Are you thinking about starting your ACCA career in the UK?
If you are an international student taking ACCA courses in the UK, then landing an internship can be a golden opportunity to gain real-world experience. Moreover, it is also important for obtaining real-world experience and standing out in a job market that is filled with competition.
This blog will guide you through what an ACCA internship is, why it is important, and the benefit of doing one in the UK, companies that offer such opportunities, and steps to get an internship. Let’s read!
Benefits students get from doing internships for an ACCA career in the UK.
The UK is one of the most attractive destinations for ACCA aspirants, and for good reason. Doing an internship here gives you the skillset for both the global and local market for an ACCA career in the UK.
Global Recognition
The UK is home to top accounting firms and global financial institutions. Having a UK internship on your resume gives you international exposure. Furthermore, it will enhance the trust of the companies in the future for ACCA career in the UK.
Diverse work environment
Students will get experience in a multicultural environment. Learning how to work in different teams is a valuable skill in any profession. Moreover, working with different people will increase the chances of networking eventually in the future.
Boost your career prospects
Interning with reputable and popular firms can open the door to long-term opportunities. Some companies even sponsor work visas if they find your performance exceptional.
You can apply what you learn
As you progress through your ACCA exams in the UK. Internships give you the chance to immediately apply what you are learning. It will improve your performance in the job whether it is in financial accounting, tax, or audit.
Strengthen your ACCA Qualification
The ACCA qualification requires you to complete a set number of working experience hours. Internships help you meet this requirement while getting mentorship from existing industry professionals.
Improves communication and builds confidence
Doing internships, sitting and working with people at same place will improve communication skills to maximum level. Moreover, having like-minded people around you shrug same common gaols helping in building confidence.
Why do ACCA students go for internships?
Doing an ACCA internship in the UK is not only to flaunt in front of fellow and mates, but it is also a career necessity. The practical experience requirement is required for an ACCA student. Internships help fulfill this requirement while allowing you to apply the theoretical concepts learned in ACCA Courses in UK to real-world scenarios.
Here’s why internships matter for ACCA students:
- They provide exposure to the accounting profession in practice
- You learn how to handle client interactions, financial software, and reporting tasks.
- They help build a professional network that can be crucial when job hunting
- After graduation, many internships result in offers of full-time employment.
What companies offer ACCA internships in the UK?
Many UK-based companies and multinational firms regularly hire ACCA students for internships. Below are the names of the top companies
Big Four Firms
☑️PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
☑️EY (Ernst & Young)
☑️Deloitte
☑️KPMG
These popular Big Four companies offer structured internship programs focusing on audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. Internships usually last 6 weeks to 3 months and are competitive but incredibly rewarding.
Mid-tier and Boutique Firms
☑️BDO
☑️Grant Thornton
☑️Mazars
These firms offer more hands-on experience in smaller teams and might allow more exposure to client-facing roles.
Financial Institutions
☑️HSBC
☑️Barclays
☑️Lloyds Bank
☑️JP Morgan
These banks offer internship roles in internal audit, risk management, and finance.
Corporates and Start-ups
Unilever, Nestlé, Vodafone, and even early-stage startups often offer finance and accounting internships for ACCA students. These roles typically focus on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
You can find internships on platforms like:
☑️LinkedIn
☑️Indeed UK
☑️Prospects.ac.uk
☑️ACCA Careers (ACCA global)
How to get an ACCA internship in the UK
Getting an internship is not just about applying to hundreds of roles. Here are some steps to take to stand out.
- Understand the role and make a resume and cover letter according to it.
- Highlight the relevant ACCA courses in the UK that you have done.
- Mention any prior work experience, even part-time jobs or volunteer work.
- Get active on LinkedIn and connect with recruiters.
- Prepare well for interviews with common ACCA and finance-based questions
- Apply early, as many programs open applications 6–9 months in advance
Also, international students should confirm before the time if their student visa allows internships. Most UK student visas (Tier 4) do permit part-time or full-time internships, but always confirm with your university’s international office.
Conclusion
Doing an ACCA internship in the UK can be highly beneficial for international students. It helps in bridging the gap between education and employment and helps you gain practical experience. Moreover, it will position you for a successful ACCA career in the UK.
From multinational firms to growing startups, internship opportunities are everywhere. One just has to take that first step. If you are committed to your growth and serious about your career in finance. An internship is the best way to get started your bright ACCA career in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can international students do internships in the UK while studying ACCA?
Ans: Yes, students can do internships, as most student visas allow for them. The Students must make sure that their internship complies with their visa conditions.
Q: Are ACCA internships paid in the UK?
Ans: Many internships are paid, especially those offered by big firms. However, unpaid or volunteer internships also exist, especially in small companies.
Q: Do internships sound towards ACCA work experience?
Ans: Yes, if the role meets ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirements (PER), it can count towards your qualification and be helpful for your ACCA career in the UK
Q: How do I find internships related to ACCA?
Ans: You can find internships by using platforms like LinkedIn, ACCA Careers, and university job boards. Also, start attending career events and grab maximum networking opportunities.
Q: When is the best time to submit an internship application?
Ans: Start applying for internships six to nine (6-9) months in advance. Many companies hire interns in the summer, so applications are often open in autumn or winter.
