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Featured Employers
Featured Jobs
Audit Partner
Manchester
Permanent
£100000 - £250000
Audit Partner job in a national accountancy firm with an office in Manchester. Clients include OMB’s, SME’s; High net worth entrepreneurs and AIM listed businesses. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Audit Director or Audit Partner to join a leading national accountancy firm in Manchester that carries the responsibility of continuing the growth of the business whilst contributing to day-to-day general management and delivering the firms longer-term strategic plan. My client is looking for an ambitious and successful individual to join them. You will have broad experience of different sectors, growing and developing a large fee portfolio as well as a desire to grow and develop yourself. As a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA) your experience could have been gained with an Independent or International/National firm, however most important is your ability to engage with and develop high quality OMB and SME clients. You will possess proven leadership skills and will already have gained a good understanding of practice management, business strategy, client advisory and business development within an accountancy business. Discussions with Director Peter Macdonald ACA are strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any party without your express permission. Please call Peter on 07990 977 438 including evenings and weekends.
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Financial Controller
London
Permanent
65000 - 75000
Role: Financial Controller Reporting to: Finance Director Company Background Usborne Publishing, the largest and most successful independent children’s publisher in the UK, is looking for an experienced, motivated and diligent Financial Controller to join its rapidly developing Finance Team. Usborne is an independent, family business. With around 270 staff based at across our London, Oxford and Wolverhampton we publish over 300 distinctive, engaging, accessible new books each year, and have nearly 3000 titles in print. These range from books for babies such as the bestselling That’s not my… series to YA fiction from acclaimed authors such as Holly Bourne – with everything from Magic Painting to Politics for Beginners in between. We are looking for someone to take on this key position at a time of change and improvement to support the Finance Director in providing best in class monthly financial reporting to the Board and Senior Management team. Line managing a large team of part and non-qualified accountants, this role will play a pivotal part in general ledger management and control, managing the GL close process, statutory and cost accounting. Responsibilities: To successfully line manage a long-standing team of 10, consisting of 1 part qualified and 9 non-qualified accountants. Recommending and implementing improved financial controls, cost control and processes. Developing financial management mechanisms that minimise financial risk. Cash flow management, balance sheet reconciliations and VAT reporting. Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Providing and interpreting financial information and managing financial accounting, monitoring and reporting systems. Provide financial reports, projections and interpret financial trends to the Finance Director while recommending further courses of action. Analyse costs, pricing, variable contributions, sales results and the company's actual performance compared to the business plans. Performance Reporting - Responsible for the provision of financial information and develop KPI's both financial and non-financial in nature. Business & Financial modelling. Liaising with auditors on the annual audit and preparation of the stats accounts. Quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting. Management of the businesses overall stock position and proactive management of aged stock in partnership with the commercial team. Reporting and timely closure of each financial period with accuracy: including ensuring accurate revenue recognition, cost accounting and cash flow Candidate Requirements The successful candidate will have a proven track record in a similar role, managing people and the financial management for a diverse and changing business. They will exhibit excellent organisational skills and an understanding of the strategic goals of the business. We are looking for someone who can work well with people and processes. Exemplary interpersonal skills and an ability to work closely with colleagues across the company are a must, as is attention to detail. Qualified accountant ACA, ACCA preferably, or suitable candidates who are qualified by experience will be considered. Proven experience as a Financial Manager - experience in the Book Publishing industry a bonus. A solid understanding of financial and management accounting principles. Good working knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP. Audit background and/or proven financial control experience Demonstrable team management skills are essential. Ability to manage, guide and lead team effectively to ensure all financial processes are being undertaken. Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Proficient user of finance software SAP B1 and Sun Accounting Expert Level Excel and confident in manipulating large volume of data. This a full-time, permanent role, based in our London office in bustling Farringdon. Salary and Benefits Include: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum dependent on experience 25 days holiday plus bank holidays rising to 30 days after 5 years Generous Pension Scheme Life Assurance and healthcare provision Flexible Working Environment Sabbatical Leave Please apply with your CV and covering letter. Only successful candidates will be contacted and we regret that no correspondence can be entered into. No agencies.
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Consultant - International Aid Assurance
London
Permanent
£ V Competitive
An exciting consulting role within a team focused on assignments in developing nations and emerging markets, working principally for bi- and multi-lateral agencies such as the World Bank and DFID. Projects include public financial management and public sector governance, internal and external audit. At the heart of the team's work is Aid Oversight: improving the ways in which developing country government’s mange aid spending, track, and monitor use of donor funds to ensure that projects are properly delivered. Other areas include anti-corruption, fiduciary risk, and capacity building. This role suits someone looking for: progressive responsibility in international development project management; experience in writing high-quality, innovative proposals for agencies such as DFID, the FO, and the World Bank; and exposure to financial management and internal control reviews The Consultant will perform a key role in supporting the management of existing projects, including projects in Asia and Africa, and significant travel to these and other locations. You will also work with us in the identification and development of relevant prospects and technical and financial proposals. Our intention is that you will progress to fully managing several of our projects in terms of budgetary control and financial reporting, recruitment and staffing, client management, strategic oversight, and technical quality assurance, as well as continuing to play an important role in business development and bidding. Over time, we will support you to develop expertise on the following: Project management and oversight; Managing complex delivery tasks and project risks; Leading technical and financial proposals; Understanding local delivery contexts and political economies; We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, innovative, energetic, committed to excellence in all their work, and wants to develop or kick-start a career in international development consulting. You may be a newly qualified accountant or with a number of years’ experience post qualification. We are looking for someone who is keen to take ownership of projects and will seek to maximise their projects’ impact in every way. A degree in a relevant field from an internationally recognised university or alternatively a professional accountancy qualification; Qualified Accountant; Outstanding English communication skills, both written and oral (essential) and additional languages preferred; Excellent writing skills and the ability to produce persuasive, succinct inputs to proposals Excellent inter-personal skills and team-work; Good numerical ability with a focus on financial awareness and ability; Ability to research and put together information needed for proposals. Required Experience Experience in either external audit or internal audit/controls; Demonstrable knowledge of and interest in the world of international development or consultancy sector; Demonstrated experience of using initiative, client-orientation, delivery to timelines, and working in complex and pressured contexts• Experience of working in developing countries. Willingness to travel, including to fragile and conflict affected states
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International Grant Assurance: Audit Senior - Manager [Global Travel]
London
Permanent
£44,000 - £53,000
Are you an Audit Senior/ Assistant Manager, Audit Manager seeking a new and rewarding career with a little exotic travel, supporting truly worthwhile causes and perhaps the chance to use your 2nd language skills (not essential)? Our partner, international specialists in International Grant Assurance are seeking outgoing auditors for a critical role; navigating a diverse group of grant recipients & donors, such as the UN & the World Bank worldwide (e.g. Malawi, Peru, Vietnam, Belgium, Oxford, Sierra Leone, Brazil, Fiji, Cameroon). You'll be London-based travelling 30+% per annum on assignments 1 to 2 weeks in length. These unique and extremely rewarding opportunities would suit experienced audit professionals that are outgoing, love diverse travel experiences, meeting and supporting a broad range of inspiring people and supporting very worthwhile causes. A great opportunity to take statutory audit to the next level - broadening skills into a much wider remit. Overseas assignments could mean travel to one of over 100 countries/ territories. A fantastic opportunity to see the parts of the world you’d never otherwise see, work with lovely people and pick up extremely relevant fieldwork experience; vital for anyone seeking a career in the international development NGO sector. Role overview Complete grant audits of a extremely diverse range of projects funded by international donor institutions ranging from emergency aid, to long term development in areas such as agriculture, health, education or infrastructure, to SME development or technical research. The role will use all your communication, problem-solving and analytical skills and will give you experience in working with major institutions all over the world. An example assignment might see you leading an audit opening meeting with a UN country office on the Monday morning, before heading off to spend a few days with a local NGO or government partners to audit the way they have spent UN funds. You will look at a sample of supporting documents to make sure the expenditure is genuine and for the purposes intended by UN, and review the internal controls of the NGO, making recommendations as to how these might be improved to strengthen the management of the UN resources. At the airport, you could even start drafting the formal report as you wait for your flight back to London. Requirements Qualified ACA / ACCA or equivalent (Finalists considered) Diplomacy and cultural sensitivity while working with a hugely diverse range of clients and beneficiaries A real interest in international development and associated funding structures 'Ideally' fluency in a second language is preferable, especially in French, Spanish, German, Portuguese or Mandarin, Russian and Arabic. Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills Team worker Resilience and adaptability Internationally recognised audit qualification preferable. Personal attributes: At least three years of audit experience Ability to work under pressure; Strong planning, organisational and time management skills Sound technical and analytical skills, report writing and presentation skills Passionate about international travel and development and willing to work in international locations for over 30% of the time Candidates for permanent London based roles must have the right to work in the UK. About Us AfID are leading specialists in supporting NGOs operating globally with their financial management capacity & recruitment needs, on both a 'pro-bono' & ,commercial' basis. For more opportunities in the international development sector (International & UK) or to find out more about how we can assist your non-profit organisation please visit the AfID website. Developing a Career in International Development We know it can be frustrating trying to develop a career in this much sought after sector, especially when organisations require prior experience; be it institutional donor management, fieldwork or capacity building of overseas recipients. Please don't let this put you off, we would strongly recommend considering a volunteer assignment as a way to gain this highly relevant experience. It’s no coincidence that 22% of AfID volunteers now work full-time in the charity sector, as even a short 2-3 week assignment will catch the eye and reassure these employers of your commitment and ability to navigate the diverse stakeholder contexts. It’s worth noting all AfID's assignments are individually tailored to the volunteers own preferences, skills and availability. For FAQs please visit the afid website Attending one of the AfID Workshops also offers invaluable insights, explaining sector jargon and demonstrating the ways accountants can navigate complex environments, in a fun and informative way. It also presents a great networking opportunity with 25 other like-minded accountants AfID’s founder and ex-Oxfam FD in attendance.
