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McGrathNicol

4.2
  • #11 in Accounting & advisory
  • 100 - 500 employees

McGrathNicol Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Accounting & Advisory

What it does: McGrathNicol is a specialist Advisory & Restructuring firm that has built a reputation for managing complexity and consistently delivering the results our clients need. Our team of independent experts work across all industry sectors and business sizes delivering valuable advice and high-quality outcomes. At McGrathNicol we are big for opportunity, growth, development, and performance. We empower you to make the greatest positive impact on your career, our performance and our client’s future.
Staff stats: 350+
The good bits: Autonomy, travel opportunities, excellent training and career development opportunities, competitive remuneration 
The not so good bits: Workload can be demanding
Hiring grads with degrees in Accounting, Finance, Economics, STEM

The McGrathNicol Story

McGrathNicol started as primarily a Restructuring and Insolvency firm. The firm quickly expanded to provide Advisory services, such as Forensic, Government Advisory, Cyber, Data Analytics and Deals, Strategy & Performance.

Their experts work with corporates, banks, law firms, private companies and government across all industry sectors and business sizes to deliver valuable advice and high-quality outcomes.

McGrathNicol currently has 53 partners operating in offices across Australia.

The culture

McGrathNicol has a social and inclusive team environment where all opinions and contributions are valued and successes are celebrated.

McGrathNicol is a member of the Diversity Council of Australia. The firm is also a proud supporter of UTS Women in Business and Women on Boards. 

Social contribution

McGrathNicol is actively involved in community initiatives that matter, such as: 

  • Providing opportunities for aspiring Indigenous Australian students through our partnership with Career Trackers, as well as actively assisting Indigenous Australians in remote communities through our association with Red Dust.
  • Contributing to Dress for Success, a not-for-profit that empowers women by providing professional attire.
  • Supporting staff with paid community services leave to volunteer their time for causes that are important to them.
  • Partners and senior staff hold board roles on notable charities such as Foodbank, RSPCA, and Special Olympics Australia.

The recruitment process

Candidates are expected to demonstrate they’re motivated, rounded and interested in the work the firm does. Candidates are also required to possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as these are crucial to interacting productively with clients. There’s a strong team culture at McGrathNicol, so candidates who can demonstrate they are team players have an edge. The firm recruits many (though not all) of its Grads through its Summer Vacation Program. This runs for four or eight weeks over the Christmas break.

If you secure a spot in McGrathNicol’s Grad program, you will be employed on a full-time permanent basis. As a graduate, we will acquire broad commercial skills while working in all areas of the business, be involved in major projects and be given significant autonomy and responsibility. You will complete a Graduate Development Workshop and numerous technical and soft-skills training programs. There will be plenty of opportunities to hone your business writing, time management, communication and presentation skills. You will have both national and international secondment opportunities. Plus, you will be supported while undertaking the Chartered Accountants Program or further industry-related study.

Career prospects

McGrathNicol is transparent about the skills and competencies its people need to progress to the next level. Employees take part in regular performance and development discussions. They also receive personalised mentoring and coaching programs. The firm is a meritocracy where “promotions are based on ability”.

Employees are supported if they decide to pursue further qualifications. McGrathNicol’s employees have completed Australian Restructuring, Insolvency & Turnaround Association Advanced Certification, the Chartered Financial Analyst Program and the Masters of Business Administration.

The vibe of the place

McGrathNicol’s Sydney headquarters have impressive views of Martin Place and a cutting-edge design that promotes staff interaction and collaboration. You’ll be expected to dress and act professionally in the office, particularly around clients, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to attend the more casual firm social events. The social functions encourage employee participation in team sports, corporate games and sporting events.

From the Employer

About McGrathNicol

McGrathNicol is a specialist Advisory and Restructuring firm. Our experts work with corporates, banks, law firms, private companies and governments across all industry sectors and business sizes to deliver valuable advice and high-quality outcomes. Our clients trust us with the most important aspects of their business.

Our Restructuring projects vary in nature and involve dealing with businesses in financial distress. We help restore stability and deliver value. Our Advisory team focus on helping non-distressed organisations improve performance by mitigating risk, managing change and achieving growth.

