Part Qualified Career Guide

020 7321 5000 www.markssattin.co.uk

Service Breadth

As you progress through your professional accounting

qualification there are many potential career

opportunities that are available to you. We know

how daunting this can be and have developed this

handbook to help you decide what the right move

might be for you.

This Part Qualified Career Guide will help guide

you through the wide range of career opportunities

available to you across different industries. It will

provide case studies for the routes that other

accountants have taken, as well as interview tips and

advice on how to get your ideal job.

We understand that whether you decide to stay where

you are or make the move it is important to carry out

as much research as possible beforehand about the

roles, locations and businesses on offer. With this in

mind, once you have digested the information and

identified your goals our experienced consultants will

be on hand to give you impartial advice and help you

find your next move.

Good luck!

Dave Way

Managing Director, Marks Sattin

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Contents

Career Op portunities 4 Commerce & Industry 4

Banking & Financial Services 4

Not-for-Profit 5

Public Sector 5

Typical Ro les 6 Management Accountant 6

Finance Analyst 6

Business Partner 7

Commercial Analyst 7

Business Analyst 8

Finance Manager 9

Candidate Profiles 10 Planning & Performance Analyst 10

Management Accountant 11

Internal Procurement FInance Manager 12

Salary Surveys 14

Interview Questions 15 Typical questions 16

Questions to ask the interviewer 17

Referral Schemes 19

Marks Sattin — What we can do for you 21

Contact us 23

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Career Opportunities

Encompassing a diverse range of sectors, the world of commerce & industry offers a vast array of opportunities. Part qualified accountants can work for large, blue chip companies and leading household brands, through to small / medium enterprises and smaller entrepreneurial businesses.

The roles available to you are varied and include commercial, analytical, operational and project focused roles across many sectors. Although certain career paths in specific or related sectors

are the norm, most skills are transferable within commerce & industry creating a versatile CV and career.

Part qualified accountants have a vast array of opportunities in all of the following sectors: media, advertising, energy, natural resources, FMCG, retail, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, professional services, publishing, technology, construction, manufacturing and property.

Banking and financial services can offer many positions that you simply will not find in other industries. Not only do the roles vary, but so do the opportunities for part qualified accountants within top tier banks through to small boutique banks and asset managers

London is a key hub in the financial world and offers an excellent platform on which to build a

career within financial services. Opportunities in core finance, business partnering and niche specialisations increase once qualified and open up numerous career paths.

Sectors include; investment banking, commercial banking, retail banking, insurance, asset management, investment management, brokers, private equity and hedge funds.

Commerce & Industry

Banking & Financial Services

5

Public Sector & Not for Profit

Not-for-Profit is an increasingly popular sector that has become far more commercial in its approach in recent years. As such, the sector can provide similar career opportunities to those within profit making sectors.

Similar to Commerce & Industry there is a mix of organisations ranging from large, high-profile brands equivalent in size to some FTSE 250 companies to a significant number of small and medium sized organisations.

The transition into a NFP organisation for someone with experience outside the sector is normally quite straightforward. The skills and experience gained in the commercial world are very transferable and in many cases highly sought after.

Sectors include; Arts & Heritage, Associations, Charities, Housing Associations, Membership Bodies, and Social Enterprises.

The Public Sector has had its fair share of headlines in the recent past and is in the process of its biggest shake up for many years. The past year has seen opportunities within the Public Sector diminish in much the same way as the private sector in 2008/09.

However there are still opportunities and if this is an area you are keen to work within they can still be found, albeit with greater perseverance! And as a result of the cuts, there is also the possibility

there will eventually be greater opportunities at the part qualified level in the coming years.

Factors that typically draw people to the Public Sector are the development and progression opportunities as well as the work life balance and benefits.

Sectors include; Education, Central Government, Local Government, NDPB’s, NHS, and Regulatory Bodies.