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UK Accountant
North Shields
Permanent
Competitive
Opportunity? We have a great opportunity for a fully-qualified accountant to develop their career in an evolving business and finance team at a very exciting time, following the change in ownership in June 2019. This will be a hands-on role in which you will have full P&L and balance sheet ownership of the balance sheet and P&L, and demonstrate a strong knowledge of the financial performance of the company. Key areas of responsibility are: Manage timely and accurate completion of monthly reporting pack. Ensure robust financial controls continuously in place, including balance sheet reconciliations. Ensure statutory, legal and tax compliance, leading relationships with professional advisers. Support monthly and annual forecasting and planning processes Provide timely and accurate financial reporting and insight to UK management team Who? We are looking for a self-starter who thrives in a busy, complex and changing environment. You will have a positive outlook and energy and will want to help bring new ideas to the team and constantly strive for improvements on how we can work more efficiently and with better systems and processes. We are also looking for an individual who has the ambition and potential to grow within the finance team so the ability and mindset to seek and provide operational and commercial insight is also essential. Key attributes you will possess: Highly numerate, articulate and professional Pro-active and flexible, able to manage an prioritise multiple tasks Excellent command of Microsoft Excel and ability to work with multiple systems Big 4 ACA qualified, probably a second move out of practice Experience in manufacturing and/or international environment would be advantageous
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Managing Director - London Audit Consortium
City of London
Permanent
£96,314 - £110, 637 (NHS Band 9)
The LAC managing director recently retired and this therefore presents an exciting opportunity for senior internal audit professionals looking to progress their career in the public sector. LAC is a long established joint venture between several NHS organisations in London. It is hosted by Barts Health NHS Trust and this means that all LAC staff are employed by this Trust. LAC provides internal audit, investigation services (fraud and other support to clients), consultancy and data protection services to a number of London NHS organisations and other prestigious public sector clients. We are keen to build our client base and services offerings. The Consortium Director will: Report to and be a member of the LAC management board; Be the designated Head of Internal Audit for every NHS client and will be supported by a senior team of auditors and qualified investigation specialists; Be responsible for managing client relationships and the delivery of services to clients in line with ISO9001 2015 accredited working practices that comply with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and the NHS Counter Fraud Standards; Develop and implement a service development strategy to increase its market share of NHS and other public sector organisations in London and to identify and realise new and complimentary service lines. The Consortium Director will directly lead all marketing and tendering initiatives in regard to the development and growth of the client base. You will be CCAB/ IIA qualified with significant leadership experience, excellent technical skills and a sound understanding of the NHS. You will have an excellent track record for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and be a trusted advisor. You will also need to have strong commercial skills and a proven ability to build and maintain a client base.
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Audit and Accounts Senior
Redditch
Permanent
35000 - 45000
Rigbey Harrison a firm of Chartered Accountants based in Redditch are looking for an Audit and Accounts Senior to join them. We are looking for an ACA qualified accountant to join our team to ensure that accounts and audits are completed within deadlines. You will need to have previous practice experience of accounts and audit Key Responsibilities: Statutory and management accounts preparation Ability to prepare full set of accounts to completion Discussing and resolving accounts queries with clients Ability to ensure that all statutory requirements are complied with, and up to date technical knowledge. Ability to ensure that client deadlines are met Preparation of client accounts including audit and non-audit clients Preparation of tax computations for both income tax and corporation tax based on accounts prepared Supervising the audit process on site, supporting and developing more junior members of staff Essential Skills and Experience: ACA Qualified Previous experience in an accounts and audit role Well-rounded knowledge of auditing standards and accounting principles Please note that candidates without practice experience will not be considered for this role. Please apply with a CV to partner@rigbeyharrison.co.uk
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Accounts Senior – West End Practice
London
Permanent
40000 - 42000
Are you a qualified ACA Accounts Senior / Business Services Senior looking to upgrade to a modern and forward thinking medium sized practice (with around 70 staff) based in a prime location in the West End of Central London? Are you either recently qualified or have up to 2 years PQE and looking to get a large firm name on your CV, work in a friendly office and also receive training and support so you can progress to manager grade in a short space of time? Would you like the opportunity to work with larger clients, including groups and large international businesses, but also smaller SME clients from a wide range of sectors, including property, media, entertainment, retail and technology? If so, this growing Top 60 accountancy practice firm based in a prime location in London is looking to recruit a new qualified Accounts Senior due to impressive growth over the last few years and winning new clients from larger firms. Your role will be varied and will include: managing your own portfolio of clients, preparing statutory accounts, management accounts, basic corporation tax returns, VAT returns, various reports, analysis and business management assignments and staff management / review of work for more junior staff. Your role will be varied and challenging, and training will be provided where necessary. You will work in a large team that will provide you with many growth opportunities in the future. To be considered for this new role you will be a qualified ACA (either recently qualified or with a few years PQE) and currently working for a UK based practice firm with experience of the above duties, particularly preparing statutory accounts from scratch. You will either working for a small or medium sized firm and looking to step up or be working for a larger practice and looking to work in a more friendly firm with a better work life balance and faster progression. Experience of a wide range of software packages would be an advantage but training will be provided if necessary. You must now be looking to upgrade to an entrepreneurial and modern firm where you can continue with your accountancy career, work on an interesting client base and learn new skills so you can progress to a higher level. This growing accountancy firm with 70 staff has a great reputation for being a friendly and supportive place to work and providing their staff with challenging and varied roles. You will work in a friendly and growing team, and you can expect to work on an interesting array of clients from a wide range of industries. The business services department is growing at a rapid rate due to many new business wins from larger accountancy firms, including the Big 4. Overall this is a unique opportunity for a good quality Accounts Senior from a practice background to join a leading player within business services and carry out a high profile Accounts Senior role with great support and genuine opportunities and progression on offer.
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AQR Team Inspector - Insurance
City of London
Permanent
£87,200
Permanent, Full Time (Part Time Considered) The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is responsible for promoting transparency and integrity in business. We are the UK Competent Authority for audit and set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work. We monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and operate independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. Further information about the role of the FRC can be found at www.frc.org.uk. AQR monitors the quality of listed and major public interest audits undertaken by the major UK audit firms and is a leading international audit regulator, playing a significant role internationally in the promotion and development of audit regulation. As a member of the AQR team, successful candidates will participate in reviews of the Big 4 and other audit firms dealing with senior partners and staff at those firms. AQR work covers both inspections of individual audits and reviews of firm-wide arrangements to support audit quality and meet ethical requirements. AQR also periodically undertakes thematic inspections which focus on particular aspects of audit across a sample of audits and firms. This is an exciting time to work at the FRC as we respond to the government-led reviews of the audit market, enhance our effectiveness and transition to a stronger regulator. The Role: The role provides a unique insight into how the major firms operate and how they are responding to current issues in the profession and the changes in regulatory requirements. Successful candidates will have the satisfaction of being able to influence the practices and procedures of the major audit firms to enhance quality. They will be given responsibility for significant elements of projects relevant to the regulation of auditors with a focus on insurance audits, including: Leading/ participating in regular meetings and ongoing discussions with audit team members including senior partners for major audits and other projects Making an assessment of the work carried out on major audits with a focus on insurance audits. This includes the appropriateness of judgements made on key audit and accounting issues and the sufficiency and appropriateness of the audit evidence obtained Communicating findings on the individual audits reviewed to the relevant audit firms and the Audit Committee Chair. There are also opportunities to contribute to the individual firm and thematic inspection reports which summarise the results of AQR’s inspection activities Undertaking firm-wide procedures and thematic inspections. These are wide-ranging in nature and include an assessment of the firms’ processes and audit methodologies and the impact these have on audit quality Building constructive and professional relationships with senior management and engagement teams at the audit firms The Person: An accounting qualification coupled with membership of ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS or ICAI (or equivalent) are required. Experience at Audit Senior Manager or above in public practice is essential with experience working in a large UK audit firm preferred. The ideal candidate will have: Recent and significant experience of auditing the various types of UK insurance entities Strong technical auditing and accounting skills (including a good knowledge of IFRS) Excellent analytical skills and the ability to make sound decisions about the significance of issues Excellent oral communication skills with the confidence and the ability to engage with and, where appropriate, challenge the judgements made by senior partners and engagement teams. The ideal candidate should be able to manage the resolution of sensitive issues and potentially confrontational situations in a constructive and professional manner Strong written skills with the ability to express issues in a clear, balanced and concise manner Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Effective project management skills with the ability and confidence to lead projects and to work autonomously Experience of working in highly effective teams and recognises when it is appropriate to consult with /involve others Strong understanding of the regulatory and audit environment The role is based in our central London office and at the London offices of the major firms. Flexible working arrangements will be considered, including occasional working from home where practicable. Rewards and benefits The FRC offers competitive remuneration packages, with benefits including 30 days annual leave plus the ability to buy extra leave The FRC has a strong work/life balance ethos The FRC believes that equality of opportunity and diversity is important in the work that we do and we are strongly committed to being an inclusive employer. Our values of being fair and independent supports this commitment. We're a signatory to the Government's Disability Confident scheme, which means that we guarantee an interview to any disabled candidates entering under the scheme, should they meet the minimum criteria for a role. Equal opportunities monitoring is an important means of demonstrating and implementing our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and diversity. Completing our diversity form will assist the FRC to identify any barriers that prevent access to employment and career development for certain groups of people, and to develop solutions, such as action plans, new policies and practices. The form is completed on a voluntary basis and we strongly encourage all job applicants to complete it. Complete the Diversity Form here Please apply with a copy of your CV and covering letter. In the covering letter, please set out, by reference to the person specification above: how you meet the required skillset confirm that you have the right to work in the UK confirm your current package and benefits, and tell us where you heard about this job
