The Top Five Benefits of Working in Finance for Graduates

Why finance is still a top graduate choice in 2025

Finance remains one of the most popular career paths for UK graduates — not just because of pay but for the quality of training, breadth of roles, global mobility and long-term progression. Recent graduate research shows salary is a leading priority for students weighing career options.

Starting out in finance: structured training that accelerates you

Well-established firms — from the Big Four to global banks and consultancies — offer clear graduate pathways, professional study support and fast responsibility. Many programmes fund ACA/ACCA/CFA or similar, giving you a recognised credential early.

• Explore how chartered accountancy careers are structured (https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/chartered-accountant).

• Considering audit as a launchpad? Read our guide to building your audit career.

Demand: loads of vacancies across specialisms

Despite automation, finance isn’t shrinking — it’s shifting. Employers still need humans for interpretation, decision-making and stakeholder work. Entry routes span audit & assurance, management accounting, corporate finance, risk, data, controls, reporting and more.

• See typical graduate roles and skills.

• Upskill smartly with our “Five skills to land your next job”.

Salary & benefits: competitive packages + bonuses

Graduate finance pay is consistently above average. For example, investment banking analyst starting salaries in the UK can sit in the £45k–£60k range before bonuses. Trainee accountants often start around £28k–£35k depending on region and firm size. Qualified accountants typically see a strong step-up post-qualification.

Work anywhere: globally recognised qualifications

Finance credentials like the ACA and ACCA are internationally recognised, opening up secondments or permanent roles overseas.

• ACA international recognition.

• ACCA global recognition.
  
  

Thinking about specific locations? Start with our relocation series:

• Brussels

• Luxembourg

• The Netherlands

• Sweden

• Channel Islands

Long-term progression & optionality

After 2–3 years, you’ll have a portable skill set and network. You can move laterally (e.g., from audit to industry FP&A) or vertically into leadership — and your finance foundation remains valuable in ops, product or strategy roles too. Employers outside finance view Big Four and blue-chip finance experience as a quality signal (https://www.hays.com/salary-guide/accountancy-and-finance).

Practical next steps for grads

• Browse live graduate & entry roles.

• Want help tailoring your CV for finance? Get in touch.