On the day 'A' level results are announced, accountancy firms are once again reporting record levels of applicants for entry-level positions in the profession.

PwC says applications for its graduate roles have more than tripled since the start of the financial crisis in 2008, up from 7,003 to 22,123 this year. In its consulting practice alone the firm saw a 39% rise in applications, with 37 graduates competing for each vacancy.

Across all student programmes, the firm has received almost 36,000 applications for more than 1,700 places, split by 1,100 graduate, 120 school leaver and almost 500 paid internship opportunities, which includes female partner shadowing and work placements.

Gaenor Bagley, head of people at PwC, said: 'Professional and business services now accounts for 11% of the UK economy, and there's no doubt that the growth and profile of the sector has fuelled the sustained increase in interest in joining the firm. The industry needs a strong pipeline of talent to achieve the growth rates predicted for this sector, and I've no doubt that PwC's investment, throughout the downturn, is paying off and will positively impact our firm's growth plans.'

Between them the Big Four will take on more than 3,600 university graduates this year. KPMG has also reported a surge in interest with nearly 21,000 applications for about 650 places, up from 18,400 last year.

EY, which received 11,600 applications for it 700 graduate places, has also announced it will be almost doubling the number of places available on its school leaver training scheme this year, amid unprecedented demand from students looking for alternatives to university. The firm will be recruiting over 150 school leavers in 2014, up from the 80 to be taken on this September.

Julie Stanbridge, EY's head of student recruitment, said: 'The level of interest we have received in our school-leaver scheme has surpassed all our expectations. With rising tuition fees and living costs, it's clear that students are considering their next move after A-Levels much more carefully than they have done in previous years. University is no longer the default and it's vital that we don't miss out on top talent, who are looking for a real alternative.'

Later this autumn, all the major accountancy professional bodies are supporting Professions Week, an initiative aimed at increasing interest and awareness among 14 to 19 year olds about professional career paths. Running from 21 to 27 October 2013, the week will be launched with a House of Commons reception, followed by a series of regional and local activities organised by the professional bodies involving students, teachers and careers advisors.