At McGrathNicol we are big for performance, development, opportunity and experiences. We empower you to make the greatest impact on your career, our performance and our client’s future. Our people are passionate, driven, inclusive and collaborative. Continuous development is ingrained in our culture and we have robust development and reward frameworks in place to support progression.

Graduates and Summer Vacationers have the opportunity to gain exposure to the variety of challenges faced by Boards, CEOs and senior management. You will receive formal technical and soft skills training, as well as mentoring on the job. We offer a unique opportunity to work closely with senior team members and Partners, learning from some of the best in the industry.

Summer Vacation Program

Our Summer Vacation Program is open to students in their penultimate year of study. Running for either four weeks (commencing in November or January), or eight weeks (commencing in November), the program will provide you with real commercial experience across a variety of different projects and industries. During your time with us, we aim to give you as much exposure as possible to our service offerings.

The program commences with a two-day national induction intensive in our Sydney office where you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from a range of McGrathNicol experts through structured sessions, networking and social events. During your time with us, we aim to give you as much exposure as possible to each of our service offerings. You will have a Buddy, Time Manager, Counselling Manager and Counselling Partner responsible for providing you with a variety of interesting work, as a well as personalised support and guidance throughout your placement.

High performing Vacationers may be offered a full-time Graduate role.

Graduate Program

Applications to our Graduate Program are open to students in their final year, or those who have recently graduated (typically within two years) of the program start date. Our Graduates are employed on a full-time permanent basis. Working alongside some of the industry’s most respected leaders, you will gain real-world commercial experience and be challenged to think laterally to implement pragmatic solutions on high profile engagements.

Our Graduate Development Program is expertly designed to provide you with the technical knowledge and professional skills you need to launch your career at McGrathNicol. Over the course of your first 12 months, you will build a deep understanding of the firm and develop strong relationships with your national graduate cohort through a mix of online and in-person sessions, including key intensive 'grad camp' events throughout the year. Our Restructuring & Advisory Graduates also receive support to complete further industry related study, or post-graduate qualifications such as the Chartered Accountants Program.

Graduates generally commence in February of each year, however, midyear commencement dates and/or casual employment may also be available throughout your university semester.

Please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for more information on our programs and future vacancies.

Recruitment Process

  1. Online application
  2. Online psychometric assessment
  3. Online video interview
  4. Group information session / face-to-face interview
  5. Feedback or offer

Remuneration & Career Growth

McGrathNicol offers a competitive remuneration package and a generous bonus scheme. It fully funds its graduates to complete the Chartered Accountants Program. It also provides financial assistance and study leave for postgraduate courses. The firm offers attractive paid parental leave benefits, career breaks for study, travel or other personal goals and access to a health and wellbeing program. Flexible work arrangements are available as well as the option to purchase additional annual leave.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.2
Overall score based on 10 reviews
They Score Best in…
9.3
Culture
8.5
Management
9.0
Office Work Environment
7.8
Work Hours
9.3
Culture
8.5
Management
9.0
Office Work Environment
7.8
Work Hours
What Graduates Say About Them
  • I love the collaborative aspect of my work. My team come from various working backgrounds and bring different perspectives – I am learning a lot from them. The variety of project work keeps things interesting and engaging, and allows me to develop different skills.
  • The culture. People are very friendly and easy-going. Senior management is always happy to help assist and guide graduates.
  • The culture in the Perth office is very positive and supportive. We are a small but close team who enjoy each other's company and are more than happy to help each other out. Being in a smaller office means I get more exposure to unique opportunities and frequently speak with upper management.
  • I consider the best thing about McGrathNicol to be the people's culture. All levels of service across all service lines are incredibly open and accessible. It is great to be able to build strong relationships with people all across the firm.
  • The amount of variety in the engagements I work on allows me to learn new things all the time.
  • Elements of the work can be tedious and administrative, which are not overly enjoyable but need to be done.
  • Strict formal dress code.
  • Due to our smaller team size, sometimes during busy periods we may need to work longer hours but this is only through particularly busy periods. It is not expected of new starters to do this though.
  • A project may sometimes feel under-resourced, and that can mean some longer days when deadlines are tight. To an extent, this is just the nature of the work. However, managers and partners recognise the effort and are appreciative.
  • As you gain more responsibilities, it can be stressful to manage the workload and deadlines.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
C
Creative Arts
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
S
Sciences
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Graduate Job

Canberra
Join us as a McGrathNicol Graduate where we empower you to make the greatest impact on your career, our performance and our clients’ future.
Applications Close
24 Mar 2025
Start Date
17 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 70,000 / Year

Inclusive of superannuation. Plus performance bonus.