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AQR Inspector (Audit Quality Review team)
City of London
Permanent
£84,800
Permanent, Full Time (Part Time Considered) The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is responsible for promoting transparency and integrity in business. We are the UK Competent Authority for audit and set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work. We monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and operate independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. Further information about the role of the FRC can be found at www.frc.org.uk. AQR monitors the quality of listed and major public interest audits undertaken by the major UK audit firms and is a leading international audit regulator, playing a significant role internationally in the promotion and development of audit regulation. As a member of the AQR team, successful candidates will participate in reviews of the Big 4 and other audit firms dealing with senior partners and staff at those firms. AQR work covers both inspections of individual audits and reviews of firm-wide arrangements to support audit quality and meet ethical requirements. AQR also periodically undertakes thematic inspections which focus on particular aspects of audit across a sample of audits and firms. This is an exciting time to work at the FRC as we respond to the government-led reviews of the audit market, enhance our effectiveness and transition to a stronger regulator. The Role: The role provides a unique insight into how the major firms operate and how they are responding to current issues in the profession and the changes in regulatory requirements. Successful candidates will have the satisfaction of being able to influence the practices and procedures of the major audit firms to enhance quality. They will be given responsibility for significant elements of projects relevant to the regulation of auditors, including: Leading/ participating in regular meetings and ongoing discussions with audit team members including senior partners for major audits and other projects Making an assessment of the work carried out on major audits. This includes the appropriateness of judgements made on key audit and accounting issues and the sufficiency and appropriateness of the audit evidence obtained Communicating findings on the individual audits reviewed to the relevant audit firms and the Audit Committee Chair. There are also opportunities to contribute to the individual firm and thematic inspection reports which summarise the results of AQR’s inspection activities Undertaking firm-wide procedures and thematic inspections. These are wide-ranging in nature and include an assessment of the firms’ processes and audit methodologies and the impact these have on audit quality Building constructive and professional relationships with senior management and engagement teams at the audit firms The Person: An accounting qualification coupled with membership of ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS or ICAI (or equivalent) are required. Experience at Audit Senior Manager or above in public practice is essential with experience working in a large UK audit firm preferred. The ideal candidate will have: Recent experience of auditing UK listed companies and/ or other major entities Strong technical auditing and accounting skills (including a good knowledge of IFRS) Excellent analytical skills and the ability to make sound decisions about the significance of issues Excellent oral communication skills with the confidence and the ability to engage with and, where appropriate, challenge the judgements made by senior partners and engagement teams. The ideal candidate should be able to manage the resolution of sensitive issues and potentially confrontational situations in a constructive and professional manner Strong written skills with the ability to express issues in a clear, balanced and concise manner Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Effective project management skills with the ability and confidence to lead projects and to work autonomously Experience of working in highly effective teams and recognises when it is appropriate to consult with /involve others Strong understanding of the regulatory and audit environment The role is based in our central London office and at the London offices of the major firms. Flexible working arrangements will be considered, including occasional working from home where practicable. Rewards and benefits The FRC offers competitive remuneration packages, with benefits including 30 days annual leave plus the ability to buy extra leave The FRC has a strong work/life balance ethos The FRC believes that equality of opportunity and diversity is important in the work that we do and we are strongly committed to being an inclusive employer. Our values of being fair and independent supports this commitment. We're a signatory to the Government's Disability Confident scheme, which means that we guarantee an interview to any disabled candidates entering under the scheme, should they meet the minimum criteria for a role. Equal opportunities monitoring is an important means of demonstrating and implementing our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and diversity. Completing our diversity form will assist the FRC to identify any barriers that prevent access to employment and career development for certain groups of people, and to develop solutions, such as action plans, new policies and practices. The form is completed on a voluntary basis and we strongly encourage all job applicants to complete it. Complete the Diversity Form here Please apply with a copy of your CV and covering letter. In the covering letter, please set out, by reference to the person specification above: how you meet the required skillset confirm that you have the right to work in the UK confirm your current package and benefits, and tell us where you heard about this job
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Project Director
City of London
Contract
Competitive
11-month fixed term contract, Full Time The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is responsible for promoting transparency and integrity in business. We are the UK Competent Authority for audit and set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work. We monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and operate independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. Further information about the role of the FRC can be found at www.frc.org.uk. The Audit and Assurance Policy Team is responsible for the development of audit-related policy. This includes: the development of technical standards and guidance; consistent interpretation and application of standards; leading the FRC’s contribution to international standard setting; commissioning reports and research; and providing input to ensure that the UK capital market, and the users of financial statements are supported by the provision of high-quality audit and assurance. The team’s work requires considerable stakeholder engagement, including with investors and other users of financial statements, professional bodies and audit firms, other regulatory authorities both in the UK and internationally and international and other national standard setters. It also means working closely with other teams across the FRC including policy teams on corporate reporting and corporate governance and also with audit quality monitoring, oversight and enforcement. The Role: The role involves… Managing, and contributing to, A&A team projects (e.g. the development of new or revised standards and guidance material) from inception to completion. Including managing working parties and writing documents to a standard suitable for publication. Developing and maintaining knowledge of external developments relevant to the objectives of the A&A team and applying that knowledge in FRC projects. Developing and maintaining relationships with external parties relevant to the work of the A&A team. Providing support to non-project-based aspects of the A&A team’s work. Active involvement in cross-FRC initiatives and working with other FRC teams as appropriate. The Person: A CCAB qualification as well as experience working with and drafting technical audit-related standards and guidance are required. The ideal candidates will have: Significant audit experience. Experience in developing policy or developing and drafting technical material (standards and/ or guidance). Specialised knowledge of assigned areas, including international developments in those areas, and the work of the International Audit-Related Standard Setting Boards. Understanding of the commercial, regulatory and other external influences on audit to support the setting of high-quality standards and guidance. The role is based in our Central London Office. The post holder should be able to work flexibly to support the team’s activities and also provide cover within the FRC as necessary. Rewards and benefits The FRC offers competitive remuneration packages, including 30 days annual leave plus ability to buy extra leave The FRC has a strong work/ life balance ethos. The FRC believes that equality of opportunity and diversity is important in the work that we do and we are strongly committed to being an inclusive employer. Our values of being fair and independent supports this commitment. We're a signatory to the Government's Disability Confident scheme, which means that we guarantee an interview to any disabled candidates entering under the scheme, should they meet the minimum criteria for a role. Equal opportunities monitoring is an important means of demonstrating and implementing our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and diversity. Completing our diversity form will assist the FRC to identify any barriers that prevent access to employment and career development for certain groups of people, and to develop solutions, such as action plans, new policies and practices. The form is completed on a voluntary basis and we strongly encourage all job applicants to complete it. Complete the Diversity Form here Please apply with a copy of your CV and covering letter. In the covering letter, please set out, by reference to the person specification above, how you meet the required skillset confirm your current package and benefits, and tell us where you heard about this job
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Head of Finance
Atherstone
Permanent
c£50,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits
Hays Senior Finance is proud to be working in partnership with Twycross Zoo, an award-winning conservation charity and rapidly growing visitor attraction, committed to supporting global welfare and conservation efforts in the captive breeding of endangered species whilst supporting projects from many different countries around the world. The Zoo are invested in continuing to grow and build upon their success and as part of their 20 year, £55 million masterplan, they have opened a £3.5 million new world class chimpanzee habitat and have further upcoming major projects to ensure an impressive and inspiring experience for all visitors. To support the Zoo with their ongoing achievements, they are now looking to recruit a Head of Finance to ensure a first-class visitor experience. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will be a key member of the Operational Management Team with responsibility for the day to day running of the finance function. You will oversee both monthly and financial accounts ensuring they are produced to a high standard in given timeframes. As an inspiring leader, you will look at improving processes and procedures to increase accuracy, develop the finance team and add further value. What you'll need to succeed With an ambitious strategy and tight deadlines you will be used to working in a fast-pasted environment of similar size. As a qualified accountant you will have the technical ability to produce monthly and financial accounts; whilst having the gravitas to build and challenge relationships across the business up to Executive level. You will also be a good man-manager, having an approachable and efficient style to get the best out the team. What you'll get in return In return Twycross Zoo are offering the opportunity to work for an evolving and progressive organisation with staff engagement at its core, working to become a recognised centre of excellence, and continuing to contribute to the welfare and conservation of animals. Alongside this, you will also receive free onsite parking, 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), free entry to the Zoo on your days off and further retail/food discounts, private medical insurance and life assurance. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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Career News and Advice
