For those in the financial sector, it is tough for newly-qualified accountants, regardless of qualification. Direct industry experience and excellent practical accounting skills are valued more than anything. Roles are slowly picking up – split between smaller boutiques and larger banks – but the underlying trend is that the market is slow and still quite competitive. I strongly advise candidates to avoid having a gap in their CV and not to hold back waiting for the market to pick up; if you snooze, you lose.
In the public sector, candidates with in-demand skills – change management, for example – will have the least difficulty. I believe that everyone needs a strategy: be proactive, critically review your skill set, and target those organisations most in need of what you can offer. And if a good opportunity arises, then you should absolutely go for it. A good opportunity is a good opportunity in any market.
It’s also crucial that candidates prepare relentlessly, and learn the business, the role and their own CV inside out. You also need to be realistic; you probably won’t find precisely the right role in terms of money, location, culture and career progression. However, if the role gives you something, it has to be better than not working at all. The chances are the right role is out there for you – you just have to maximise your chances of landing it.
When it comes to writing CVs, differentiation is more important than ever – you need to really stand out. Get any relevant industry experience onto your CV, including client secondments and interesting project work. Also question whether your current role will challenge you and give you the necessary exposure with your new qualification.
And for those who have failed? Take good, impartial advice. Think about re-sits and also about having a frank conversation with your employer. There are still opportunities around – it might be a case of thinking laterally about what you want and where you’ll fit. And for those in public finance, it might be worth considering the charity sector.
If you are an exam qualified, about to qualify, or a recently qualified CA or ACA exploring your career options and need some frank advice, why not come along to our ACA career evening in October? Contact us at acacareerevening.uk@whmarkssattin.com for more information.
Tim Hedger has worked with accounting and finance recruiter WH Marks Sattin for over nine years as their Deputy Managing Director, recruiting for many of the company’s largest clients, including Diageo, Centrica, RBS and Barclays. He currently oversees the sales operations in the UK and Ireland and is involved in the training and development of all consultants, with a particular emphasis on maintaining high levels of service delivery.
