You may have read various posts from me regarding my job situation, my dislike of practice and my current status, but I’m afraid here is another!

Quick overview:
- ACCA - 11/14 exams
- 3 years in practice as a trainee - mostly accounts prep, some audit, some man accounts, some forensic (analysis work), some tax (personal and corporation).
- Looking to move into a more industry type role - management accounting/budgeting/forecasting, that sort of thing.
- Earning £19k + study support (which I have to pay back so can essentially ignore this)
- 27 years old
- Living in Dorset, wish to stay in the area for the time being. I acknowledge that this may be a sticking point as all the opportunities are in the cities, London especially.

I’ve moaned a lot about my job, accountancy etc etc., but for now, as I have no idea what else I want to do, I’m going to carry on and just try to nail the final three exams just so that I can get the qualification. May as well after 3-4 years of doing it.

Not interested in audit, in fact I actively avoid it, so that avenue is closed as far as I am concerned. Would like to get into more of a business focused role - strategy, budgeting/forecasting. I feel that the only piece of work I’ve enjoyed in 3 years was a bit of work I did with a partner on the strategy of a business, admittedly it was the basics but to be involved in the meeting was good experience.

Not interested in general practice, particularly not interested in working to save private clients money etc., I know that sounds selfish but it’s honesty. If I am to make/save money for anyone, it needs to be myself. I feel that is the only reason to be in such an industry.

I acknowledge that my experience is limited at present, which is why I am DESPERATE to get out of the crappy small firm I currently work for. It adds nothing to my skill set or cv, it’s simply a comfortable wage for the time being. After a while, comfortable becomes boring and monotonous. I am not naive enough to think that I’ll particularly enjoy industry, but I may earn more for the equivalent effort/weekly hours. Maybe even feel more satisfaction in my work!

I’ve had a few interviews through agencies but they’ve gone very quiet of late so am looking for some advice as to where to head next.

Any thoughts/advice?

Any thoughts?

*bump*      .

well i think it is important to try to get a role that gives you job satisfaction..so particularly at your age, if you are not enjoying it start looking..

I would suggest initially look to stay in accountancy and finish your qualification, but in a different environment to your current one..

So smarten up your CV is a start…look for companies that do things that interest you…they all have a finance function. Don’t limit yourself to local applications…see if you get the offer and then decide to move and take it or to stay…its a real life choice then…

tailor each application and aim for loads..all perfectly presented and sent out (exam season not good to combine with this so better to get DEcember sitting done now and then go for it.

Hope that helps

Clare

c finch - September 13 2010 07:02 PM

well i think it is important to try to get a role that gives you job satisfaction..so particularly at your age, if you are not enjoying it start looking..

I would suggest initially look to stay in accountancy and finish your qualification, but in a different environment to your current one..

So smarten up your CV is a start…look for companies that do things that interest you…they all have a finance function. Don’t limit yourself to local applications…see if you get the offer and then decide to move and take it or to stay…its a real life choice then…

tailor each application and aim for loads..all perfectly presented and sent out (exam season not good to combine with this so better to get DEcember sitting done now and then go for it.

Hope that helps

Clare

Thanks, much appreciated.

Another question - I want to email a particular firm in the local area (nearby but bigger, more staff, more services etc.) about potential opportunities they may have but am a little unsure how to word it, particularly the opening line of the email. The problem is not knowing exactly what I am pitching myself for (Without saying that I abhor audit and corporate finance would be cool!) and how to say ‘I’d like a job, I’ve nearly finished ACCA but I’m not up for much more accounts prep’.

Any thoughts? Am I on a hiding to nothing?

what do they do..it is practice?
speculative e-mails can be successful but you need a bit of luck (right place, right time) and therefore many of them are usually necessary..always say you will follow up with a phone call..and be prepared to do it…

c finch - September 14 2010 03:42 PM

what do they do..it is practice?
speculative e-mails can be successful but you need a bit of luck (right place, right time) and therefore many of them are usually necessary..always say you will follow up with a phone call..and be prepared to do it…

It’s a practice, but with a lot more specialisms. 100+ staff etc v 10 staff currently.

I see…well to be honest you shouldn’t put any negatives in a spec application…so don’t mention at all what you don’t want to do!

Emphasise what you have a passion for instead..but be prepared for large probability of them wamting ‘more of the same’ from you..

However worth a shot..may offer a good move to use initially your current experience but the size ,may allow you to develop…a ‘stepping stone’ move should never be dismissed, on the grounds it doesn’t tick all your boxes immediately..especially if you are unhappy where you are.

However…don’t get distracted from studies and mess up in December…major push in Dec/Jan/Feb ....

Good luck

Clare

Anyone think it’s worth my while applying for the following job? I think it’s above my level but if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

http://www.accountancyagejobs.com/job/349245/management-accountant-12-month-contract/?DCMP=EMC-JOBALERT&email=jobsbyemail&lijbeid=2823729