Life

Scholarship programme for accountancy students

SIXTH form pupils interested in completing a degree in accounting at either of the north's universities stand to benefit from a new scholarship programme.

Business advisory firm BDO Northern Ireland has partnered with both Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast to develop a programme of support aimed at pupils keen to study accounting.

The BDO Scholar package includes a financial bursary, mentoring support and placements within BDO offices.

The scheme is open to any pupil considering a BSc Hons Accounting degree at Queen's or UU starting in September 2015. Students living anywhere in Northern Ireland are eligible to apply. One student enrolling in each university will be invited to take part in the BDO Scholar programme.

BDO senior partner Nigel Harra said the firm believed very strongly in identifying and harnessing new talent.

"The scholar programme allows us to do that by supporting students all the way through their university career. As well as financial support the students will benefit from mentoring support throughout their university career and work placements within BDO, which will help prepare them for the world of work and their career after university," he said.

"We are delighted to work with Ulster University and Queen's University. Many graduates from both universities already work with BDO and we can testify to the quality of graduates they produce."

Welcoming the launch of the programme, Professor Gillian Armstrong, head of the accounting and finance provision at UU Business School said it was an exciting and innovative initiative by BDO, which combined financial support with individual mentoring and work-based learning opportunities for students.

"As Ulster expands the suite of accounting programmes from September 2015 entry, in response to the significant growth and planned graduate employment opportunities in the local accounting sector, we welcome BDO's initiative to support students within this important and economically relevant subject area."

Jamie Armstrong, employer engagement manager at Queen's said: "The BDO Scholar scheme is a fantastic initiative that provides support to students throughout their studies - not only financially but in the form of invaluable work experience. It is a great example of an employer working collaboratively with the University for the benefit of students and it will provide the perfect platform for students to launch a successful accountancy career.

"We are proud to partner with a leading employer like BDO and this demonstrates Queen's University's commitment to graduate employability and student experience."

For more information and to be considered for the programme, pupils must apply to BDO Northern Ireland directly via the website www.bdoni.co.uk. Applications are open and must be submitted by March 31.