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How to improve your productivity
Stay on top of your to-do list and improve your effectiveness, efficiency and wellbeing with these simple, productivity-boosting tips. 1. Find your flow Have you ever been so immersed in a task that you’ve lost track of time and everything going on around you? You might call it 'being in the zone' but it’s what Positive Psychologists call being in a state of flow. In this state, you feel energised, motivated and focused on your task, increasing your productivity levels. How to find your flow Turn off your email notifications and mobile phone. Schedule time to check your emails rather than dipping into your inbox adhoc. This will stop you losing focus mid-task Block time out in your diary so colleagues know you are not to be disturbed Choose tasks that will stretch you, based on your previous successes and failures. In a state of flow, you should feel confident that you have the skills to complete your task but it should still provide a level of challenge that you enjoy Try working in a quiet meeting room or coffee shop. You might find it harder to become immersed in something if you’re working in a space where you perform regular chores Be patient. It can take between 5-20 minutes for flow to kick in Shift your mindset away from unhelpful thoughts such as ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘It will be rubbish.’ Contact us to work with a professional coach who can help you find new ways of thinking Record your progress and stay on track by ticking off tasks as you complete them Take short breaks to stretch, rest your eyes and stay hydrated but avoid engaging with other tasks that may disrupt your sense of flow Flow exercises Start by working through these questions, designed to help you tap into your flow. Exercise 1 Think about what a difference having 20% more time would make to your career and your wellbeing. If you could carve out just 1 extra hour a day for yourself, what would you do with it? What are the consequences to your wellbeing of not having that extra hour? Exercise 2 When were you last working in a flow state? Identify the specific details - what was the type of work, where were you working, who were you working with, did you have a deadline and so on? Exercise 3 When you were last in a flow state, as identified above, what skills were you using? Do you need to delegate some of your work so that you have time to do more challenging tasks that better match your skillset? Exercise 4 What practical steps can you take to set up the conditions for more flow working? Exercise 5 What should you stop doing that prevents you from finding time to work in flow? 2. Manage your meetings The average office worker spends more than a day a week in meetings! To prevent meetings eating into your productive workday, try some of these tips: Keep your meetings short, always start on time and stick to a schedule to keep the conversation focused. You could even set a timer Only invite people who need to be there. Cutting down the number of attendees will reduce the chance of your meeting overrunning Use smart scheduling. Booking meetings in blocks in either the morning or afternoon leaves you with an uninterrupted block of time to get things done Be assertive when accepting or declining invites. If going to a meeting will mean you miss a deadline, don’t be afraid to say no, explaining your reasons. Or make it clear that you’re only available for a specific amount of time 3. Communicate Clear communication skills make for productive working relationships. Be an empathic listener. Take the time to understand what someone is saying, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. A better understanding of someone’s perspective will ultimately help you get your thoughts across clearly, in a way that’s relevant to them; and is therefore more likely to get noticed or acted upon Be assertive and don’t be afraid to say no. Before agreeing to take on another task or project, ask yourself if you have the time to do it and if you’re the right person for the job. If the answer to either question is no, explain clearly why you cannot take it on and try to suggest an alternative solution Find out more about building productive relationships with our free online course: Emotional intelligence for success. 4. Take a break Giving yourself time to rest and recharge is vital to maintaining productivity and focus. It’s tempting to work long hours and through lunch breaks in an attempt to impress, but that’s a sure-fire way to burn out fast. Instead, take regular breaks away from your screen or the task you’re working on. This will help you maintain concentration and motivation for longer, meaning that ultimately you will get more done. Try to take at least 30 minutes for lunch each day to improve your concentration in the afternoon. Try this one-minute breathing exercise to help you pause and refocus 5. Prioritise your time There are many different ways to prioritise and some will work better than others. Try a few out and see which one works best for you. Ivy Lee Method Finish your working day by making a list of the 6 most important things you have to achieve the next day Rank the tasks in order of importance The following day, start by concentrating on the most important task. Don’t do anything else until it’s finished. Then move on to the next important one Keep going, and if there are any unfinished tasks at the end of the day, include them on your to-do list for the next day It may sound over-simplistic, but limiting yourself to 6 tasks (or fewer, never more) is more effective than maintaining an overwhelming to-do list that goes on forever. Time Management Matrix This method is helpful if you struggle to prioritise tasks. Imagine you have a grid of 4 squares (quadrants). At the top of the grid are the headings urgent and non-urgent (each heading is above a single square). Along the left-hand side of the grid are the headings important and non-important (each of these headings is next to a single row). Quadrant I In this square, write down tasks that are both important and urgent; things you need to do straight away, such as tasks that have pressing deadlines, emergencies and last-minute preparations. Quadrant II Here you should list tasks that are important but not urgent; things that are necessary for you to achieve your goals but don’t need immediate action. Quadrant III This is for tasks that are urgent but not important. These tasks don’t help you achieve your goals, so try to keep them to a minimum or delegate them. Quadrant IV These tasks are neither urgent nor important. They have no real value and are time-wasters. By sorting the items on your to-do list into these 4 quadrants, you can see quickly which tasks need your immediate attention. Pomodoro Technique Schedule 25-minute work-focused slots throughout the day, each followed by a 5-minute break. After 4 rounds of 25-minute sessions, you should take a longer break. Start by making a list of tasks you need to complete. Then allocate each task to 1 or more 25-minute sessions, depending on how long you think it will take. Top tip: Schedule tasks that are more demanding for the time of day when you feel most productive and mentally alert. 6. Avoid procrastination Procrastination is the enemy of productivity and it happens to us all! Try setting deadlines for the tasks on your to-do list. If you're avoiding a particular task because it's too intimidating, divide it into smaller chunks (don't forget to set deadlines for those too). Finally, when you finish a task that you've been putting off, reward yourself. For more practical tips on how to improve your productivity, book a place on our free course: Do more in a day than you do in a week
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Develop your career plan
With a personal career plan, you can focus on what you want to do and how to get there. By working through the steps below you’ll end up with an effective plan for having the career you really want—one rooted in your key strengths and personal values, giving you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Step 1: Set the scene Start by asking yourself the following questions: What motivates you? What are your priorities when it comes to your career? E.g. salary, working hours, location. When you have a list, rank them in order of importance. Are there any you would be willing to sacrifice? What kind of workplace culture or environment do you thrive in? What values are important to you? What are your key skills? Which skills do you enjoy using the most? Looking at past job descriptions and achievements, asking friends and colleagues and strengths profiling assessments can help you with this self-analysis. Step 2: Explore your options With a clear idea of your skills and priorities, you can explore the career options open to you. Here are a few ways to start generating ideas: Look at online job boards to see what kind of opportunities are on offer. Use your list of skills and priorities to focus your search Talk to colleagues, friends and family. They may suggest potential roles that you haven’t considered Read financial or business press to research companies and industries and identify organisations you might like to work for Use LinkedIn to learn more about the structure of companies, their role profiles and the career paths their employees have taken Once you’ve generated some ideas, you need to assess the viability of each option. For example, you might find that you need to undertake a training course, move location or take a pay cut to pursue some of the opportunities you’ve identified. You’ll need to be realistic as to whether you can commit to making those changes. Looking at each option, in turn, use the GROW model to map out what you would need to do to reach each potential goal. Goal: What is the goal/idea/opportunity? Reality: Where are you currently, in relation to that goal? Is it viable now? Options (or obstacles): What are your options? What challenges might you face? Way forward: How committed are you? What steps do you need to take to move closer to your goal? Once you’ve identified your preferred option and assessed how viable it is, you’ll have your ultimate career goal and an outline of the steps you need to take to achieve it Step 3: Set short term goals The key to a successful career plan is having both a long term vision and short term goals. The long term vision you identified in Step 2 will keep you focused and on track. Having your end goal in mind will make it easier to spot new opportunities as they come along. Your short term goals are the steps you need to take to achieve your long term vision. Working through these milestones, whether they’re skills-based, salary based or responsibility based will keep you motivated as you move closer to achieving your long term goal. Your short term goals should be SMART: Specific: Your goals must be clear and well defined Measurable: Quantify your goals so you can track your progress. How will you know when you’ve achieved them? Achievable: Goals that challenge or stretch you will help you stay motivated, but don’t set yourself up for failure Relevant: Ensure that your goal is aligned with your other short and long term plans Time-based: Setting yourself deadlines will help you take action and stay motivated Step 4: Grow your skillset To move forward with your career plan you’ll need to identify and acquire the relevant key skills and competencies. For example, does your desired role require analytical reasoning and commercial awareness, or does it rely more on strong communication skills and leadership qualities? Start by researching relevant job descriptions to identify educational and training requirements. Next, consider the different ways you can learn the skills you need. Are there courses, workshops or conferences you could attend? Could you work with a coach or mentor? Are there additional responsibilities you could take on to gain more experience and exposure? As you develop your skills, you’ll find your short term milestones and long term goal become more easily attainable. Step 5: Expand your network Remember it’s all about who you know. An effective network will open up new opportunities and give you more insight into your chosen field. Start by building connections with friends, family, past and present colleagues, and managers on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend networking events, and set up informal meetings with your contacts to help build and maintain each relationship. Step 6: Track your progress No performance review, appraisal or career conversation should go by without direct reference to your career plan. Keeping your goals in mind will mean you’re always ready to take advantage of the development opportunities that come your way. And remember to reward yourself whenever you reach one of your milestones - celebrate your success! Develop a tailored career development plan with one to one support from a professional career coach. Find out more.