Not-for-Profit

Public Sector

“We are pro-active in our

approach and passionate about

securing you the perfect job.”Maddy

Carey — Financial Services London

6

Position & Prospects — Financial planning & analysis offers an overview and input into the business activities from a commercial, strategic and planning angle. This area

encourages the development of excellent business knowledge, exposure to senior level management and decision making.

There is also a need for a rounded understanding of the market place and competitors in order to anticipate any up-coming issues for the business. If you are successful within FP&A it will provide a stepping stone for you to move into roles such as Commercial Director or Strategy Director.

Person — This is a very competitive area and requires commercially aware, analytically

minded and entrepreneurial characters. Common sense and business acumen will prevail over strong academics.

Finance Analyst

Position & Prospects — A typical role for a part qualified accountant to aspire to as they progress through or complete their studies. This role is vital in supporting the business decision

makers and requires a mix of technical and commercial expertise. The position allows progression towards Finance Manager and FP&A roles with the opportunity of further development into FC or FD roles.

The role will include the preparation, presentation and analysis of monthly management and financial information. A Management Accountant provides commentary and variance analysis and is often involved in budgeting and forecasting.

Person— Good presentation skills, both written and verbal are often required.

Management Accountants must be technically strong, commercially aware and good communicators who can act as an inter-company ambassador for the finance function.

Management Accountant

Typical roles

Typical job titles will include:

Management Accountant | Business Analyst | Finance Analyst Commercial Analyst | Business Partner | Finance Manager

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Position & Prospects — The phrase “what is in a title” probably rings true here as well. In many respects a Commercial Analyst will in all likelihood be very similar to either a Finance

Analyst or a Business Partner. A Commercial Analyst might split their time 50/50 between the business, typically sales or marketing, and finance often acting as a link between the two.

A lot of the work a Commercial Analyst will undertake will be forward looking and typically predict sales, yields, unit costs and future performance. However the differences between a Commercial Analyst, a Finance Analyst or a Business Partner are very few and in many cases not existent.

Person — Once again strong commercial skills and effective communication skills are

essential. The ability to relate finance back to the business is key and the work will once again working with finance and non-finance teams.

Commercial Analyst

Position & Prospects — Although these types of roles have been around for years the term “Business Partner” has grown significantly in popularity in recent times. As the title

suggests, the role usually involves partnering a business unit (IT, HR, Legal etc) where you will be responsible for preparing management accounts, financial analysis, providing financial commentary and communicating these invariably to non-Finance Managers.

The role is arguably more prevalent within banking and also involves assisting department heads and senior management in their decision making. Budgeting, forecasting and planning will make up a significant proportion of the role.

Person — This is the perfect role for someone looking to work within a large organisation but still

feel close to the business. The role will require good communication skills, strong commercial awareness and the ability to work with both finance and non-finance contacts.

Business Partner

Position & Prospects — As with any position, it is always good to look beyond a job title. This is especially the case with Business Analyst roles. The main difference between a Business

Analyst and a Finance Analyst is that former is normally more technical and the latter more commercial, although there can of course be overlaps.

A Business Analyst in an accounting sense will normally work with other departments in developing processes and controls. More technically focused in the sense the role might require you to work more closely with IT / Systems, example duties could include preparation of complex models or streamlining reporting processes.

Person — An enthusiasm for processes and a keen eye for detail are usually prerequisites, you will be

analytically mined with the ability to offer solutions some of which could be quite complex. The ability to work and communicate with non-finance teams is also a must have.

Business Analyst

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“Marks Sattin have more than

30 years experience working

with many of the world’s leading

organisations including FTSE 100

and Fortune 250.”

Position & Prospects — A typical Finance Manager will have an overarching responsibility for a function. In some cases this can be narrow; managing a transactional

team i.e. AR or AP, and in others broad; overseeing a number of functions i.e. transactional accounting, financial accounts and management accounts. A Finance Manager might manage anything from 0-10+ people and again when considering this sort of role it is important to understand the duties and responsibilities beyond the title.

The role is arguably more attainable to a CIMA / ACCA candidate (as opposed to a newly qualified CA) as you would have already gained a good practical understanding of a finance function whilst studying. Future progression can be obtained by managing larger teams or moving into Head of Finance or Financial Controller positions.

