i wanted to ask if anyone knew what position cadets start at when they finish their degree? accountant or senior accountant?
Depends on the firm. Also keep in mind the title means different things at different firms!
Some firms have returning cadets automatically promoted to senior (e.g. KPMG)- that is, their 2 years as an undergrad are equivalent to 2 years as a grad.
Some firms have returning cadets start off as an experienced graduate aka accountant (i.e. a uni graduate with 1-1.5 years experience). From these experienced grads, some will be promoted to senior in 6 months, some in 1 year. Again, depending on the firm and individual performance.
One thing I'd add though is that even though the title differs, the work and the "experienced grad" salary doesn't vary much between the firms. In my experience from my friends I'd say firms which require you to prove yourself to become a senior and don't give it out as easily tend to pay better though at that level than those which automatically promote to senior based on time/experience.
Also note some firms pay bonuses (depending on performance) and offer ratings incentives to trainees (i.e. if you perform better than your peers or demonstrate that you've gone above and beyond- e.g. extra curricular activities within the firm) then you may be eligible. These wont' be huge but it's the recognition which makes you feel all good inside
Just wondering what happens after the cadetship is completed? Do the cadets start at the same place as graduates in the org? Silly question, but just curious.
Is it possible or common for cadets to be promoted into higher positions (eg intermediate accountant) while on their cadetships if they're able to demonstrate good performance?
Returning cadets are always starting above a normal graduate as far as I know. Considering the time invested in their training/development plus the experience, I don't think I've ever heard of a case where a returning cadet started at ground level.
Your second Q... It's not the norm but I can think of people even within my own firm which have been promoted to graduate accountant even when they were still in uni. Whilst all the Big4 have clear structured career progression, there will always be exceptional people who go around this and accelerate up just a bit faster than the rest. If you had elected to take on additional work (e.g. casual contracts) whilst you were back at FT uni, this too could be taken into account in determining whether or not you were able to be fast tracked for promotion.