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Tackling ageism
Since the compulsory retirement age of 65 was abolished in 2011, it has become more common for people to continue working into retirement. In fact, for many people, retirement can be the perfect opportunity to try something different and have a change of career. However, older professionals often face the barrier of ageism. While legislation has been passed in an attempt to help combat discriminatory practices and open up doors for people to carry on working past the usual retirement age, there are some elements of ageism that are more difficult to overcome. Age has tended to blind potential employers to the range of skills and experience offered by this group. Here are some tips to help you challenge employers’ assumptions about older professionals: 1. Highlight your transferrable skills Some employers favour older workers for the experience they can bring to the workplace. Over your working life, you will have obtained many skills that could be utilised in a whole host of other jobs. Start by making a list of all the skills you’ve used in each role you’ve held. It can be helpful to ask a friend or former colleague to help with this. Think about the skills and attributes that naturally come with a long career. Employers often consider older workers to be more reliable but your work history can also demonstrate a strong work ethic, commitment, confidence and insight – to name just a few! Emphasise that as an experienced worker, you’d have the experience to take on responsibility straight away, without any hand-holding. If there are gaps in your work history try to include any non-work activities you took part in during those periods that would boost your soft skills – for instance, working as a volunteer might highlight your communication or team working skills. Once you have a list of skills, you can use it to build a tailored CV for each new role you apply for. You’ll also want to note down examples of work situations that demonstrate these skills and abilities. These pre-prepared scenarios will be useful in an interview situation. Be age-neutral Remember you don’t have to put your date of birth on job applications or on your CV (you don’t even have to put the dates you went to school, college or university, or when you qualified as a chartered accountant). Employers don’t have the right to ask you about your age at any point during the recruitment process, in fact, it’s illegal to do so. 2. Manage your expectations Employers know that skills and experience come at a price so they will often choose younger and less experienced people with a view to training them up, rather than spending more on a more experienced employee. Being prepared to work for less money than you may have been used to will open up new opportunities. Make it clear to potential employers that you’re looking for more of a work-life balance and that money isn’t your top priority. 3. Think outside the box Take time to weigh up your options. Don’t limit your job search to the kind of work you’ve done before. Branch out and consider passing on your experience and knowledge by teaching or consulting. To explore alternative roles, try searching for jobs by keywords and skills rather than job titles. Retirement could also be an ideal time to realise your dream of opening up a small business. Perhaps you could invest part of a redundancy payment or pension lump sum, which the business can pay off in the long run. Find out how CABA supports business start-ups. 4. Be proactive Don’t just sit and wait for an opportunity to turn up in your inbox, go out there and make it happen. Here are some ideas that could help: Sign up with local and national employment and recruitment agencies Contact previous employers to enquire about part-time work Search online job boards on sites such as Total Jobs, Monster, Jobsite etc. You can also upload your CV to these sites for prospective employers to see. Explore opportunities for retraining. Does your local college or community centre offer evening classes? Or is there a mature student option at a nearby university? Join business networking groups Volunteer at charitable organisations to build skills in a new area Optimise your LinkedIn profile to ensure the right opportunities come your way. A presence on LinkedIn is also a great way to stay plugged into your network of contacts. Set up a blog or a website. You can use these online platforms to write about relevant industry events, trends or challenges. As well as demonstrating that you’re more than familiar with technology, this can be an effective way of adding depth to your professional profile, helping you to stand out from the crowd. If you need help getting back to work after a career break or finding a new job in later life, our career coaching services can help. Or, if you’ve been affected by age discrimination at work, our 24-hour UK legal helpline is free and confidential for information and advice. Get in touch for more information.
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Returning to work after a career break
Whether you’ve been away for 6 months or 16 years, it’s normal to experience a range of feelings as you prepare to return to work. You may feel nervous, eager, daunted and excited. How you tackle the negative emotions will determine how smooth your transition back into the workplace is. Confidence A lack of confidence is one of the biggest issues affecting people returning to work. It might be hard to consider simply ‘picking up where you left off’. Or you might be nervous about a career break counting against you on your CV or at interview. The trick is to be clear about your strengths and skills - including those that you’ll have inevitably picked up during your career break. When you write your CV, outline the dates of your career break, and the roles and responsibilities you may have had, in the same layout as your other jobs. For example: Job hunting following redundancy (2013-present) During this time, I … "Attended networking events" "Completed a training course in …" Homemaker (1997-present) During this time, I … “Raised 1K for my tennis club” Similarly, in an interview situation, always speak about your career break with pride. And having mentioned it once, don’t mention it again unless asked about it. You can use phrases such as: "As you will see, I have been out of the financial job market for 5 years and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about it." "In the spirit of transparency, my 5-year career gap centred around raising a family." Build your self-confidence Volunteering Undertaking unpaid or volunteer work gives you the chance to step back into the workplace and rediscover your skills and capabilities. An unpaid work placement could also lead to a permanent position. Updating your skills Explore learning opportunities at your local community centre or college. IT refresher courses are great if you’ve been out of the workplace for some time, while management courses can help you return to work in a similar or higher position. Explore CABA’s range of free courses designed to boost skills such as better people management and emotional intelligence. You can learn online, or book a place on a course near you. Anxiety Feelings of anxiety can quickly put us off new experiences and mean we try to avoid certain situations - like returning to work. But avoiding the fear only feeds anxiety. Anxiety is something best dealt with head-on. There are lots of techniques you can use, from distracting yourself to breathing exercises and challenging unhelpful thoughts, for example by assessing the positives and negatives of a situation. If anxiety is affecting your transition back into the workplace, talk to a healthcare professional, to family and friends, or our experts at CABA. But don’t avoid the situation. Guilt This is particularly relevant to parents returning to work after raising children or if leaving someone you’ve previously cared for. It’s normal to experience guilt – especially if you have dependents at home. If you’re in this situation it’s important to remember the benefits of returning to work. For example, a child in nursery or school has the opportunity to socialise with children their age and learn and develop new skills. Similarly, having a professional take over your caring responsibilities may offer new opportunities to secure specialist equipment and enable you to take advantage of extra support. There are benefits for you, too. Returning to work can increase your income and boost your wellbeing – all of which will have a positive impact on other aspects of your life. CABA can help Whether you’re returning to work after a career break or unexpectedly finding yourself back in the job market following redundancy, it can be daunting. The practices that secured your last job might be slightly different from those you need to employ to secure your next position. We can help you find the right job opportunities and develop the right skills to get back into employment quickly. Ask us about one to one career coaching. Contact us today.
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Not sure what your "desired salary" should be? Here's how to figure it out
A crucial reason why people decide to change jobs is because they want more money. Salaries are usually a key factor in our decision making when it comes to switching jobs. However, people also change jobs because they want increased responsibility, more flexibility, a greater sense of purpose or a more suitable organisational culture. However, most often employees feel they’re not being paid fairly in their current role. This can be due to the skills, experience and qualifications the individual has, and therefore command the higher salary they think they deserve. When speaking to a recruiter or hiring manager during the initial stages of your job search, it doesn’t pay to inflate your salary too much. Therefore, you shouldn’t add extra income to your salary, as your requested figure could potentially price you out of the market, lead the hiring manager to think you are over-qualified or make you look unfaithful or devious. So, what is the alternative? Rather than thinking “What’s my current salary” with an inflated figure, you should focus on what your “desired’ salary” is. Here, we’ll cover how you can determine what this figure should be. How to figure out what your desired salary would be? First, a desired salary is what someone with your combination of skills, experience and qualifications can fairly hope to earn. Therefore, it is essential when talking to a hiring manager that the desired salary you share must be a realistic reflection of the market rate for the types of roles you’re interested in. However, knowing what your desired salary is can be hard to tell. To help determine yours, you’ll need to research: Look at our salary guide: Your first thought should be to look for an up-to-date salary guide. Here at Hays, we publish an annual salary guide. This guide provides annual updates to give you insights into typical salaries for specific roles, as well as location and industry. Speak to people in your network: Do you already know someone in a similar role who you could ask about current compensation trends? By speaking to people in your potential new sector or industry, you may find that a great deal of advice and experience is only a phone call away. Speak to a recruitment consultant: As consultants speak to both employers and candidates daily, they will be able to provide you with detailed and accurate insights in what you can hope to earn, based on your skills, experience and relevant qualifications. Look at job boards for salary insights: You can also compare similar roles and salaries by reviewing advertisements on job boards. Your salary is only one aspect of many other factors When looking at a new job offer or determining your desired salary, there are several other important factors to consider. For instance, employee benefits, pension contributions, subsidised travel options and other non-financial incentives are all important considerations in the overall picture. Depending upon your circumstances, it might even be more sensible to forgo some of the headline salary for a better benefits package. Of course, money is important, but subsidised food and drink and wellness programmes can greatly add to the overall value of your package. So, when considering an offer and comparing it to your desired salary, estimate the value of the benefits proposed and add these to the base salary. Remember, some benefits you are granted may not be obvious when going through a job application. So, ask your recruitment consultant to clarify the benefits that a prospective employer is offering. A living wage is in everyone’s interests This is what we all strive for within our career. However, when we don’t feel like we’re achieving our full potential, we decide to look for new opportunities. Especially if we feel we have developed the skills, knowledge and experience to take on a more challenging role. However, you may not just have to change your job to receive your “desired salary”. If you’re comfortable with your current job, arrange a time to speak to your manager about a potential pay rise. If you don’t feel comfortable about speaking to your manager about this, take a look at the advice we’ve provided on how to negotiate a pay rise. Finally, be realistic in your approach. Whether that’s having a private talk with your manager or finding other resources to assist you. By using the information available to you effectively, you ‘ll be able to remain sensible in your expectations, as well as reduce the likelihood of you overestimating the salary you can realistically achieve. If you want more information about the latest recruiting trends, request a copy of the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2020 here. About this author Roddy joined Hays in 1999 as a Recruitment Consultant. In 2012 he took over operational responsibility for Hays in Scotland, managing dedicated teams providing expert temporary and permanent recruitment services for a wide range of sectors and professions. From 2017, he has been the lead for Hays Personal & Executive Assistants business across the UK, providing strategic leadership to over 200 consultants.
