Have you Considered Quitting Your Job?

The old paradigm of a job for life, safe corporate jobs, a clear and linear career path and a guaranteed retirement plan is firmly in the past. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing and new ways of working are emerging from innovation, technology and changing societal patterns.

At the heart of making money lies the premise that you need to sell something, whether that is a tangible object or a service. So surrender yourself to the notion that you need to create something inherently useful for the benefit of others in order to be successful yourself.

Quitting Your Job & Joining the Growing Number of Brave Entrepreneurs?

If you're brave, you may in fact just find yourself quitting your job and a growing wave of brave entrepreneurs are shaking up the status quo and doing just that.

The fact is that a new world requires a new approach. The middle classes are disappearing and society is polarising. Yes, more people than ever have entered the upper-class bracket within the past year, but more people have also entered the working class or at least they would have done if those tired and rigid old definitions still rang true.

Traditional Jobs Already Becoming Redundant

The other thing to realise is that people are being replaced by technology, temporary staff, outsourcing and a general move to productive and efficient operational models. This means that traditional jobs are disappearing and many of the roles we learned about at school are already redundant.

Additionally, money is not the source of happiness. Salary increases are proven to provide marginal increases in happiness at best, above a certain basic level. This is because most people will spend what they make.

The Ideal Business Model for Those Quitting Their Job for Entrepreneurship

The new model means that more people are working in a diversified range of roles in various projects, so that no single person has the power to take a 'make or break' decision to either fulfil or destroy your life dreams. This can't happen overnight, but smart individuals are already planning ways to seek their own destinies. Those same people are also seeking projects and businesses that will satisfy a range of personal needs, whether they are physical, mental, emotional or even spiritual.

The best advice for getting started is to set your goals. Work out your objectives and the daily practices you need to put into place to achieve them. Seek to create real and genuine value for someone or a niche group of people. Ask how you can help others and you will learn to help yourself.

Technology Changing the Face of CFO's

CFO's will take a More Strategic Approach in the Future

The role CFO's play within a business will change in the future, as they take a more strategic approach to the company.

The increased use of technology and the greater reliance on outsourcing will take away some of the day-to-day operations performed by CFOs. This doesn't mean that their role will become redundant. Instead, their remit will change. As a CFO they work within different areas of the company and understand exactly what's happening across the board. They'll now have the time to use this knowledge to move the company forward. 

As well as changing the way CFOs work, technology will also alter the role that IT plays within a business. In the past, a business was concerned about the cost of IT and how they could reduce this. IT departments will increasingly be outsourced, changing them into a profit-centre and making them more cost efficient. 

These changes will ultimately lead to better performing teams, as the business becomes more competitive. The CFO will play an important role in driving IT projects forward and highlighting the business benefits.

Data is an important business tool and a CFO's role will be to make this area more cost efficient. An effective data strategy needs to extract as much useful information as possible from it. A CFO will need to report to the business how this data has been analysed and what advantages it has for the company. 

These databases are among the most important assets a company has and it's very important to understand the exact value they provide. A solid list of contacts is vital for any business and could be used as a hook for a competitor to bid for the company.

Not all businesses place enough emphasis on keeping data secure. One of the challenges for a CFO is to show how important data is to the business and the impact it would have on them if they lost it. This could be due to anything from an earthquake to a hacker. Companies shouldn't have an over-arching security package. Instead they should implement varying degrees of security based on the perceived level of threat and the importance of the data. 

As companies look to improve their profitability, it will be the responsibility of CFOs to create more cost-effective solutions that will help secure their future.

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The New Banking Reforms

There are two primary schools of thought. The first group thinks that the proposal represents a climb-down for Mr Osborne and that it opens up the topic of optimal structures for UK banking and creates fresh uncertainty for British banks in the process. The second group feel that this change will be largely cosmetic and the strength of feeling in this camp does clearly indicate how little regard the public now has for this beleaguered industry.

There is a possibility that the distant threat of break-up will focus the minds of each bank and provide a strong incentive to view the ring-fence in a genuine and serious way. However, even this change will mean little to the critics, who believe that both the Independent Banking Commission and the government should have pushed for clear separation from the beginning.

