply for visa sponsorship on your behalf if you meet the skilled worker visa criteria.
4: KPMG
KPMG is a leading professional services firm that offers audit, tax, and advisory services in the UK. KPMG is a visa sponsor and offers a range of graduate programmes and internships across different business areas.
If you’re considering applying to one of KPMG’s graduate programmes in the UK, it’s important to note that you must have the right to work in the UK on or before the start date of your program and be able to provide evidence of this.
KPMG’s ability to offer and honour any position is subject to the UK government’s immigration rules, and any offers will be made subject to the confirmation of immigration status. While KPMG welcomes international applicants, they cannot guarantee eligibility for sponsorship and review their approach in line with new government guidance as it becomes available.
5: BDO
BDO is a UK-based accountancy and business advisory firm that operates globally. BDO is a sponsor and offers a range of graduate programmes.
While BDO welcomes your application to their vacancies as an international student or grad, please note that both you and the role you are applying for must meet the UK Government Home Office visa eligibility criteria for a skilled worker visa. It’s important to review these requirements carefully before applying, to ensure that you meet the necessary criteria.
BDO collaborates with a group of expert immigration providers who will handle your application and ensure that you’re kept up-to-date throughout the process.
6: Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is a leading professional services firm that provides audit, tax, and advisory services in the UK. Grant Thornton is a visa sponsor and offers a range of graduate programmes and internships across different business areas. The firm is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and has a range of initiatives to support employees from diverse backgrounds.
To process visa applications for their trainee positions, it’s essential that all of their trainee programmes meet the minimum salary criteria as advised by the Home Office. However, some of their programmes and locations do not currently meet the Home Office’s salary requirements, which may impact their ability to sponsor visa applications for those roles.
Review the visa eligibility criteria carefully before applying to ensure that you’re eligible to work in the UK for your desired position at Grant Thornton.
Tips for applying to accounting and professional services graduate schemes as an international student
If you’re an international student looking to apply to one of the top accounting and professional services companies in the UK, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Research the visa requirements
Before applying to any of the companies, be sure to thoroughly research the visa requirements and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You may also want to consider reaching out to a visa immigration specialist for guidance on the visa application process.
Search widely for sponsorship opportunities
You are not limited to the companies listed above. There may be other companies within the accounting and professional services sector that offer sponsorship. Therefore search widely. Make sure to review the visa requirements and check if the company offers visa sponsorships before applying.
Use job search sites that allow you to filter by jobs offering sponsorship such as student circus.
Focus on your skills, experiences and strengths
Get as much work experience as you can. This could be from work experience placements, shadowing, internships, virtual internships, shadowing, part-time work or paid work.
When applying, highlight your strengths and experience that align with the company’s values and requirements. This could include experience in accounting, finance, or related fields, as well as language skills, leadership experience, and relevant certifications. Demonstrate these skills on your CV and in your interviews.
Network
Networking can be a great way to learn more about the company and potential opportunities.
Many of the top companies listed above offer webinars, workshops and open days that offer networking opportunities.
Consider attending recruitment events and connecting with alumni or current employees to gain insight into the company culture and hiring process.
Improve your interview performance
If you’re invited to an interview, take the time to research the company and prepare answers to common interview questions. Also, make sure to dress professionally and be on time for the interview. Remember to showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the role.
Consider getting a graduate interview coach to help you to refine your interview technique.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of landing a position with one of the top accounting and professional services companies in the UK as an international student. Read our post on why international students and graduates struggle to get jobs.
Summary
As an international student or graduate looking to work in accounting or professional services in the UK, there are options available at some top companies. However, it is important that you check your eligibility carefully for any position that you are interested in.
Use this guide to get started on your job search and take advantage of the opportunities available in the UK’s accounting and professional services sector.
If you are an international student or graduate in the UK, and need some help securing a graduate job in the UK, send s a copy of your CV and a brief explanation of your situation on our contact form, and we will let you know how we can help you.
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