Person — Typically you will have gained strong all round experience within the finance arena

thus giving you the ability to handle a range of finance responsibilities. It is likely you will need to manage people and act as a primary point of contact within a finance team.

Finance Manager

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candidates actively recommend us to friends or colleagues.

6/10

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NameRobert

EducationLoughborough University BSc Maths and Accounting with Financial Management (1st)

QualificationPart Qual CIMA

Previous companyEDS

Current Position/ EmployerPlanning & Performance Analyst – Talk Talk

How I got here After spending 3 successful years at EDS I felt I had reached a stage where my future development would

be better placed elsewhere. Having considered internal options I decided that I would look externally and within 1 month of job searching I was placed at Talk Talk.

Advice for other CIMA’s Although money was an important factor this wasn’t my primary consideration when accepting a new position. I needed a company that could offer a better role coupled with good future career prospects. Although the market at the time wasn’t at its strongest I was still fortunate enough to have a number of good options presented to me.

My advice would be to look beyond the job titles and the salaries and assess if the role will challenge you enough in the short term, and whether it is with a company that can help facilitate longer term career development.

Robert, Planning & Performance Analyst

“Although the market at the

time wasn’t at its strongest I

was still fortunate enough to

have a number of good options

presented to me.”

NameArti

EducationCoventry University BA Hons Economics

QualificationPart Qual ACCA

Previous CompanySwatch Group

Current Position/ EmployerManagement Accountant – Hackett

How I got here Having spent a little over 3 years at Swatch I was unfortunately made redundant. After leaving I secured a

contract role but was keen to find a permanent position with a company that could develop my skills and experience in line with my ACCA studies. Utilising my background at Swatch I successfully managed to secure a Management Accountant role with Hackett.

Advice for other CIMA’s Whilst disappointed to leave Swatch it did act as a catalyst that enabled me to find myself a new role. Rather than rush into the wrong role, I took a contract which allowed me more time to find a suitable permanent position, and added to my skill set and experience.

Having progressed well in my previous roles this was a key consideration when searching for my next permanent role. The opportunity at Hackett was perfect. The companies future plan and culture excited me and the Management Accountant role allowed me to combine and build on the skills and experience I had already gained.

Based on my experience I would advise those searching for a new position to not just consider the role they want next but also where they plan to be in 2, 3 or 5 years time. Make sure the role and company can offer a path that helps you achieve your future career aspirations.

Arti, Management Accountant

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“In any job search it’s important

to have a clear understanding of

what you want/need from your

next move.”

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NameArif

EducationUniversity of Hertfordshire BA Business Studies (2:1)

QualificationACMA

Current Position/ EmployerInternal Procurement Finance Manger – BP

How I got here I approached Marks Sattin whilst working for O2. Although my time there had been successful and I had learnt a

great deal, after 3 years I wanted to experience a fresh challenge within a new market.

I contacted Marks Sattin as they placed me at O2 and I started a new search. I was presented with an opportunity at BP which I saw as a excellent avenue into the business. An interview was secured and the whole process took two weeks from first round to offer stage, which I happily accepted.

Advice for other CIMA’s In any job search it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want/need from your next move i.e. clearly identifying the reasons for leaving and understanding the most important factors for you moving forward.

If you fail to clarify these points a job search can become frustrating. What impressed me with Marks Sattin is their ability to listen to these key points. The consultant who originally placed me at O2 (and then BP) fully understood my needs and how to effectively market my CV.

The level of professionalism and efficiency of the BP process was also very impressive, as was the level of preparation and attention to detail offered by my consultant which gave me a great deal of confidence to impress.