The problem is that if you believe that a ring-fence will be ineffective by nature, or that the government continues to allow the banks far too much leeway in setting their own terms, then you'll probably feel that the concept of 'electrifying' the ring-fence will make very little material difference. After all, let us not forget that even the world's most stringent ring-fence would not have been able to prevent the fall of Northern Rock, which didn't even have a 'risky' investment arm and instead had a basic mortgage and retail operation.

Written by David Archer of Circle Square - Financial Recruitment London

High-Stress Industries Take Their Toll on Body and Mind

Investment Bankers Health & Mental State

Large % of Bankers Turn to Alcohol

Many Investment Bankers Driven to Indulge in Illegal Substances

The nature of an investment banker's work is not sustainable in the long term and once the body has started to crash, the mind is sure to follow. Many bankers have begun to indulge in illegal substances, including cocaine and speed and these substances then trigger a need for over-the-counter drugs to reduce feelings of anxiety and prevent the body from crashing. Both legal and illegal substances can be very addictive, harming the body and mind whilst ensuring the user makes it through a day of work.

A Banker's World can Become Very Small

Investment bankers are by nature incredibly ambitious and will stop at nothing to reach the top or maintain a successful portfolio. A banker's world can become very small, especially if they only socialise with other people in their industry and never break ranks to enjoy their own downtime. The long-term health effects of continual pressure can cause personality disorders.

The blatant disregard of the need for a healthy mind and a healthy body are at the root of many investment bankers' main problems  A balance between work, leisure and healthy living needs to be attained in order for underlying issues to be addressed and not manifest as addiction or alcoholism.

Written by Andrew Pringle of Circle Square - Financial Recruitment London

If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Job Profiles. The profiles provide advice on the qualifications, skills and experience required for each career option. The job profiles also outline salary expectation, job responsibilities and career progression.

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Part-Time Jobs to Finance Your Studies

With the cost of living and studying on the increase from year to year, more students than ever are turning to part-time jobs to help finance their studies. But is working while you study really a feasible option? Here is what you need to know if you are considering it.

Depending on the subject you are studying, you are likely to have more or less time on your hands. However, while a science subject might take up more room on your timetable, don't forget that if you are studying for an arts degree and only have ten hours a week scheduled teaching time, you are still required to do a lot of reading. Therefore if you are seriously thinking about getting a job, make sure you leave enough time for your studies. You will also need to be organised and as committed to your job as you are to your degree your boss will most probably not be sympathetic about those deadlines you have known about for months. 

Many Universities Actually Discourage Students from Working Part-Time 

Particularly ones with intensive term schedules such as Oxford and Cambridge. Of course, it is possible to look for work outside term time, but bear in mind that you will probably have academic work to do during this time as well.

The Part-Time Opportunities Available are unlikely to Enhance Your CV

If it is work experience you are looking for, most jobs you can realistically hope to get as a student will not enhance your CV very much. You can expect part-time opportunities in bars, caffs or call-centres mostly unskilled jobs and paying little above the minimum wage. However, it is not impossible to find jobs in law firms or newspapers, though these are most often internships which cover only expenses rather than offering a wage as such. On the positive side, any work is always good experience. Not only does it give you an introduction to the working world and teach you the discipline you need to work with and for others, it can be a good way of meeting new people and socialising too.

Many Student Unions Advertise Job Opportunities

Of course, there are some students who really cannot complete their studies without supplementing their income. If this is the case for you, there are things you can do to make it work for you. Many student unions advertise job opportunities, which are likely to be understanding of students' circumstances. Some opportunities may even be within the university itself, in the student bar, shop or library. There are also websites and recruitment agencies which specialise in finding jobs for students. 

Make Sure You Have an Excellent Work Ethic

Once you have found a suitable position, always make sure that you have an excellent work ethic. This means turning up on time and giving notice if you need to take time ofthing an employer wants is an employee who lets their social life and hangovers get in the way of work avoid this at all costs. The key is to be organised and realistic about what you can achieve.

Finance and Accountancy Recruitment - Interim and Temporary Recruitment

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To contact one of our specialist financial recruitment consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: jobs@circlesquare.co.uk

Celebrate a Different Kind of Valentine's Day & a New Approach to Your Life & Career

Do you approach your life and work in a hungry way?

