Employer profile: Crowe, a leading UK accountancy firm
Join Crowe as an apprentice and qualify as a Chartered Accountant in four to five years
Accountancy firms support businesses with things like auditing, forensic accounting, and financial planning, but what's it like to work for one? In this guide, you’ll learn all about working at Crowe, what apprenticeship opportunities are available, and how to apply.
Crowe at a glance:
| Founded | 1843 |
| Locations | Cheltenham, Kent, London, Manchester, Midlands, and Thames Valley. |
| Employees | 1,400 and growing |
| Career sectors | Finance and business |
| Post-school pathways options | We have five different school leaver and graduate apprenticeship programmes which lead to the following professional qualifications in:
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| Jobs you might not expect | Technology Development Analyst, Digital Transformations Manager |
Sarah Wagstaff, who is a Senior Assistant in the Early Careers team, tells us what it’s really like to work for Crowe.
What does Crowe do?
Crowe is a global organisation and one of the UK’s leading tax and advisory firms. We help a variety of businesses with their accounting needs by offering services like auditing, forensic accounting, and financial planning.
For example, we currently work with the Avalanche Andretti Formula E racing team. Formula E is a type of auto racing that uses electric-powered cars to race on street circuits across the world. It’s a highly competitive form of racing where manufacturers showcase the latest technologies, and so new financial regulations have been introduced by the world motorsport governing body (FIA) to help make it a level playing field. Crowe is the official partner of the Avalanche Andretti Formula E racing team, and our job is to make sure that they maximise their spending whilst still being compliant with the rules.
Where is Crowe based?
We have offices in six locations across the UK: Cheltenham, Kent, London, Manchester, Midlands, and Thames Valley.
One of the great things about Crowe is that we’re a big enough firm to be recognised in the sector, but also small enough to feel like a family. We have around 1,400 employees and each year we take on 100+ trainees across the firm. We currently have 400+ trainees, so that means nearly a third of our employees are trainees!
Because our trainees are in different stages of their training, we have a buddy system where all first-year trainees are partnered with a second-year trainee, which is a great way to get to know people at the firm. We also have an alumni network, which is a helpful source of networking and support as you progress through your career.
How can someone join Crowe at entry-level?
We offer five different school leaver and graduate apprenticeship programmes across a range of areas, including audit, tax, advisory, and risk management.
During these programmes, you’ll combine studying towards a Level 7 professional qualification, equivalent to a Master’s degree whilst working in one of our UK offices. As a graduate you can expect to qualify after three years, and if you’re a school leaver then it takes between four to five years. Once qualified, many of our apprentices continue to build their career with us by specialising in a particular area, like auditing corporate businesses or charities.
Our Chief Executive actually started as a graduate trainee at Crowe UK in 1991. He became a partner in April 2005, before being appointed to his current role in 2017. That’s an incredible 30 years working with us! Because of his experience as a trainee, he always spends time talking with our apprentices whenever he’s in the office so don’t be surprised if he pulls up a chair next to you and asks you what you’re working on!
What are the entry requirements for these roles?
To apply for our apprenticeship programme, you’ll need a BBB (or 112 UCAS points) from three A levels (or equivalent), plus GCSEs in maths and English Language at grade 4/C or above.
To apply for our graduate apprenticeship programme, you’ll need a degree in any subject at a 2:2 or above, BBB (or 112 UCAS points) from three A levels (or equivalent), plus GCSEs in maths and English Language at grade 4/C or above.
If you don’t meet all the entry requirements, you may still be considered. For example, we had a recent application from someone who didn’t have the required grades, but they were still offered the position because they demonstrated the key skills needed to succeed during their training contract. If you have any extenuating circumstances that you believe we should consider, then please let our recruitment team know by sending an email to Careers@crowe.co.uk
What skills does Crowe look for in applicants?
We do not have an ‘ideal’ candidate but we assess candidates against certain competency areas, including teamwork and organisational skills. These skills are important because from the minute you start, you’ll be communicating with a range of people including managers, partners, and clients. We also need to see your interest and commitment to a career in accountancy, and working for us.
Our assessment days take place in-person, where you'll get a tour of our offices and a chance to speak to partners and current trainees. During the day you’ll take part in a group exercise, give an individual presentation, and complete a competency-based interview.
What is one top tip to help someone write a successful application?
Have a good knowledge of the role you have applied for, and find out what differentiates Crowe from its competitors. We’re looking to see what you know about Crowe UK, so it’s important not to get this confused with Crowe Global. Our Youtube channel and Linkedin pages are helpful sources of information to check out.
What can students be doing right now to build their experience?
Try and gain some work experience with a finance company. This will help you to build experience with accounting duties, like using accounting software to update invoices and record financial transactions.