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How to build resilience and confidence when you're looking for work
Looking for a job takes a lot of energy, and if you’ve been out of work for an extended period it’s very easy to lose confidence and motivation. The key is resilience. The more resilient you are the more confident you will feel and the more productive and effective your job search will be. Here are some ways to build your resilience and keep your job search on track: 1. Establish a routine For many of us, our lives are dictated by routine. The 9-3 of school and then the 9-5 of working life. Without the framework of a job to guide you, it’s easy to lose focus. Before you know it, days have passed and you haven’t made any real progress. To combat this, try to establish a routine. Get up at the same time every day and schedule activities for certain times. Making and sticking to a plan will help you to be more productive and keep you focused on your goal. 2. Take a break It’s not always good to spend too much time focused on a single activity. You need to take a break. Find something you enjoy doing and make time for it every day. Allowing your brain to switch off from looking for work will mean you have more focus and energy when you get back to it. 3. Stay connected Just because you aren’t working, don’t distance yourself from your profession. Keeping up-to-date with the latest news and happenings will keep you connected to your network and ensure your skills and knowledge remain relevant. The ICAEW and CABA hold a range of events for past and present ICAEW members and ACA students. Take a look at what’s coming up. 4. Stay healthy Eating well and exercising regularly is good for the brain as well as the body. Don't become a couch potato! Keep moving to stay energised and motivated. 5. Be positive It’s easier said than done, but try to stay positive. Our brains seem hard-wired to think the worst and focus on the bad. But negative thoughts like “I’ll never get the job anyway” won’t help you perform in an interview. A positive attitude will come across in your application and interview answers. It might help to keep a written list of your achievements and successes, which you can review whenever you feel less confident. 6. Be selective Don’t apply for every job you see. Be discerning and only apply for the jobs that you honestly believe you’re qualified for and want to do. By doing this, you can be authentically enthusiastic about each application. Also, if you apply for too many jobs, you’re bound to experience more rejections, and that can knock your confidence. Applying with care and thought will increase your chance of making it through to interview and reduce the number of confidence-knocking rejections you receive. Try searching for roles by keywords and required skills rather than job title to find opportunities that closely match your skillset. 7. Set regular goals Having a plan can help you stay energised and focused, while achieving your goals, gives you a real boost. An example of a goal could be connecting with an old colleague and setting up a networking meeting or creating a tailored CV for a specific role. Every time you achieve a goal, it will boost your confidence in yourself and your plan. How can career coaching help? 1. Time to reflect and plan Working one to one with an experienced career coach gives you a chance to re-evaluate your job search and offers new ways to find new opportunities. Spending time with an expert career coach can help you assess your current situation, identify your key skills and strengths and set new career goals with an action plan to help you achieve them. 2. Refining your strategy The internet has revolutionised how we look for work. LinkedIn and other social media platforms, together with CV databases mean that now it’s just as important to be found by employers, as it is to be proactively searching for new roles. Your career coach will ensure you’re confident using the latest job searching tools and techniques. You’ll learn how to hone and tailor your CV, create an impressive LinkedIn profile, refresh your interview skills and discover how to get the most out of your network, both online and offline. 3. A listening ear Being out of work, for any period of time can have a real impact on your wellbeing. Not just from a financial point of view, but also in terms of your mental health. So much of your identity in the modern world is linked to your job and what you do for a living, that being without one is a challenge. Working with a career coach will give you space and time to talk through your concerns, with someone who understands the impact unemployment can have. Having an impartial outlet for your worries or frustrations will help build your resilience and boost your confidence. Work one to one with a professional career coach. Contact us today to find out more.
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10 tips for an effective networking strategy
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find new career opportunities, whether you’re looking for a new role, returning to work after a career break, aiming for a promotion or looking to set up your own business. Networking can help you find out about jobs before they’re widely advertised. Often jobs aren’t advertised at all and networking is an effective way of finding these ‘hidden’ opportunities. It will give you an edge in the recruitment process if you’re approaching a company via a referral or personal introduction, rather than ‘going in cold’. What is networking? It could be attending meetings at a professional institute, a conference, seminar or exhibition. It could be reaching out and connecting with previous colleagues, customers, competitors and suppliers. Make networking a habit to build a rich and diverse resource you can call on when you need to. 10 tips for an effective networking strategy 1. Create a directory of your network Think about the people you’ve worked with: previous managers, customers, suppliers, associates and other people that you know. Create a list and then rank your contacts by how valuable you think they’ll be to you, and how comfortable you feel approaching them. Try to think beyond your immediate circle of friends, family and colleagues. You can never predict who knows who, and who will be able to introduce you to someone who could move your career in a new direction. When it comes to reaching out, start with the people you feel most comfortable getting in contact with but who may not be at the top of your ‘value to me’ list. This will help you get in the swing of networking and build your confidence. Plus, if things don’t go according to plan you haven’t wasted a higher value contact. 2. Plan ahead Work out what you want to achieve from each conversation. Are you looking for more introductions? Can they advise you on your CV or introduce you to someone who’s hiring? Can they suggest any organisations that might be looking for new talent? Could they give you advice or information about a particular sector? Knowing what you want from each of your contacts will make it easier to approach them confidently. 3. Get your elevator pitch right When you’re networking, you’ll probably only have a short amount of time with each person. If you meet somebody at an event, you may only have a few minutes. So, it’s essential that you’re able to describe yourself succinctly and confidently. This is your ‘elevator pitch.’ It should only be 20-30 seconds. Here’s an example: 'I help companies grow sales and profits'. This is much clearer than 'I am a business development manager' and immediately conveys the value you can add to a business. 4. Reciprocate This is one of the golden rules of networking. Many people will be open to sharing their ideas and occasionally their contacts with you, but you must be willing to offer your help and advice in return. If you aren’t willing to reciprocate you may find that people are less willing to help you. Make a point of introducing people in your network who have shared interests. The more you are known as someone who knows interesting people, the more people will want to be linked to you, and the more effective your network becomes. 5. Use LinkedIn Firstly, make sure your profile is up to date and complete. It’s also important that your LinkedIn profile matches your CV. Then you can begin connecting with relevant people, joining relevant groups and contributing to discussions about your chosen industry. 6. Attend events CABA and the ICEAW run regular events for past and present ICAEW members and ACA students. This a great way to build confidence, make new connections and keep up to date with the latest developments in your industry. Take a look at what’s coming up or find more networking events in your local area. 7. Listen and build rapport The most effective networkers are excellent listeners. Active or even empathic listening will help you build strong and more productive relationships. For starters, positive body language such as nodding, leaning in towards someone and maintaining eye contact signals that you’re paying close attention. Improve your communication skills with these top tips. 8. Nurture your network Like any relationship, your professional connections need to be maintained to remain effective. Set reminders to yourself to reach out every so often to help strengthen your ties. You don’t have to wait until formal networking events to make contact. A one to one meeting over coffee or lunch might give more room for a relationship to grow. 9. Network internally Don’t stay stuck behind your desk, working away diligently but anonymously. Make a point of chatting to people internally – in the lift, at the water cooler – so that when your name comes up, you’ll always have an advocate. 10. Raise your profile Blow your own trumpet, gently! Attend professional meetings, lectures and conferences, and get involved where you can. That way, people are more likely to think of you when an opportunity arises. Nervous about networking? Work one to one with a professional career coach to craft a high-impact elevator pitch and improve your communication skills. Get in touch to find out more.
