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Accounting for your career

Despite the recession there are still plenty of opportunities out there for accountants, although, with competition stiff, you will need to be flexible and committed to impress employers.

While the recession has taken its toll on almost every industry and profession in Ireland, accountancy is holding up remarkably well. In fact, now is a good time to be an accountant as, according to recruitment agencies, there has been a significant increase in accountancy jobs on the market over the past six months. Sigmar has seen an almost 20pc increase in accountancy recruitment since last summer, while Hays is reporting a 35pc rise in permanent positions on offer since November.

According to Careers Register, the accountancy and finance arm of the CPL Group, the busiest sectors include insurance, pharmaceuticals and banking. Hays is seeing an increase in roles in financial services, energy and waste management, and IT has been resilient throughout. Meanwhile, Sigmar is seeing the biggest demand in risk, compliance and auditing areas, while Robert Half has seen an increase in the motor trade.

“Bigger companies are starting to recruit again. The Irish SME market is very tough because companies are really struggling with cash flow, but the larger multinationals are hiring,” says Paul McClatchie of Careers Register.

Increase in contract positions

All of the recruiters have seen an increase in the number of contract positions available, but say this shouldn’t discourage potential candidates. “A lot of companies are doing ‘try before you buy’. They’re taking people on on a contract basis, but not  necessarily on a temporary basis. They’re seeing how things go, and if they go well they’ll take the people on permanently. There are definitely career opportunities now,” says Ken Harbourne of Robert Half.

Malwina Koperwas of Sigmar agrees: “We’re definitely placing many more contract positions as opposed to permanent roles, and very often they lead into permanent employment. People can be discouraged by contracts but sometimes they can be as good as permanent jobs; in any case, even if you’re in a permanent job there are no guarantees,” she says.

The evolution of accountancy roles during the recession has meant that accountants are now taking on more tasks and having to diversify. However, Koperwas believes this is a positive move, as it allows accountants to develop their skills, which will ultimately lead to greater opportunities. “Due to the fact that all employers had to consolidate roles and cut costs, the majority of jobs at the moment have a wider scope. Those jobs are more interesting, multidisciplinary and enable people to use all of  their skills as opposed to feeling restricted and pigeonholed,” she says.

Competition for jobs remains high

The downside of the recession is that, although the accountancy jobs market is recovering, competition for jobs remains very high. “The calibre of person in the market has improved. There are exceptional people who are going for jobs. When you go for an interview now you’re up against real talent. For the first time we’re getting super candidates going for jobs and not getting them,” says Harbourne.

“Clients are being very strategic in their hires. They’re looking for candidates who are the right fit and they’re willing to hold out until they find the perfect person,” confirms Maureen Lynch of Hays.

When applying for a new position, Dave Riordan of Careers Register says it is necessary to invest a lot of time in honing your CV, including tweaking it for each role you apply for, and researching the company and the market. “The key is for candidates to differentiate themselves, find their own specialisms and be much more strategic in their approach to finding jobs at the moment. The more organised you are about it the more you boost your prospects.”

At interview stage you have to be very prepared and have done your research, says Lynch. “Prepare in the same way as if you were doing your final exams. In the interview there at two things you have to do – one is to convince the employer that you can do the job, and the other is to convince the employer that you want the job. The second is as important as the first. You might have all the skills and experience in the world, you might be exactly what they’re looking for on paper, but if you don’t convince them that you want the job they’re not going to hire you.

“It’s very tough for graduates at the moment. My advice would be don’t be driven by the bottom line at this stage in your careers, right now experience is absolutely key. Even if it’s just a short-term opportunity, it can give you the experience you require. Even if you have to work for free, work for free,” she says.

Harbourne agrees. “My advice for somebody who’s a graduate would be to get into an organisation. Offer your services for free – see it as your own internship. That’s how you gain experience and you can target specific organisations you want to work with.

“Unpaid internships are commonplace on the continent. For a graduate with no experience the only way to get ahead is for people to see how hard-working you are,” he says.

At Careers Register, they are also advising accountants to make the most of opportunities to upskill and undertake further training. “It’s the accountants who are highly qualified who are getting the opportunities – the ones who are doing extra courses, who are expanding their horizons and looking at all sorts of salary and location options and are willing to travel,” says Riordan.

Opportunites for travel

A willingness to travel is something that Harbourne also encourages, saying there are real professional opportunities in London, Edinburgh and Zurich right now. “I think it looks really good to have international experience on your CV – it shows huge initiative and great drive. Employers consider international experience very highly on a CV. You can move up the ladder very quickly if you’re internationally flexible,” he says.

And when it come to looking for jobs in the current market, flexibility is key. “You need to be flexible on your salary, location, benefits, and that goes for graduates right up to qualified accountants with experience,” affirms Lynch.

Source:

www.businessandleadership.com

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IBAT Dublin City Campus

IBAT College,
16-19 Wellington Quay,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

Call +353-1-8075055
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