How Accounted is training the next generation of finance talent

Accounted Ltd. says it’s changing how accounting firms do business. Founded in 2021, this growing UK-based firm began by supporting small businesses with tailored financial services. But from the start, it set out to do something more and one of the ways it wants to leave a mark on the industry is through a great apprenticeship programme that gives accounting hopefuls the right leg up. “Our mission isn’t just about numbers,” says Karyn Kobi-Jackson, chief executive of Accounted. “It’s about building a business that creates real social value – by investing in people and communities alongside delivering professional excellence.” Since its inception, Accounted says it has combined commercial impact with a commitment to education, inclusion, and community development. It has created hands-on learning opportunities for over 100 young people through internships, mentorship programmes, and career exposure initiatives. The firm said it believes that a focus on social purpose and business success can go hand in hand. At the centre of this effort is the Summer 2025 Internship Programme, running in London and Birmingham. Targeted at students aged 16 to 21, the programme offers practical accounting experience combined with personal development, mentorship, and a strong community ethos. “The internship is about more than just technical skills,” Kobi-Jackson explains. “It’s about building confidence, leadership, and a sense of purpose. We want to show young people that accounting can be a career full of possibility and impact.” Accounted’s Summer Internship Programme takes place in two cities: London from 21 July to 1 August, and Birmingham from 26 August to 5 September. Over two intensive weeks, students dive into the real world of finance, working alongside growing businesses on projects that demand critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Beyond numbers, the programme incorporates workshops on public speaking, debate, and time management, which are said to be often overlooked in traditional internships but crucial for professional success. Kobi-Jackson says that interns are given ways to contribute to the wider firm, rather than just observe. They learn core skills such as financial analysis, bookkeeping with Xero and QuickBooks, and the principles behind accounting’s foundational elements like debits, credits, and the accounting equation. Beyond numbers, the programme incorporates workshops on public speaking, debate, and time management, which are said to be often overlooked in traditional internships but crucial for professional success. Anja, a 2024 London intern, recalls: “My internship at Accounted Ltd was an invaluable experience that strengthened my financial analysis skills and deepened my understanding of accounting principles. This internship also helped me build key connections, many of whom I still keep in touch with today through the community.” Similarly, Britney, who joined the London cohort in 2023, highlights the programme’s emphasis on self-development. “During that time, I learned new concepts like T-accounts and gained hands-on experience reconciling transactions on Xero,” she says. “But what really made it special was the focus on developing soft skills like public speaking, which boosted my confidence immensely.” For Losel, from Birmingham in 2024, the internship was transformative. “We gained valuable experience with Xero that I added to my CV. The public speaking workshops and content creation sessions set Accounted apart. The team’s supportive approach made me feel welcome and eager to learn,” she adds. Kobi-Jackson says this blend of technical training and personal growth is intentional. “We want every intern to leave not just ready for their first job,” he says, “but with the confidence and mindset to build a fulfilling career.” Applicants start with a short form detailing their motivation and strengths, followed by a basic accounting and reasoning test. Accounted’s selection process reflects its values, according to the group. Rather than focusing solely on grades or previous experience, the firm looks for students who show curiosity, determination, and a willingness to grow. Applicants start with a short form detailing their motivation and strengths, followed by a basic accounting and reasoning test. They are then scored across seven areas: CV and cover letter quality, leadership potential, communication skills, commitment to excellence, diversity of thought, and honesty. “We don’t expect technical experts,” Kobi-Jackson says. “We look for people with drive who will thrive in a supportive environment. Our selection process is designed to find those hidden gems who might otherwise be overlooked.” This approach has helped Accounted build a diverse cohort of interns from varied backgrounds year on year. The firm actively seeks to dismantle barriers to entry in the profession to ensure that talent and ambition aren’t limited by circumstance. The programme’s success is reflected in the stories of its alumni. Many have gone on to secure jobs in accounting, including roles within Accounted itself, so clearly the skills and confidence gained during the internship have lasting effects. Accounted sees these outcomes as proof that its model works, combining professional training with personal development and social purpose. Cris, a 2024 London intern, shares: “I improved my accounting software skills working with Xero and QuickBooks. The mentorship and workshops on financial planning and client advisory were invaluable. Delivering a TED Talk on financial literacy boosted my public speaking abilities and professional growth.” Jeanlyn, an intern from Birmingham, also found the experience career-defining. She says: “One week changed my entire trajectory on what accounting is about. The internship taught me about career growth, leadership, communication, and being my own boss.” Accounted sees these outcomes as proof that its model works, combining professional training with personal development and social purpose. “To us, social value means opening doors for young people often excluded from professional spaces,” Kobi-Jackson explains. “We believe everyone deserves access to opportunity, regardless of background.” This commitment shapes every aspect of the internship. From outreach and recruitment to curriculum design and mentorship, Accounted prioritizes inclusion, potential, and lasting impact. “Our goal is not just to help interns fill a CV, but to shift mindsets, build belief, and spark long-term change. That’s what true social value means to us,” Kobi-Jackson adds. For students curious about a career in accounting, the door at Accounted is open and offers not just a job, but a journey of growth, purpose, and opportunity. Accounted’s plans for Summer 2025 include two cohorts in London and Birmingham, continuing the firm’s mission to blend professional development with social purpose. “We aim to expand access, deepen learning, and build an even stronger community,” Kobi-Jackson concludes. “We want this programme to inspire other firms to rethink how they invest in the next generation.” For students curious about a career in accounting, the door at Accounted is open and offers not just a job, but a journey of growth, purpose, and opportunity. Accounted Ltd. proves accounting can be a force for good and its internship programme boasts more than technical skills; it builds confidence, leadership, and hope. In a world where business often feels impersonal, Accounted is showing young people that the human side of finance matters.

How Accounted is training the next generation of finance talent

Targeted at students aged 16 to 21, the programme offers practical accounting experience combined with personal development, mentorship, and a strong community ethos

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