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How to find the perfect Finance role

Kate Allen, Executive Chair and Marketing Director, Allen Associates

There are many reasons to pursue a career in Finance.

It’s true, there is a great deal of satisfaction and ownership to be uncovered in the finance world, with 41% of Accountants admitting that they love their job as it gives them a chance to independently problem solve.

So, when progressing to higher levels in your career, it can be useful to analyse your wants and needs, to ensure the path is continuously paved with gold.

It’s true, there is a great deal of satisfaction and ownership to be uncovered in the finance world, with 41% of Accountants admitting that they love their job as it gives them a chance to independently problem solve.

So, when progressing to higher levels in your career, it can be useful to analyse your wants and needs, to ensure the path is continuously paved with gold.

What training can you obtain from your next opportunity?

When starting out as an Accountant it is very common, as part of a perks package, to be offered various forms of internal and external training. There are many additional qualifications to obtain – the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) qualifications, for example.

These incentives don’t necessarily have to stop as you climb the rungs of the career ladder and gain seniority. When approaching a new role, think about what you want to get from it. Are you looking to reach management level and want to be offered the experience, training and opportunity to do so? Whatever your inclination, be bold, and don’t be afraid to look at alternative options if your current company is not offering the progression structure and timeframe that appeals to you.

Set your sights high

There is tremendous room for growth in Finance. Not only have jobs been referred to as ‘recession proof’, but the market is growing exponentially. The areas you can specialise in range from banking and accounting, to insurance. The opportunities to grow are endless.

Working in Finance is also a great way to build on your global network. Some of the largest financial hubs in the world are outside Europe, and the increasing use of technology in finance is facilitating more effective communication between worldwide networks. Additionally, working in a profession that boasts so many opportunities to travel allows you to keep your future options open. Who knows where in the world you could end up working?

Strive for the top-level salaries

Another key pull in Finance is the opportunity for progression, linked to earning potential. As you make that transition from Junior Project Accountant to Management Accountant to Senior Management Accountant, the salary jumps can be as much as £10-15K with each leap. When aiming to land that perfect Finance role, it is important to match your skills and experience to the position, whilst also going for the company that offers you the most potential to develop.

With the diverse range of skills necessary to progress in Finance, the power is really with you. Consistent progression of tech-based skills, time-management and leadership skills is going to set you apart and make you undeniably hireable throughout your career. So, give yourself the opportunity in each role to refine these skills and the quest for the perfect role won’t be so hard as finding the real pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

We hire for professional Finance positions in all levels within Oxfordshire and London. See what we have on offer here.

Over the last 20 years, we have grown as a business to become one of the leading independent Recruitment agencies in Oxfordshire, and in 2018 have opened our first London office, to service Clients in the capital.