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Why cover letters are still crucial to your job application, and how to make yours stand out
Writing a cover letter can help your job application stand out to a hiring manager or recruiter. Taking the time to write one makes you seem proactive, as well as someone who cares for the role they’ve applied for. Let’s go back to basics. What is a cover letter? This is a document that candidates submit alongside their CV when applying for a job. It enables you to introduce yourself as a professional, along with outlining why you are a good fit for the role, before the hiring manager finds out more about you in your CV. Not all candidates will create a personalised cover letter, so by writing one you will attract the attention of the reader. As Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of Great on the Job, has observed: “Not sending a cover letter is a sign of laziness. It’s akin to making spelling and grammar mistakes in your resume. You just don’t do it.” When writing your cover letter, you should: Make it personal. As information is so freely available today, not addressing the cover letter personally to the hiring manager or getting the address wrong aren’t excuses anymore. Also, you shouldn’t copy and paste a generic cover letter to each role you apply for- make it personal to the reader every time. Employers can tell when you edit a few words of the same cover letter that you send to everyone else, which can suggest you have little interest in the role. Start with a strong intro to attract the reader. The first sentence of your cover letter will determine whether you grab the hiring managers attention, so it needs to demonstrate that you understand what they are looking for. Instantly highlight your strengths that will help to solve the hiring manager’s problems, such as relevant industry knowledge, experiences, skills and achievements, instead of the generic “I’m applying for the role of XXX.” Research the employer. This will help you use the appropriate tone in your cover letter and what you should include. You should look at things such as the organisation’s industry, values and culture. As well as sources from the organisation’s official website and social media profiles, its executives’ social media profiles and any online employee reviews. Mention whether this opportunity came via a friend or have a previous connection with the organisation. Maybe you were previously introduced to the hiring manager by this person, because they thought you were a good fit for the role? Or perhaps you crossed paths as an intern or an employee at one of the company’s suppliers or competitors? Sign off professionally. Conclude the main body of the cover letter with a power phrase such as, “I would like to discuss in greater detail the value I could bring to your organisation,” and close with the formal and widely accepted “Best regards” or “Sincerely”. Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct. If you’re submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it in a Word document so that the program can flag up obvious issues like misspellings. Also, check that any formatting in Word translates properly into the email or online form. In terms of formatting, break any intimidating blocks of text into more readable paragraphs and bullet points. What you shouldn’t do when writing your cover letter: Don’t forget the finer points. Do you know the name of the recipient so that you can address the cover letter to them personally? What about confirming your availability and signing off appropriately? It’s small touches like these that could help you to stand out from other candidates. Don’t use unusual fonts. Use a standard professional font like Arial, which is readable and clean. This isn’t just about making the right impression on hiring managers and lessening their eye strain, as the automated scanning systems can struggle with more unusual fonts. Don’t write in the third person. A cover letter is, after all, a letter, addressed directly to the employer. You are using this document to sell yourself, as well as trying to make it sufficiently conversational to engage the reader. Not only to make you seem professional, but also highlight your personality and interest in the role. Don’t try to flatter, as this could risk you coming across as insecure or insincere. Professionalism, authenticity and maturity are vital qualities to communicate from the beginning of your relationship with the employer. Don’t repeat yourself. Make sure you’re not just repeating what you’ve said on your CV or LinkedIn profile – a cover letter should be complementary to these other means of marketing yourself professionally and should therefore support and enhance your story. Why does your background or interests make you suitable for the role? How to write a cover letter While the purpose of the cover letter has never changed, the way it is presented and submitted has evolved. For example, cover letters can now take the form of a personalised note to add to your LinkedIn application or an email attaching your CV. Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity that the given role represents and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you’ve edited. Here below is an example of how your cover letter should look. Example cover letter 54 Queen Yakas Street Name Phone Number Email LinkedIn URL Organisation Name Address Date Dear Mr Alexander Gook, Subject line: Experienced senior manager for X position I was previously introduced to your company by your colleague, George Page, at the recent X economics fair, and became particularly intrigued by the work you do and the culture of the business. Subsequently, I was especially excited to see the role of X recently advertised on your website. I believe my 20 years as a senior executive for one of the biggest names in the X sector, overseeing a 30 per cent rise in revenues over the last half-decade, uniquely equips me to build upon the experience I already have, apply my knowledge and skills to the role of X, and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to your business. From reviewing the job description, I believe that I am a great match for this role and could become a key team player in helping your business to attain its ambitions. I would like to draw your attention to the following skills and achievements that I would appreciate the opportunity to build on as your brand’s next X: An influential player in the transformation of my present company from a small business generating £2.2 million in annual revenue with an 18-member staff team, into one of the most thriving and respected firms in its industry, employing 48 staff and recording revenue of £26.2 million last year. I would be delighted to draw upon my skills and contacts to further Pinsent Media’s own ambitious growth objectives The conceptualisation and establishment of such strategic initiatives as X, X and X, as reported by Forbes and HuffPost and driving the company to new heights of operational success. These achievements are highly relevant to Pinsent Media’s intention for its next X to assist in significantly expanding its international media profile and reputation for innovation Thank you for your consideration. I have attached my CV and look forward to speaking to you further about this opportunity. Yours sincerely, Thomas O’Flanagan The basis of a successful cover letter is straightforward. It needs to be interesting, as well as leave the reader feel intrigued to find out more about you by reading your CV. By following the tips above, you will make yourself seem more attractive as a candidate so that you have a greater likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview. About this author Jane joined Hays in 1994 as an Associate. Initially recruiting within the Accounting and Finance in Scotland she progressed to Regional Director in 1999 running all Hays Finance, Office Support and Customer Contact recruitment across the North East of England. Moving to Hays Australia in 2001 as Regional Director for offices across the Sydney and Canberra specialisms included Finance, Procurement, IT, and Banking. Jane also launched Hays Life Sciences in Australia and was instrumental in the development of the national Healthcare and Education business. In 2006 Jane was appointed a Senior Regional Director. Jane returned to the UK in July 2013 initially completing a number of operational project roles in Cambridge and Chelmsford before taking responsibility, in 2015, as Regional Director for 6 offices across Essex and Suffolk. In 2017 Jane was appointed as the Managing Director for the East of England region, covering 17 offices. She also currently sits on the council for the CBI in the East of England.
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How to stand out in any stage of your career
Whether you’re trying to progress as part of a large team or one of many applicants chasing a new role, trying to set yourself apart from others can often be difficult. Here are five tips to make sure your hard work and talent does not go unnoticed: 1. Stand out from the crowd From my perspective, achieving this comes down to two things: First, you have to understand the commercials. No matter what sector you’re working in, you need to understand the business and how your role can make an impact on the organisation. This will definitely set you apart and will guarantee that your employer recognises you. Secondly, it might sound obvious, but combining hard work with productivity is essential. Anyone can work for 12 hours a day, but if it’s not productive work then it will not go a long way. However, if you can demonstrate work with purpose, it will show your employer that you are committed to the role and that you will go above and beyond to achieve your goals. Running alongside these two things you should have a career plan. You should be able to communicate to your manager of what you want your next steps to be, where your passions lie and what you think you can bring to the table. 2. Communicate with your manager (and not just the good stuff) You need to have an open dialogue and talk regularly with your boss, and during this you need to be able to share the good, the bad and the ugly. For example, if you’re sharing something that went well but also contained a lesson for next time, then say so. Your manager will see you trying to make the best out of any situation, plus you’ve created an open forum to talk about your achievements. By keeping your employer informed about your journey, they will be more willing to listen and be open in giving you the praise that you deserve. If you’re open to talking about what’s not going well and what you’re learning from, then you demonstrate awareness that failure could also be the key to your success. 3. Find a mentor Mentorship within a workplace can be invaluable. They can be more objective about your career beyond the organisation and help you see the bigger picture (something that your boss wouldn’t always consider doing as they see things more from an organisational perspective). It is important to have someone you admire and look up to as a mentor; they may have more experience than you as well as a great network. But the main thing to look out for is that you see them as your trusted advisor. Your mentor should be able to give career advice and help along your career path. They can help you make the right decisions and sense-check things, but you can only achieve that if you genuinely trust them. 4. Discussing your career path Meetings like these are always tough, especially earlier on in your career. But having these regular conversations about your personal development is a major factor in moving up the career ladder. Your boss may have already scheduled quarterly review meetings, but they are typically always dropping hints along the way too. You need to be able to demonstrate that you are proactively listening to this feedback, capturing pieces of information, taking it on board and putting into action. It’s about being clear and open outside of your formal development meetings. The chances are if you’re good, they’ll want to keep you, but they aren’t mind readers! If they know what you want (and it ties in with how they want you to contribute) then they can help you through that journey. 5. Continuous learning keeps you ahead of the game You should always keep yourself and your profile up to date, whether it’s on your social media or just a case of updating your CV with new skills and projects. Step one of course is to take full ownership and accountability of everything you are working on and ensure your contribution is meaningful. But then you need to keep your profile updated as you go, otherwise you can’t demonstrate this ownership in the future. The key is to be objective and transparent through your career, take your learns as improvement and progression. You can be really open as you do this – a lot of people use their social presence to write about activity and learns from their own careers. This makes great content as everyone can relate to a story about learning. The more you can absorb and then apply, the more your employer will have a connection to relate back to your hard work and ensure it doesn’t go unnoticed. A final point to end on (and perhaps the toughest of them all) is to be transparent about moving on. If your job search is getting to a point where it is becoming noticeable, then you should have an honest conversation with your manager and let them know that you’re no longer happy there. But this isn’t always a bad thing; sometimes letting your employer know how you feel can become a new opportunity for you, either within a new team or by amending your current remit. Listen to my podcast for more insight: If you are looking for support with your employment needs please contact your local office. About this author Thea is responsible for the UK & I marketing team as well as driving the strategic direction of the marketing function, looking closely at opportunities for growth, positioning in the marketplace and sales support. She was appointed to the Hays UK & I Board in July 2017, following joining the UK business in the summer of 2016. Prior to her current role she was the Vice President of Marketing for the Hays Americas business, joining the business in 2012. Under her management she built the marketing function from general support to a strategic driver of sales, establishing a central marketing unit supporting Canada, US and four Latin American countries.
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How to find your balance between your career and your side hustle
Are you thinking of starting a new side hustle, or struggling to meet the demands of both your full-time job and your side business? In this blog I will give you some tried and tested tips on how to strike a comfortable balance between your career and the passion project you're pursuing on the side. 1. Plan, Plan, Plan Organisation is key to achieving success in any venture, so you need to make sure you're on top of everything. A calendar, either online or a physical notebook, will help you be productive and manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Some entrepreneurs like to keep their 'work' and 'passion project' calendars separate to avoid becoming overwhelmed, and some like to just have one calendar so everything is in one place and deadlines are easier to sort out. Figure out which method works best for you and stick with it. Online calendars, diaries, wall-charts and bullet journals are all perfect for keeping organised. My top tip: It's important to note that mapping out long term goals is vital for staying on track and remaining motivated! I plan every single meeting and task in a big spreadsheet and always ensure each engagement takes me one step closer to my long term goals. 2. Set aside time and space for your side venture Whether this is a couple hours in the evening twice a week, or one day per weekend, you should have a dedicated schedule for your side hustle. This will help you stay motivated and don't end up crashing on the sofa in the free time you have from your full-time job. My top tip: I find it just as important to have a physical space I can work from outside of my home - this can be a local café or a workspace with free Wi-Fi. I avoid working in the places I usually relax because this creates the danger of associating my sofa or bed with 'work', which leads to lack of productivity on one hand, and lack of proper rest on the other. 3. Look after yourself Working a full time job alongside starting a business can be exhausting.There will be some days where you feel stressed, fatigued and unmotivated, so on these days it's important to take a step back and think rationally - do you need a quick break or distraction to get your mojo back, or are you experiencing burnout? My top tip: I usually take some time out to exercise, have coffee with a friend, or watching a couple of episodes of my favourite TV show. Doing these activities always helps me regain my energy to get back at it, to keep fighting and remind myself that the temporary stress will be worth it in the end! However, if it's the latter and I feel that I'm on the verge of experiencing serious exhaustion and burnout, I take a couple of days or even a week off. This is because I know that I need to be healthy and well to achieve success and reach my goals. In conclusion, it's important to do the following: Always have a firm idea of what your goals are, for both your career and your passion project Dedicate set blocks of time for your passion project Keep well and healthy throughout the process – both physically and mentally This will go a long way to helping you achieve success. Written by: Monique Malcolm-Hay Monique Malcolm-Hay is a recently exam-qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant and is currently working in Restructuring and Refinancing at PwC where she has just started an international secondment to the PwC office in Dubai. Monique is also a mentor and contributes to driving diversity, inclusion and wellbeing within PwC and the ICAEW. She is passionate about providing tips and advice to people who are considering pursuing the accountancy route and also those who are currently completing an accounting qualification. How CABA can help Everything we do at CABA is underpinned by our commitment to provide lifelong support to past and present ICAEW members, ACA students, past and present ICAEW staff and their close families. All of our services are free, impartial and strictly confidential. For advice and information call us on +44 (0) 1788 556 366, email enquiries@caba.org.uk, complete our online form or chat to us online.
