Accounting

Accounting is the language of business, providing the systems, standards and skills through which the financial activities of organisations are recorded, reported and scrutinised. It encompasses financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation and financial reporting, and accountants work in every sector of the economy, from commerce and industry to the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. As long as organisations need to account for resources and demonstrate financial integrity, accounting professionals will be in demand.

At the University of Leicester, this three-year programme takes your numerical ability to the next level, giving you the skills and expertise to work as an accountant across a wide range of industries. You will develop technical accounting knowledge alongside an understanding of the business, legal and regulatory contexts in which accountants operate, building competence in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing and taxation. A sandwich placement year provides substantial professional experience in an accounting or finance environment, a year abroad adds international dimension, and work placement opportunities throughout the programme connect your academic study to real practice in the profession.

Graduates in accounting are well placed for careers in professional accountancy practices, corporate finance departments, internal audit, management accounting, taxation and financial services. Many graduates pursue professional accountancy qualifications, such as those offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which can be accelerated where the degree covers relevant content. The sandwich placement year gives you a significant advantage in the competitive graduate recruitment process.

Postgraduate study in accounting, finance, taxation or business administration is also a natural route for those seeking senior or specialist roles.