Arif, Internal Procurement FInance Manager

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Stage of Study

Salary Hourly Rate

Finalist £35-45k £18-25

Managerial / Professional £28-35k £14-18

Fundamental / Operational £24-30k £12-15

Qualified

Salary Daily Rate

Newly Qualified <1yr PQE £40-50k £200-250

1-2 years PQE £45-55k £225-300

3-5 years PQE £55-70k £300-450

Financial Controller £65–80k £neg

Financial Director £70–100k+ £neg

By Position - Part Qualified

Salary Hourly Rate

Finance Manager £30-45k £15-30

Management Accountant £30-45k £15-25

Financial Accountant £30-40k £15-25

Finance Analyst £30-45k £15-25

Assistant Accountant £25-32k £13-17

Project Accountant £28-45k £14-25

A regularly updated salary guide can be found on our website at:

www.markssattin.co.uk/what-am-i-worth,

however in order to obtain a more tailored review contact us on 020 7321 5000.

Salary Surveys

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Stage of Study

Salary Hourly Rate

Finalist £35-45k £18-25

Managerial / Professional £28-35k £14-18

Fundamental / Operational £24-30k £12-15

Qualified

Salary Daily Rate

Newly Qualified <1yr PQE £40-50k £200-250

1-2 years PQE £45-55k £225-300

3-5 years PQE £55-70k £300-450

Financial Controller £65–80k £neg

Financial Director £70–100k+ £neg

An employer’s objective in an interview is to build a detailed picture of your competencies, skills and

personality in order to assess whether you have the correct skill set and cultural fit for the business.

There are a number of interview questions that are commonly asked, and we would recommend that

you prepare your answers in advance. Most of the questions that you will be asked will be about your

previous roles, so it is definitely worth preparing examples that show:

Skills Experience Technical knowledge

It is always worth remembering that when responding to questions to keep your responses concise

and relevant. Make sure you sell yourself and your ability through using a variety of examples that

reflect different aspects of your experience.

A good interviewer will provide the arena for you to sell yourself at interview. Make sure you have

reread your CV beforehand and you have considered what benefit your skills and experience can

offer your potential new employer.

Interview questions

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Behavioural Questions – Interviewers will often use these type of questions to find out more about your personality, asking questions that require you to refer to specific experiences from your past.

Q: Has your career met your expectations?

(What they want to know: Are you confident,

positive, ambitious?)

A: Answer must be a resounding “YES”,

however, if you feel you are moving too slowly,

then give reasons for this.

Q: What are your weaknesses?

A: Don’t say “none” - we all have some. There

are two options available: use a professional

weakness such as lack of experience on your

part in an area that is not essential to the job

on offer. The second option is to describe a

weakness that could also be considered a

strength and the steps that you have taken to

combat this.

Q: What decisions do you find difficult to make?

(What they want to know: Are you decisive?)

A: Your answer must not display weakness -

focus on decisions that have to be made

without sufficient information.

Q: Why are you leaving your current employer?

A: Looking for more challenge, responsibility

and experience. DO NOT be negative in your

reasons for leaving.

Q: Tell me about a difficult situation that you

have been in at work and how you overcame

it?

A: Employers use this question to try and gauge

what you see as difficult situations and if you

are able to show a logical approach to how

you solve problems. Always aim to show

yourself in a positive light.

Competency Questions – These questions are used quite often used to align your past work experience with the specific competencies that are required for the job you are interviewing for, such as:

Q: Describe your achievements to date: (What

they want to know: Are you successful?)

A: Select an achievement that is career related.

Identify the skills you used in this situation

and quantify the benefit.

Industry Specific Questions – Here the interviewer wants to see how much you know about their industry. It is important that you do your research here to ensure that you know about the company, its industry and its competitors, such as:

Q: Why do you want to work for this company?

(What they want to know: Are you prepared,

knowledgeable? What is the image of the

company externally?)

A: Show you have researched into the firm’s

position in the market, what the company’s

strategy is, how long the particular

department you are interviewing for has been

around and what their corporate image is.

Typical questions

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Q: How has this position become vacant?

Q: What will my role entail?

Q: What will my daily routine involve?

Q: How does my role fit into the overall department?

Q: How will my performance be monitored?

Q: Who will I report to?

Q: Will anyone report to me?

Q: What are the opportunities for training and professional development?

