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Working in accounting and finance

Working in Accounting & Finance

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Working in accounting and finance

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​The field of accountancy and finance provides a wide range of fulfilling careers. It is an innovative, collaborative, and growing field, with rewarding and challenging job opportunities. Accountancy and finance personnel manage everything from an organisation's payroll to its annual budgets. This field is well-suited to people who are mathematically inclined and have a good eye for detail. The scope of tasks is broad and varied, allowing people a lot of room to manoeuvre in what is a crucial and influential component of every organisations.

1892 survey respondents
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Natasha Bevan, Associate Director, Cpl Finance Temp and Contract

​Natasha is the Associate Director of the Cpl Finance Temp and Contract division. She specialises in Senior Accountancy & Finance appointments, including Financial Accountant, Management Accountant, Financial/Business Analyst, Financial Reporting Accountant, Systems Accountant, GL & multilingual roles. Natasha is extremely personable, works with a varied portfolio of clients, and has successfully placed high profile Banking, Compliance, Funds and Shared Service Centres roles.

Natasha Bevan, Associate Director, Cpl Finance Temp and Contract

What are the best pathways to a career in accounting and finance?

The most effective way to start a successful career in accounting and finance is to first qualify as an accountant. And then, pursue professional training with one of the ‘Big 4’ firms (KPMG, EY, PwC, and Deloitte). Graduates who gain experience from these well-known companies will have better choices when looking to move roles. Training with more conventional firms will not, however, hamper career advancement opportunities for motivated candidates.

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What are the top soft skills needed for a career in accounting and finance?

Successful individuals in the accounting and finance field are equipped with outstanding communication and presentation skills. People seeking work in the accounting and finance arena must have an aptitude for problem-solving, attention to detail, and be able to think on their feet.

What benefits can accounting and finance candidates expect to be offered?

Accounting and finance professionals can expect an array of attractive benefits, such as a company pension plan, medical insurance, annual bonuses and even equity participation. With these perks comes stability and security that provide the perfect foundation for a successful career. Furthermore, there are significant opportunities for growth within the industry, with many accountants and financiers rising to the highest ranks within organisations

What is the difference between SMB and enterprise benefit offerings in accounting and finance?

Enterprise organisations tend to provide more attractive benefit packages to accounting and finance candidates than small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) do. These benefits include higher pensions, healthcare coverage for the employee's entire family, and generous bonuses. SMBs may not be able to offer as much in terms of benefits, but they can still provide excellent opportunities for career progression.

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1042 survey respondents

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What flexible working arrangements can an accounting and finance candidate expect?

Modern businesses are increasingly offering flexible working arrangements to attract talented accounting and finance candidates. This flexibility can include a variety of different options, such as two days of home office work and three days on-site. This allows employees to balance their professional and personal commitments while still being able to excel in their field. ​

How does company size affect accounting and finance salaries?

The size of the organisation can significantly impact salaries within the accounting and finance industry. Larger multinational companies are more likely to offer higher salaries than their smaller counterparts. This is due to their superior ability to provide competitive salary packages and benefits for employees. Even with larger entities, salaries may vary depending on location and role.

How does higher education or other learning and development affect accounting and finance salaries?

Masters’ degrees and PhDs don’t tend to impact salaries in the accounting and finance sector significantly. Qualifications including, CPA, ACA, ACCA and CIMA are attractive, with ACA being a preference among many companies, depending on the industry.

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