Junior business advisers support senior advisers by analysing business performance, preparing reports, conducting research, and providing recommendations to improve efficiency, profitability, or strategy. They often work on projects for clients or internal teams.
What is a business adviser?
Business advisers provide consultancy services in their chosen specialised area of expertise. For example, this could be business management, operational and financial effectiveness, risk, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, business development, sustainability, and banking matters.
Most business advisers will work with a range of client organisations during their career, helping them to meet their business objectives. Although this is essential across all sectors, most business advisers tend to work in public practice for corporate sector clients.
How do I achieve it?
Employers tend to recruit graduates, although individuals with MBAs are particularly sought after. Candidates looking to work in public practice could enter as an associate or trainee, and work their way up to senior management or partner level.
If you're interested in a business adviser career, you'll particularly benefit from taking the ACCA Strategic Professional Options exam Advanced Performance Management (APM). You may also be wondering about career progression. Have you ever thought, 'is accounting a good career?' If so, take a deeper dive into our job and sector profiles to discover all the opportunities open to you with an accountancy qualification
Frequently asked questions
Accounting and consulting firms, financial services, technology, and manufacturing offer strong early advisory opportunities. Large firms often provide structured graduate programs that rotate through different advisory areas.
Accounting focuses on recording, reporting, and compliance of financial information. Advisory is more forward-looking, offering strategic guidance, problem-solving, and recommendations to improve business performance.
Key soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability. Being able to explain complex concepts clearly to clients or colleagues is essential.
ACCA provides a strong foundation in finance, reporting, risk management, and ethics, which are critical for advisory work. It demonstrates credibility and helps develop analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills valued by employers.
Yes. Internships, part-time roles, or graduate schemes in advisory, consulting, or finance allow you to gain practical experience while completing ACCA exams, helping you build skills and networks early.
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