A New Way of Thinking About Your Career

Valentine's Day - The Perfect Time to adjust your Life & Career

Putting the Philosophy into Action

Valentine's Day & A New approach to Your Life & Work

Top CV Writting Tips - To Make your CV Rock

If you're keen to get ahead in your chosen career, then you need to make sure your CV is as strong as possible. Competition for the best roles is incredibly high and many employers will simply skim CVs to see which ones stand out. Others will disregard otherwise strong CVs for having basic errors in them. So don't risk being overlooked and follow our simple CV writing tips to improve the impact of your CV now.

CV Tips - Spelling and Grammar

CV writing is an art form and yet many people spend ages perfecting their prose without using their spell check. Even if the content of your CV is otherwise excellent, many recruiters will form a poor opinion of a candidate who is sloppy with presentation and grammar. It will suggest that your attention to detail is not good and that you struggle with written communication. 

Fix this simple error by ensuring that you carry out a detailed proof-read several times before submitting the finished version. Ideally, get a friend to read and check it too. And if you are still in doubt, consider using professional services such as Circle Square for the desired professional finish.

Vague Objectives in your CV

If you have clearly written your CV using a template and been vague in your personal statement and career objectives, the recruiter will think you are either scatter-gunning your CV out left, right and centre or you simply aren't sure of your skillset and ambitions. Avoid generic phrases and meaningless corporate jargon and employ descriptive language that explains your career goals.

Poor Formatting

Many recruiters will become cross-eyed with the volume of CVs they read. If the font is too small, the content cluttered or the presentation poor, they may simply give up and dismiss your hard work. Keep it as short as possible, ideally one page or two as a maximum and write concisely. There are plenty of formats available online, or you can use the services of a professional CV writing agency to ensure that your CV is presented to perfection.

Your CV Isn't Tailored to the Job

A template CV won't interest an employer. They will want to see that you are genuinely passionate about the job in question and keen to get into the company. You'll be overlooked in favour of other candidates who have tailored their CV to exactly match the job description and have shown their interest in doing so. Equally, by failing to incorporate the keywords used in the job description, you will find that automated software may reject your CV. So take the time and show your diligence in your application.

Actions and Accomplishments

Recruiters want to know what you have achieved in your role, rather than what you do each day. So don't simply list your jobs describe the achievements, results and company benefits that you have created through your efforts. This will interest the employer and illustrate your value in a graphic way.

Providing Too Much Information in your CV

Don't put details of every single position that you've ever worked in. Emphasise the outstanding accomplishments, skills and responsibilities and allow the recruiter 'space' to pick out the highlights. Show that you have the accomplishments and skills needed to do the job, but make sure that there are no gaps in your employment.

Incorrect Contact Details

This seems obvious, but it's a very common mistake. Many candidates submit old CVs to recruitment agencies and fail to put the correct contact details on it. Most recruiters don't have time to follow up and hunt you down. So check the basics carefully and provide a few routes to get in touch.

Incorrect References

Again, ensure that this information is accurate and that your listed referees are people that you would want to approach and ask for an assessment of your suitability for the role. A great reference from a former manager can be very powerful indeed. Recommendations from a former peer or colleague can be equally impressive. Make sure that their contact details are correct.

Failing to Include Interesting and Relevant Information. Don't just necessarily list your most recent roles - think about earlier jobs or responsibilities that show an interesting skillset that the hiring manager is likely to value. For example, telemarketing and sales might not be necessary for the job in question, but they can suggest that you have resilience and negotiation skills, which are ideal for the industry as a whole.