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Have gaps in your CV? Here's how to get around this in an interview
It can be common to have gaps within your CV. Examples can range from looking after a family member or applying for a new job. You may have been travelling abroad, spent your time caring for your children, or decided to go back to education. Gaps are becoming more and more common within people’s careers, as many people find themselves working until they reach their 70s and 80s. This growing trend is likely to lead people to have more gaps within their CV, as more people are adopting non-linear career journeys. Our CEO Alistair Cox talks about how these trends are becoming more common in his recent LinkedIn Influencer blog. But how can you get past this in an interview which makes the client want you as an employee, rather than turning you out the door? Techniques to use to explain your gaps in your CV Firstly, there are several guidelines you can follow before looking into the most common CV gaps: Be positive when talking about why you may have taken a break. When speaking about what you did during you time away from the workplace, it’s crucial that you highlight how this was beneficial to you. For Example, you may have kept up to date on certain industry news, been volunteering or had a part-time job on the side. If this is the case, you should highlight it, as well as the lessons you’ve learnt. Whatever reason for your CV gap, be clear and genuine with your response, without going into unnecessary detail. Start by explaining why you were out of work, then go on to explain what you did with your time, and lastly emphasise why you think this is the right opportunity for you. Direct your answer to explain what you did during your time away, and why what your learnt is applicable to this role, rather than explain the causes for the gap. Common reasons for CV gaps, and how to get around this is in an interview. 1. You’ve been searching for a job Explain how you your time away developed your skills and kept you informed about industry trends. Make it clear that you have used the time to really think about what you want from a new role and a new employer. Explain how you have been continuously looking for a new job. Highlight why this is suited to you – you’re looking for a role which is a good fit for you, not just any role. Example answer: “Once my part time job came to an end 5 months ago, I instantly started looking for a job which would allow me to push my career in the right direction, be impactful, as well as develop my skill sets. Whilst I’ve been to a number of interviews, I haven’t found the role that suits me yet. I’m particularly interested in the possibilities that this job would provide me, such as X, Y, Z”. 2. You've been looking after your children Clarify that you took time away to prioritise your family. Explain that you’re ready to get back into work and are looking for new challenges. Let them know why this particular role will be a good fit for you Example answer: “I became a father and needed to focus on my family and raising my daughter after leaving my last role. I am now eager to start working again and take on new responsibilities, pushing both my professional and personal development.” 3. You went back into education Explain the specific skills you wanted to gain or the qualifications you wished to require. Example answer: “I made the decision to return to education to enhance my career and upskill. Now that I’ve finished, I’ve been looking for new opportunities in which I can put these new skills to the test. When I saw this role, I thought it was an excellent fit and place I could add value. 4. You went travelling Be keen and enthusiastic that you’re now ready to return to work Explain why you decided to go travelling, whilst focusing on developing your new cultural understandings, broader mind set and personal development. Tell your potential employer what you like about the potential opportunities this role has to offer. Example answer: “I took a year out to be exposed to new perspectives and exciting environments by travelling to Cambodia and Thailand. Not only did I achieve my goals during this time, but I learnt valuable life lessons. I’m now ready to commit to the next stage of my life, as an executive data analyst. I’m impressed by this agency’s commitment to both professional and personal development, as well as their desire to grow within the market, as well as their incentive on a healthy work balance life”. 5. You had to take time off due to illness Let them know that you’re ready to get back into work, highlighting why you think you’d be a good fit for the role. Don’t feel obliged to give specific information about the illness What did you do during your time. Did you volunteer locally, or develop a certain skill set, or keep up with certain industry news. Example answer: “I felt unable to continue within my previous job due to a recurring medical issue. However, I am now ready to return and make a meaningful impact within this role. It’s a position which very much suits my skill set, fits my values and gives me the opportunity to make a difference every day.” 6. You were caring for a relative Make it clear that your relative has now recovered or is being supported elsewhere. Be enthusiastic and state that you’re ready to start work again. You don’t need to provide any information into the cause of the illness or your caring responsibilities. Example answer: “I had to leave my previous job to care for one of my family members. I’ve done this for the past year. My relative is now being looked after fully, so I’ve started looking for a job again. I am now looking for a role within a new and dynamic company that will allow me to build on my current skill set, as well as thinking this opportunity was a good fit.” Remember that there’s no shame in having gaps in your CV. Gaps in your career isn’t something you should hide from an interviewer. So, when you’re asked about any gaps on your CV by an interviewer, answer honestly and confidently, give concrete examples of how you’ve used your time outside of work, and why you’re enthusiastic about the role you have applied for. To discover further insights into how automation is impacting jobs and the steps you can take to prepare, request your copy of the Hays What Workers Want Report 2019. About this author Thea is responsible for the UK & I marketing team as well as driving the strategic direction of the marketing function, looking closely at opportunities for growth, positioning in the marketplace and sales support. She was appointed to the Hays UK & I Board in July 2017, following joining the UK business in the summer of 2016. Prior to her current role she was the Vice President of Marketing for the Hays Americas business, joining the business in 2012. Under her management she built the marketing function from general support to a strategic driver of sales, establishing a central marketing unit supporting Canada, US and four Latin American countries.
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Skype to success in 10 steps
Skype interviews have become a common feature of the recruitment process, so don’t be surprised if your prospective employer suggests a virtual meet-up ahead of a face-to-face interview. Instead, use these steps to prepare your brilliant (virtual) first impression. 1. Set the scene First and foremost, think about where you are going to have your Skype interview – your home office? Your bedroom? Your kitchen? Wherever you choose, the lighting must be right – try to avoid direct light sources or bright objects behind you as this will create a shadowy silhouette. Think about what the interviewer will see in frame when looking behind you. The background needs to be clear and not distracting. The interviewer’s attention needs to be firmly on you. Once you have set up your ‘interview room’, make sure you’re not risking family, friends or even pets walking in when the interview is taking place. Let them know ahead of time that you have an interview, and then close the door to keep out any external noise. 2. Test it out The day before your Skype interview, have a test run. Organise a test call with a family member, friend or use the automated playback feature – this will ensure that the camera and microphone both work. Run through some interview questions and answers and ask the family member or friend to provide you with any feedback. 3. Practice It’ll probably feel strange doing this. However, video recording yourself speaking your interview answers out loud is a great way to check your body language. It also gives you a final opportunity to test your Skype settings, the lighting and sound quality. You won’t want to suddenly become aware of these issues during the interview itself! 4. Make your account more professional The first thing that your interviewer will see is your Skype profile photo and username, so ensure both are suitable and depict you in a professional light. If you already have a personal Skype account, you could create a new account you can use just for interviewing. 5. Keep notes off screen Before the interview, print off your CV and prepare questions to ask at the end. Make sure your notes are out of shot but clearly visible to you to use as springboards or prompts. This will help limit the risk of being tempted to look down and simply read from your CV, thus not maintaining eye contact with the interviewer. On interview day… 6. Get in early Treat the Skype call the same way you would a conventional interview – turn up early. Start the program up and have everything in place at least 10 minutes before the interview start time. This will ensure you are ready and waiting when the interviewer dials in – the last thing you want to do is keep the interviewer waiting. 7. Dress for the job you want Whilst you may be taking the Skype interview from the comfort of your own home, you should still dress as you would for a face-to-face interview – even on your lower half (you never know if you’ll need to stand up!). Getting fully dressed up for the interview makes you look professional, but also helps to put you in the right mindset for a formal conversation with a potential employer. 8. Be engaged Try to forget that you’re talking to a screen, react to your interviewer as you would in person, by nodding and agreeing, keeping your body language positive and engaging. However don’t overdo it, and be careful not to come across as unnaturally animated. 9. Keep calm, carry on Even if you’ve done all the above perfectly, you’re still at the mercy of the machine. Tech problems or issues with your internet connection may occur at any time. It’s important in these situations to stay calm. How you react when things don’t go as planned will reveal to your employer your ability to calmly and proactively tackle difficult situations. Have an alternative contact detail – a phone number or email address – on standby in case things go awry and you need to continue over a different channel. 10. Follow up After the interview, send a quick email via your recruiter to say you enjoyed talking to them and learning about the role and the company. Reinforce your interest in the role and say that you look forward to hearing from them soon. This sets you up nicely for the next conversation. Skype and other video interviews are becoming very standard, so it’s useful to remember these points and establish your own way of interviewing comfortably over the internet. Through dedicated preparation and planning, you can ensure your video interviews are always the most successful they can be. About this author Thea is responsible for the UK & I marketing team as well as driving the strategic direction of the marketing function, looking closely at opportunities for growth, positioning in the marketplace and sales support. She was appointed to the Hays UK & I Board in July 2017, following joining the UK business in the summer of 2016. Prior to her current role she was the Vice President of Marketing for the Hays Americas business, joining the business in 2012. Under her management she built the marketing function from general support to a strategic driver of sales, establishing a central marketing unit supporting Canada, US and four Latin American countries.
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