Big Four firm PwC is the most popular graduate employer in the accountancy sector, reveals The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, as seven largest accountancy firms all feature, as well as HMRC for the first time
For the first time in three years, PwC has lost the top spot, pipped to number one by the Civil Service, which was the most popular graduate employer, but still ensuring that the Big Four firm was the most popular graduate employer across the private sector.
In total, seven professional services firms made the Top 100, with PwC ranked number two, followed by Deloitte in 4th, unchanged from last year while banking giant JP Morgan Chase once again moved up the list, this year to sixth, pushing EY down to 7th and KPMG to 12th. L’Oréal also entered the top 10 for the first time.
Three mid-tier accountancy firms also retained their place on the list with BDO ranked 75th, Forvis Mazars at 78th and Grant Thornton at 80th, the latter two all improving their rankings.
PwC also won awards for the Best Social Media presence and the sector award for Accountancy.
Around 1,300 graduates and school and college leavers joined PwC in 2025, and 433 students completed its summer internship programme.
Phillippa O’Connor, chief people officer at PwC, said: ‘We’re incredibly proud that university graduates have voted us as one of the top graduate employers, recognising our efforts to stand out as an employer by investing in skills and giving people a breadth of opportunity.
‘We are committed to nurturing talent and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.’
For the first time, HMRC entered the list in 83rd spot, highlighting that recent recruitment drives have raised the perception of the tax authority as a graduate employer with structured career opportunities and training programmes appealing to potential recruits.
Posting to social media, HMRC Careers said it was ‘proud’ to be on the ranking: ‘We’re thrilled to be recognised for the opportunities we offer graduates to build meaningful careers in public service.’
An HMRC spokesperson told Business & Accountancy Daily: ‘Our Tax Specialist Programme offers a great career opportunity for graduates who are ready to become future leaders, supporting services that millions rely on every day.
‘It offers high quality training and on-the-job learning, enabling trainees to build practical skills to resolve high-stakes tax disputes, lead teams, and interact with senior business figures.’
HMRC runs a comprehensive three to four year graduate programme with opportunities nationwide across 14 regional centres, and is open to graduates from all degree disciplines, with or without prior tax knowledge.
All tax specialist programme trainees complete an immersive learning journey led by HMRC’s in-house expert trainers. This provides structured learning that builds technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and professional skills combining theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on casework.
Deloitte took to LinkedIn saying: ‘We work really hard to create brilliant opportunities at Deloitte, and we’re delighted to be rated 4th place again this year.
‘From our inclusive teams and networks to our development opportunities, we’re proud of the culture we’ve built.’