After years of studying for ACCA/CIMA/ACA exams, the end is almost in sight when you reach the final exam and case study, but what next?
Although an exciting time for some, the thought of making a job move can also be incredibly daunting. When should I move? What are the benefits of moving now? How do I get the role I want? These questions are even more important for part-qualified accountants who can now take a significant step on their career path.
The good news is, these are questions that we get asked every day in our specialist newly- and part-qualified finance division, so you're not alone. Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations.
Finalist level is a great time to begin exploring options on the market. Your stock as a candidate is high. Prospective employers will view you as a great investment into the team due to your ability to grow into the role (and beyond). This means that even if you are not yet qualified, the doors will already be open to newly qualified salary bandings.
Moving before you qualify also allows you to get ahead of the competition as, naturally, the supply of newly qualified accountants increases at the point of qualification. You can get ahead of the curve and secure the best roles before the competition intensifies.
Finally, one thing many candidates forget is that you don’t want to go stale. Staying too long at a business may actually limit your development and can raise concerns to prospective employers over your adaptability and potential hesitance to change. We’re not suggesting you job hop every few months! But hitting a milestone in your qualification is a signal to move forward.
Moving to a new business also allows you to gain further exposure to new industries, strengthening your professional network and experience.
A strong CV – It’s important to be clear and concise and ensure everything included is there for a reason. Research shows employers spend under 30 seconds reviewing each CV so it’s important to be captivating! For more specific tips, see out blog on building an effective transactional finance CV.
Prepare for interviews – You can no longer skate by without prep-work. Employers at this level will expect you to have researched the company and its financial performance. You can work together with your Recruiter to know what to expect.
Pick the right recruiter - Forming solid relationships with your preferred recruiter is essential for finding a role you actually care about. Recruiters need to understand your motivations, past experiences, and future goals in order to match you correctly to the right technical roles and, more importantly, businesses that align to your values in terms of culture and ethos. Specialist finance recruiters have access to a network that is most likely to be out of your own personal reach.
Understand the market – Understanding the current recruitment market gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. Due to the current shortage of candidates in the market, companies that were previously recruiting for roles at a higher salary /experience level, may be more likely to flex on what they are looking for, hence opening doors for talented but more junior candidates. This means should give you more confidence to apply for those more optimistic roles. Again, your recruiter will be able to advise on this.
In conclusion, there is nothing to be worried about! Whilst it may be unnerving, this really is an exciting time for you.
Even better, our Part-Qualified and Newly-Qualified Finance specialists are here to guide you through your journey. Reach out today for a confidential chat.
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