What can I do with a degree in Accounting and Finance?

What can I do with a degree in Accounting, Finance or Investment ?

The University of Kent's Accounting, Finance and Investment programmes provide a strong foundation in financial principles and markets through topics such as financial reporting, econometrics, professional ethics, and risk management. Practical experience is emphasised through real-time business data and industry-standard trading floor simulation software, enhancing data handling skills, and equipping graduates with expertise and a global perspective to progress onto a wide-range of opportunities. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser.

Careers in Accounting, Finance or Investment

The following roles are an example of the types of job opportunities available to graduates of Accounting, Finance or Investment. Skills in reporting, data analysis, analytical reasoning, problem solving and communication are highly valued by employers and can therefore be transferred to roles outside of the sector.

Chartered Accountant-Provide financial advice, audits accounts, and ensures accurate financial reporting across sectors including practice, industry, and commerce.

Financial Risk Analyst-Evaluates investment performance to support informed financial decisions for businesses and individuals.

Investment Banker -(Corporate) Helps organisations raise capital and advises on mergers, acquisitions, and other major financial deals.

Risk Manager-Identifies, assesses, and mitigates financial and operational risks to protect an organisation’s assets and performance.

Management Accountant-Uses financial data to guide budgeting, cost control, and strategic planning within organisations.

Alternative career paths

Civil Service Fast Stream-A competitive graduate programme offering rapid progression into leadership roles within government, across areas like policy, finance, and analysis.

Data Analyst-Interpretation of complex data sets to provide insights and support for evidence-based decision making in public, private, or non-profit sectors.

Management Consultant-Using business and finance acumen to assist organisations to improve business performance by cutting costs, increasing productivity, creating value and maximising growth.

Compliance Officer/Grants Manager- Responsible for managing budgets, financial reporting, and funding allocations, ensuring transparency and compliance with statutory and regulatory bodies.

Law Conversion-(e.g. SQE) Enables non-law graduates to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, combining legal training with practical skills.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

This is a selection of organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past.

Accounting and Professional Services: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Burgess Hodgson, Dolfin Group Wealth Management
Banking and Finance: HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Fidelity Investment, NatWest, Burgess Hodgson
Consulting and Advisory: Accenture, PwC, Kearney, KPMG
Public sector and Civil Service: Civil Service fast track, NHS, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
Law and regulation: TMLEP
Ecommerce: ASOS, Caterpillar
Tech: Huawei, Reflect Digital

There are many more possible employers in these and other industries. 

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes Uni Kent Careers Hub, advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.

ACCA Trainee Accountant Jobs

ICAEW Training Vacancies

CIPFA Training Vacancies

Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

Tips to stand out

Pursue professional qualifications early: Take advantage of exemptions offered at Kent to begin working toward ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW accreditation, and list these on your CV and LinkedIn.

Gain real-world experience: Apply for Kent’s Year in Industry, internships, or part-time roles to develop workplace and client-facing skills.

Build commercial awareness: Regularly read the Financial Times, Bloomberg, and The Economist to stay informed on market trends and economic issues affecting finance and investment.

Prepare for employer assessments: Practise numerical and situational judgement tests using Kent’s access to Graduates First to boost your confidence for graduate scheme applications.

Network with alumni and mentors: Use LinkedIn and Kent’s Career Mentoring scheme to build connections with alumni and professionals to gain insights into your target roles and industries.

Join enterprise and leadership activities: Engage with initiatives like ASPIRE at Kent Business School or join societies such as The Business Society, UKC Women in Business or Kent Invest Society to develop leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and standout business ideas.

Year in industry

A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.

Work experience

Further study

Some graduates may choose to pursue further education to specialise or transition into research roles or to gain professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CFA.

Postgraduate Courses at Kent

Prospects – Postgraduate Study

Find a Masters

Finance qualifications | Prospects.ac.uk