Accountants are probably best known for checking the validity of company accounts - auditing - but they also devise and operate financial systems, conduct investment analysis, advise on business start-ups, company takeovers and company rescue schemes, and handle individuals’ and corporations’ tax affairs.  The programme begins with an introduction to accounting, including computer-aided systems, economics and, if you choose, business law. You then go on to focus in greater depth on subjects such as strategic management, investments and the role of the accountant in international markets. You can choose from a wide range of accounting and finance options in your final year of study, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge. The programme aims to: develop an understanding of some of the contexts in which accounting operates introduce aspects of the conceptual underpinning to accounting provide knowledge, understanding and skills, predominantly from a UK perspective, relevant to a career in accounting or a related area and professional training in accounting offer the opportunity for students to obtain a range of exemptions at the initial stages of professional examinations develop cognitive abilities and intellectual and transferable skills examine aspects of the roles and functioning of accounting from a range of social scientific perspectives. Our graduates move into a range of careers within the world of business. Many go on to become chartered, certified or management accountants. The degree can also prepare you for a career in financial services (such as banking, insurance and investment) or in general management. Recent graduates have taken up positions with a wide range of companies, including: ABN AMRO Accenture Burgess Hodgson Baker Tilly Deutsche Bank Ernst & Young Fidelity Investment HSBC KPMG PwC Royal Bank of Scotland.