Q: Where is your company going?

Q: Are there any expansion plans?

Q: Will this position involve travelling?

Q: What is the objective of this organisation/department/team?

Q: How does the culture compare to elsewhere?

Q: What sort of person does well here?

Q: How might I influence my own future here?

Q: Which of my skills are required for this job?

Q: How will this role satisfy my drive for success?

Q: What is the work environment like?

Q: What is it about this organisation that you (the interviewer) enjoy?

Q: If I’m as successful in this position as I should be, what might I be doing after a year? After two years?

Don’t forget that this is also your opportunity to find out more about the organisation, and the

position, so we recommend that you have a few questions ready to ask them. Here are some

examples that you might find helpful:

Questions to ask the interviewer

“How will this role satisfy

my drive for success?”

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“Marks Sattin candidates are

not treated like commodities. Our

aim is to understand you better

than anyone else.”

19

For any friend or colleague recommended to us and subsequently placed for a minimum of three

months we will reward you. There is no restriction on the number of people you can refer, so submit a

referral to claim your reward.

A referred candidate placed in a permanent role will grant the referrer

up to £100 in their choice of vouchers depending on

the level.

A referred candidate placed in a 6+ month temp / contract role will

grant the referrer a £50 Virgin Voucher.

A referred candidate placed in a 1-6 month temp / contract role will

grant the referrer a £30 Virgin Voucher

We are always interested in receiving referrals from our candidates, as good people often know other

good people.

To refer a friend all you need to do is go online to our refer a friend section on our website or email

the details to: referral.uk@markssattin.com

...and we will take it from there.

Referral Schemes

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“I was treated professionally by

all the consultants that I dealt with

at Marks Sattin. Their enthusiasm,

market knowledge and personable

approach set them apart from the rest

and assisted me in making the right

choice for my future development.

With the support from the company

I was placed at, I hope to be fully

qualified within a year.”CIMA Managerial

– placed with online gaming company

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Assist you in preparing the most effective

CV for the jobs you wish to apply for

Provide confidential and impartial advice on

your career path and the options available

to you, including potential skills that are

likely to be in demand

Provide a full consultative service with no

obligation to register with us

Inform you of relevant vacancies as soon as

we hear of them

Keep you up to date with market trends,

employment legislation and salary levels

across the industry

Prepare you for interviews by providing

you with a full interview pack with detailed

information on the company you are

interviewing with, press releases, interview

techniques and typical questions

Provide detailed feedback from the client

after interview with suggestions for future

interviews if unsuccessful

Negotiate contract details including salary

expectations on your behalf to ensure you

receive the best rate possible

Provide continual support from initial

registration through placement, salary

negotiations and after you move

Contact permanent candidates once a

fortnight whilst looking for work; quarterly

once an assignment has started

Conducting end of placement feedback

interviews, these can be carried out by

email, phone, face to face or freepost

“We can negotiate contract

details including salary

expectations on your behalf to

ensure you receive the best

rate possible”

Marks Sattin – What we can do for you

22

“We can provide a full

consultative service with no

obligation to register with us.”

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You have read the booklet and explored your options, now send us

your CV to kick start your career.

Our consultants are well placed to advise you on opportunities, career

paths, market trends, and salaries. Please contact us to discuss

further:

Mark ThomasDirector - Part Qualified & Transactional Accounting Division

t: +44 (0)20 7747 9702

e: mark.thomas@markssattin.com

w: www.markssattin.co.uk/part-qualified-and-transactional

Warren Hilton Manager - Part Qualified & Transactional Accounting Team (Temporary)

t: +44 (0)20 7747 9742

e: warren.hilton@markssattin.com

w: www.markssattin.co.uk/part-qualified-and-transactional

Carmine Scalzo Manager - Part Qualified Team (Permanent)

t: +44 (0)20 7747 9755

e: carmine.scalzo@markssattin.com

w: www.markssattin.co.uk/part-qualified-and-transactional

Contact us

020 7321 5000

www.markssattin.co.uk