HEADstart
We're the one firm for all talented people. People who, whatever their background, interests and aspirations, have qualities that make them shine in one way or another. Whether you're about to leave school or college, or you're ready to make a career change, it's your ability that matters. Nothing else.
HEADstart offers practical alternatives to traditional degrees and is perfect for those who've already decided a career in accountancy or finance is for them. With the added bonus of avoiding student debt!
Join us after your A-Levels, Highers or equivalent, and start earning while you work towards a professional accounting or tax qualification - which you'll gain your professional qualification faster than your friends who go to university. Students joining in Assurance on the HEADstart Generalist Route can expect to qualify as Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) within four years. You'll begin by tackling basic sections of client audits, checking financial records and testing controls. Perhaps the best thing is the variety of teams and clients you'll work with and the diversity of projects you'll be involved in. You'll spend much of your time on-site with clients, so expect to travel regularly.
Joining in Tax (Specialist Route), you will work towards your Tax qualifications. You'll gain your ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) and then potentially go on to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) within four years. Although more office-based, you'll still enjoy plenty of interaction with clients in meetings and over the phone. You'll support busy client teams advising their clients on tax issues, doing anything from technical research to accompanying senior colleagues to meetings or drafting correspondence.
Formal study, on-the-job experience and personal coaching mean you'll continually pick up new skills and develop your knowledge. And together with your coach, you'll regularly review your performance and use your feedback to keep moving forward. Expect study leave to attend college, plus plenty of support from us. You'll have to study in your own time too - but all your hard work will be rewarded when you get your qualification.
You'll have your own personal coach, who'll review your performance and make sure you make the most of your time with us, as well as a 'buddy', who'll help you sort out all your day-to-day queries.
You'll need 280 UCAS points (or equivalent).