Graduate Job

Sydney
Join us as a McGrathNicol Graduate where we empower you to make the greatest impact on your career, our performance and our clients’ future.
Applications Close
31 Mar 2024
Start Date
17 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 75,000 / Year

Inclusive of superannuation. Plus performance bonus.


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
This job definitely requires some prior knowledge, but I couldn’t imagine a better place to start off. McGrathNicol has already given me so many skills that are essential to graduates in their first job.

Natalie Thompson

  • Graduate stories
This job definitely requires some prior knowledge, but I couldn’t imagine a better place to start off. McGrathNicol has already given me so many skills that are essential to graduates in their first job.

Natalie Thompson

  • Graduate stories
I come from what would be considered an ‘unusual background’ within the industry... Despite not studying Accounting, I was able to use the foundational skills I learnt in both degrees and transfer this to everyday work.

Tess Mitchell

  • Graduate stories
I come from what would be considered an ‘unusual background’ within the industry... Despite not studying Accounting, I was able to use the foundational skills I learnt in both degrees and transfer this to everyday work.

Tess Mitchell

  • Graduate stories
This job definitely requires some prior knowledge, but I couldn’t imagine a better place to start off. McGrathNicol has already given me so many skills that are essential to graduates in their first job.

Natalie Thompson

  • Graduate stories
This job definitely requires some prior knowledge, but I couldn’t imagine a better place to start off. McGrathNicol has already given me so many skills that are essential to graduates in their first job.

Natalie Thompson

  • Graduate stories
I come from what would be considered an ‘unusual background’ within the industry... Despite not studying Accounting, I was able to use the foundational skills I learnt in both degrees and transfer this to everyday work.

Tess Mitchell

  • Graduate stories
I come from what would be considered an ‘unusual background’ within the industry... Despite not studying Accounting, I was able to use the foundational skills I learnt in both degrees and transfer this to everyday work.

Tess Mitchell


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Mahin Chaudhary

Mahin Chaudhary graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Management from the University of Queensland in 2019 and is now a Senior Accountant, Restructuring at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Mahin Chaudhary

Mahin Chaudhary graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Management from the University of Queensland in 2019 and is now a Senior Accountant, Restructuring at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Marco Micalizzi

Marco Micalizzi graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Finance & Accounting) from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and is now an Accountant at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Marco Micalizzi

Marco Micalizzi graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Finance & Accounting) from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and is now an Accountant at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Mahin Chaudhary

Mahin Chaudhary graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Management from the University of Queensland in 2019 and is now a Senior Accountant, Restructuring at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Mahin Chaudhary

Mahin Chaudhary graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Management from the University of Queensland in 2019 and is now a Senior Accountant, Restructuring at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Marco Micalizzi

Marco Micalizzi graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Finance & Accounting) from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and is now an Accountant at McGrathNicol.
  • Day in the life

Marco Micalizzi

Marco Micalizzi graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Finance & Accounting) from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020 and is now an Accountant at McGrathNicol.

Videos


Big for Performance

Grow further at McGrathNicol. Be empowered to make the greatest positive impact on your career, our performance and our clients’ future. Prepare to be amazing.

Big for Performance

Grow further at McGrathNicol. Be empowered to make the greatest positive impact on your career, our performance and our clients’ future. Prepare to be amazing.

Advice


5 insider tips to help you get hired at McGrathNicol

We asked successful graduates for their insider tips on how to start your career with the award-winning accounting firm, McGrathNicol.

5 insider tips to help you get hired at McGrathNicol

We asked successful graduates for their insider tips on how to start your career with the award-winning accounting firm, McGrathNicol.