Creating the CV in an Unusual File Format

If you write your CV using Word, you run the risk that the recruiter is using a different version and this can cause difficulties. This is even more problematic if you use other word-processing programs. Always send your CV as a PDF file if you can.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square Talent

Other relevant  articles:

Interview Tips   Writing a Covering Letter    Common Job Interview Questions       

MBA`s what`s the real cost?     Answering Interview Questions    Resignation Advice

Moving on from Redundancy to a Better Career     Working whilst you study - Part-Time Jobs

Your new Job and the Probationary Period      Improve your Career By Improving your Contacts   

To search our current jobs

Accountancy & Finance Jobs   Private Equity Jobs  Capital Markets Jobs

Venture Capital Jobs   Real Estate Jobs   Interim & Temporary Jobs   Corporate Finance Jobs

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Tips on Choosing Your Next Employer in Accountancy or Finance

• It happens to us all at some stage. Whether we're at the start of our career, ready for a second strategic move into management, mid-way and seeking new
• challenges in a directorial or consultancy role or considering a sideways move into a specialist financial profession, it's only natural to be looking for the next career opportunity. 
• The right move will help to consolidate your existing experience and learning, offer a new step along your chosen career path and open up fresh opportunities. But to make sure
• that you really do pursue the right job openings, it's worth thinking about your personal drivers and position beforehand.

Research Finance & Accountancy Job Opportunities

• Find out what types of benefits and business opportunities are being offered at the sorts of employers you'd consider working for. It's also well worth considering what the core values of
• your next employer would be and how it ranks in terms of employee satisfaction and engagement. 

• This is because your work experience is far more than simply the monetary compensation you earn for your time, effort and skills. Your work fulfils a range of social, belonging and
• achievement needs, so you need to find an employer that will fit your own needs.

Target Firms - Are They the Right Cultural Fit for You?

• Measuring tangible benefits and salary packages is easy, but the element of corporate culture can be difficult
• to get a sense of, particularly from recruitment marketing materials. To get a sense of whether you would find a happy fit at a particular company, ask plenty of questions. 

Research Potential Finance & Accountancy Employers Work Culture

• Do online research to find news stories, case studies, awards and annual updates that will also provide you with interesting information. For example, a corporate social-responsibility
• programme can show a commitment to the more holistic side of business and offer a well-rounded employment experience. 

• International offices and a tendency to promote from within can suggest great opportunities for advancement. And a culture of innovation and empowerment suggests a lively and thriving
• working environment, where you will receive good rewards and experience the benefits of healthy employee engagement.

• If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Finance & Accountancy Job Profiles: CFO Job Description    
• Finance Manager Job Description    Project Accountant Job Description  Financial Accountant Job Description    Financial Controller Job Description    Management Accountant Job Description

We have also tailored advice on finance & accounting qualifications and career options - ACCA Qualification  ACA Qualification  CIMA Qualification  CPA Qualification  CA Qualification

Career Options - ACA Careers   CIMA Careers    ACCA Careers     CA Careers    CPA Careers

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

• 
  

  Interview Tips   Writing a Covering Letter    Common Job Interview Questions       

  MBA`s what`s the real cost?     Answering Interview Questions    Resignation Advice

  Moving on from Redundancy to a Better Career     Working whilst you study - Part-Time Jobs

Accountants More Trusted Than Bank Managers for Business Advice

The news that people are more likely to trust their accountants for business advice, more than their bank manager was published on Accountancy Age's website last December. Read the full article here. This seemingly small story was then "shared" via LinkedIn, "retweeted" on Twitter and "liked" through Facebook over 2000 times. The full research findings which are part of the Sage Omnibus survey, Written by Jim Scott the Managing Director of Sage Accountancy division. To read the full report: Sage Guide to Pulse Survey

Why Are Accountants Held in Higher Esteem as Business Advisors Than Banks? 

Why would it be that wise words from an accountant are held in higher esteem than the advice given by banks? Well, it's no secret that banks have been struggling in the last few years. The public have had their trust shattered with news of government bailouts alongside huge personal bonuses still being handed to bankers. 

The banking Crisis has hit Everyone.

Add to this the deep public spending cuts being introduced by the government and the press informing us just how much the banks have cost each one of us. The public is now very wary of trusting banks, deemed as the cause of our struggles, as business advisors. Accountants are being turned to as a more trusted source for business advice.

Accountants have also been given a hard time Over the Banking Crisis 

As auditors they have been accused of not doing enough to see the warning signs. Accountants might have turned a blind eye so have even been accused of complicity in the banking crisis. Accountants have also been criticised for their large fees and for the way they help multinationals deal with their tax affairs.

Are any of these issues straightforward? Of course they aren't. Accountants argue their role is to do the bidding of their customers within a legal framework as well as a contractual one. They claim the criticism of them is usually from badly informed politicians who are looking to deflect the spotlight from their own inadequacies.

