Careers

Flying high

Want the job of your dreams? Witan Jardine's recent 'Leaders of Tomorrow' event was designed to get you where you want to be.

The opulent surroundings of Browns restaurant in London's Covent Garden played host to Witan Jardine's Leaders of Tomorrow event. Guests chatted over drinks before the seminar began, and consultants got to know the PQs and NQs who turned up in big numbers. The idea behind the event was to give students a unique opportunity to hear industry experts talk about what makes the 'leaders of tomorrow', and the key qualities they look for when recruiting. Witan Jardine also provided an overview of the market, skills in demand, hot recruitment areas and current employment prospects for part qualified accountants. Speakers from KPMG, IPC and law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges made presentations to the attendees.
A much-discussed issue in the recruitment world is the fact that accountants can no longer rely on simply having the skills on paper to do the job. "Practical knowledge in the workplace is key and you can't rely on your theoretical learning during your studies," says Jenny Pearce, marketing director at Witan Jardine. Employers are looking for candidates who fit in well with their style of working, who have appropriate experience, and who have the potential to go far. They are keen to invest in people, and in doing that they need to make sure they get the best person for the job. However, your educational background is still important. "A strong academic background will give you a competitive advantage – firsts and 2:1 degrees, A grades at A-level, and first time passes in your accountancy exams," says Pearce. "It helps if you've been to a recognised university, and have good and relevant qualifications like economics and accounting. This shows your interest in the sector. It's not impossible to excel in organisations if you don't have first time passes, but it helps you stand out."
But while you might have scored top marks in every one of your exams, bear in mind you need to be able to show an employer you can use this intelligence in the workplace, and that you can create and maintain good relationships with clients. One of the speakers at the event, Keith Dugdale from KPMG, indicated that this was one of the main skills they look for when recruiting PQs and NQs. "If you can demonstrate your strong communication skills, the ability to liaise with senior people and non-financial people in the business you will stand out," agrees Pearce. "During the interview it will be as much about your enthusiasm for the client and your personality fit to the team, as it will be about your technical ability." Dugdale also underlined in his presentation the fact that evidence and examples were key to a successful interview. Being able to demonstrate when you have used your skills in a previous role by means of describing the scenario is what interviewers are looking for.
Preparation, as in any interview situation, is key. If you prepare, you'll be more confident, you'll be more knowledgeable, and you'll be more likely to succeed. "If you're not already, familiarise yourself with relevant accountancy software packages that are used within the sector," advises Pearce. And learn about the company. As Dugdale mentioned in his presentation, many candidates interviewed by KPMG don't even look at their annual report. Information like this is easily available online, and there's really no excuse not to read it. Your potential employer will be expecting you to have read up on the company as much as possible – if you haven't, not only will it show, but they'll think you're not really that keen to have the job. "Show commitment to the sector – be prepared to explain why you are passionate and enthusiastic about working for that business," explains Pearce. If you're not keen and able to prove it – why will your employer be interested in you?
And don't worry if you get knocked back the first time, or the second time! Think of interview technique as a skill that needs practise. Sometimes it won't go well, other times it will. Learn from your mistakes, and move on. There's always more to learn, and the more you learn the more you can demonstrate this to your interviewer. "Challenge yourself," says Pearce, "don't stand still, look to do more and gain exposure to more areas of the business. Be hungry. Plan ahead – think how your work experience will get you where you want to go. You should consider making a career plan." This way, when you're asked where you see yourself in five years' time, you'll know exactly where you plan to be and be able to give a great answer.
Events like Witan Jardine's Leaders of Tomorrow are ideal opportunities to learn more about the industry and how to succeed within it. Pearce says: "PQ events are useful because it gives PQ accountants the chance to hear first-hand from employers what they look for in interview.
"It's also an opportunity to speak to consultants who recruit accountants everyday. You can get informal and practical advice on the realities of working in finance roles and how to make yourself stand out to potential employers." Look out for more events in the future, and get your foot on the ladder to a great career.

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