The Banking Crisis is Causing a Lot of Firms to Change Direction. 

They are not as likely or even willing to dance around legislation with the HMRC as they used to. The general mood is that it is not the way you do business anymore.

Some have commented that accountants are simply relieved they are more popular and more trusted than bankers.

Without Accountants, Auditors and Tax Advisors, the HMRC Wouldn't be able to Operate. 

Businesses and individuals would have a difficult time preparing their accounts. Creditors too would end up with less without the support of experts in the field.

People in the Accountancy industry should be very proud of their work because they are doing a very important job. Recognition of this fact through events such as British Accountancy Awards can only help.

Accountants More Trusted Than Bank Managers for Business Advice

Written By Adam Tachauer of Circle Square - To search all of our current jobs

If you are looking for a Finance or Accountancy Job our dedicated career advice section or more information on our finance & accountancy recruitment.

If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Finance & Accountancy Job Profiles: CFO Job Description    Finance Manager Job Description    Project Accountant Job Description    Financial Accountant Job Description    Financial Controller Job Description    Management Accountant Job Description

We have also tailored advice on finance & accounting qualifications and career options - ACCA Qualification  ACA Qualification    CIMA Qualification     CPA Qualification    CA Qualification

Career Options - ACA Careers    CIMA Careers    ACCA Careers    CA Careers    CPA Careers - Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

Related Posts: Accountancy Graduates on the Increase    The Areas CFOs Should Be Concentrating On  Financial Markets Point to More Positive Future Job Market    Which Accountancy Qualification for Banking?Increasing Pay Levels for Accountants    Advance Your Career in Accountancy & Finance with Personal Branding

Business Start-Ups on the Increase due to Rocky Job Market

The jobs market is still distinctively rocky and a more stable future is not looking likely any time soon. This has led an increasing number of people to head out on their own, start-up a business and become entrepreneurs. Are these just brave people taking a chance in life or is the entrepreneurial path one that more of us should be following?

When employees felt fairly stable in their chosen careers  becoming an entrepreneur was seen as a risky move. However, if you've already been made redundant, setting yourself up in business could give you the opportunity you need. There's no to risk to your job if you've already lost it.

The Increase in Business Start-ups….  Entrepreneurs

2012 was the year of the start-up enterprises, with the first increase in the number of new small businesses since 2008, according to the Centre for Policy Studies. Does this mean that we're heading towards a society of brave entrepreneurs? Research from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor indicates that we could be, with 20% of working-age people seriously thinking of starting up their own business.

In 2011, 7.3% of people started their own business, an increase from the 5.7% of 2009.

The Government Wants to Help

To help facilitate this entrepreneurial spirit, the government has created a number of schemes to provide better and easier access to financial assistance. They've allocated a total of 100m to help small businesses and also offer tax incentives for both investors and business owners.

Tax relief is available for companies that spend money on certain research and development (R&D) projects. This can help smaller businesses reduce their Corporation Tax liabilities by offering relief on up to 200% of the associated costs. There is also a new scheme that comes into effect from this April which will allow some businesses to pay a 10% rate of Corporation Tax. The Patent Box Scheme will see profits from projects related to intellectual property and patented inventions being subject to the lower rate of tax.

The government is encouraging investors to finance new entrepreneurs. 

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme offers tax relief to investors who buy shares in fledgling companies. This is designed to help the newest and smallest businesses generate finance in the very early stages.

Innovative Finance Opportunities

One of the main drivers of this new entrepreneurial spirit is the range of ways people can now finance their businesses. With banks not lending as much or as easily, these entrepreneurs have had to be even braver and more innovative in the way they raise money. One of these is through crowd funding. These are mainly internet-based schemes where new companies can sell shares to a number of different investors to raise funds. It helps to encourage those who have great ideas, but often lack the funds to take them forward.

You still need a certain element of bravery to go it alone in the business world. However, these forerunners of the new entrepreneurial society could give the economy the boost it needs and encourage more people to set up businesses.

Brave Start Entrepreneurs – Business Start-ups 

Written by Andrew Pringle of Circle Square Talent