Accountancy Graduates on the Increase

Figures recently released by the Big Four reveal an unprecedented level of interest from graduates and school leavers this year.

Over the last five years, despite the global economic crisis, the number of applications for graduate roles at PwC, for instance, has more than tripled from around 7,000 to over 22,000. Although the number of graduate places offered by the firm has increased by around 17% during this time period, there are still only 1100 available, so competition is intense.

Gaenor Bagley, Head of People at PwC, has stated that the industry needs a solid pipeline of talent to attain the growth rates expected for the sector - she is confident that PwC's investment through the downturn has paid off and will positively impact the firm's growth plan.

PwC's chairman, Ian Powell, has spoken to the Telegraph on the subject and described the tricky situation of having to interview nearly 7,000 candidates. The sheer number will mean that a lot of people have to be eliminated on paper. So Powell is fearful of losing some diversity of background and experience from those joining the firm.

Deloitte has responded to the overall increase in demand by offering one of the largest numbers of places for graduates it now totals 1200, which is almost 10% up on 2011.

KPMG has also benefited from the surge in graduate interest - the firm has received 21,000 applications for its graduate scheme, which offers 650 spaces. This figure is up significantly from 18,500 last year. At the same time, prospective candidates for its school-leaver programme increased from 1200 last year to 1900   for only 150 positions.

Ernst & Young is in a similar situation with its school-leaver training scheme   the firm is almost doubling the number of places available on the scheme from 80 to 150 due to increased demand, with applications up 25% on last year. Additionally, graduate job applications at the firm are up an incredible 140%, making the chances of securing a place slimmer than ever before.

Stephen Isherwood, the head of graduate recruitment, said the firm had received four applications for every place on the graduate trainee scheme - so students should get organised and start applying if they want to get their dream job secured after university. He added that the firm's applications were opened three months earlier than two years ago and places were already starting to fill up.

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

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

Now is the Time for an Accountancy Job as Salaries Rise

Accountancy & the Financial Sector Flourishing with Growing Job Opportunities

Accountants Salaries Have Risen Significantly in Recent Years

Accountancy is Proving a Sought After Skill in the Current Financial Climate

Accountancy Jobs Seeing Increased Security From Entry-Level to Senior Management

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

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

To speak to one of our specialist Accountancy Recruitment specialists call 0207 492 0700 or email: jobs@circlesquare.co.uk

Competition for Accountancy & Finance Jobs Drives the Need for Personal Branding

Marketing Your Personal Brand

Personality Behind the Brand

Be Clear & Concise about Your Personal Brands Unique Selling Proposition (usp’s)

Market Research & Performance Benchmarking for Personal Growth

Analyse the Research Results to Build Your Brands Core Values

Your Brands Packaging or Appearance & First Impression

Another element of a good product is its packaging. This equates to the first visual impression a potential employer will have of you. It should make them feel confident in you and interested to find out more.

Finally, remember that if your true identity and personality is not at the heart of the brand you construct, this will show up in inconsistencies and under difficult questioning. So try not to over-claim because putting your true self in the best possible light is better than being all spin and no substance.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square - Financial Recruitment London

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.

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

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

Circle Square Talent is delighted to launch The 2013 Financial & Accountancy Salary Guide for London and the Home Counties...

Previously, we have launched this document in mid January but due to popular demand by a number of decision makers we have agreed to prepare this out five weeks early. Please click the link to download the Circle Square 2013 Salary Guideline

We are also pleased to offer an online version as a requirement was expressed

Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2013

Key points about the Financial & Accountancy Salary Guide:    

This is our 7th annual Financial & Accountancy Salary Guide

Each year we have reached a wider audience. Last year we reached 3,278 recipients

This year we expect to reach over 5,000 decision makers        

This definitive Salary report is both more comprehensive and analytical than any of our previous salary guides and relies on more sources than in any one previous version         

Our 6th salary guide in 2012 was confirmed as being used by 129 hiring managers for salary benchmarking purposes – if you do please let us know ·        

This document is also downloadable from our Corporate LinkedIn profile   

Please feel welcome to contact a member of the team on 02074920711 for further information?   

We hope you enjoy the Financial & Accountancy salary Guide.

To search our current jobs

To contact one of our specialist consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email:

enquiries@circlesquare.co.uk

Proposed changes to Lease accounting rules could have a significant impact on resourcing in the financial sector.

Published in May by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the proposals include a requirement that all leases exceeding 12 months be included on company balance sheets.

Lease Accounting Deals are Likely to Change 

Lease Accounting Proposals Finalise in September

Whilst consultation on the proposals ends in September, it is unclear what the final changes will be or the final time scales for implementation. Amendments to the lease accounting rules have been on the cards for some time. The project itself started back in August 2010, although its original proposals were rejected. Whilst refined and less complex proposals have been issued, there is concern in a number of quarters about their practicality and administration.

Proposed changes to Lease accounting rules could have a significant impact on resourcing in the financial sector.

Published in May by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the proposals include a requirement that all leases exceeding 12 months be included on company balance sheets.

Lease Accounting Deals are Likely to Change 

This could lead to a change in the way that lease deals are structured in the future as companies alter the format of their leases in order to keep them off the books. There are a number of ways that this could happen, such as by reducing lease lengths or by using service contracts instead of leases.

Lease Accounting Proposals Finalise in September

Whilst consultation on the proposals ends in September, it is unclear what the final changes will be or the final time scales for implementation. Amendments to the lease accounting rules have been on the cards for some time. The project itself started back in August 2010, although its original proposals were rejected. Whilst refined and less complex proposals have been issued, there is concern in a number of quarters about their practicality and administration.

Centralised Approach to Processes

If the changes do come into effect companies are likely to need a more centralised approach to systems and processes for dealing with leases and appropriate software to support the new requirements. 

As a result, the impact of the lease accounting changes are likely to be felt in a number of resourcing areas, including finance, property and IT systems.

Written by Marc Dewdney

In Praise of Accountants

Accountancy may never have been regarded as the most exciting or ground-breaking of professions, but a new survey has revealed how a significant number of accountants in the industry regard themselves embarrassed of their chosen occupation.

Accountants Ashamed of their Profession

The survey reveals that accountants stand out as the professionals most ashamed about what they do for a living. Of the 2000 people questioned, a mere 44% of accountants expressed pride in their career choice, compared to 90% of those surveyed in the insurance industry. So what on earth is the reason behind these collective red faces?

Accountants not to Blame for the Financial Crisis

We can trace some of the blame for this shame-faced reaction to the financial crisis. Whilst a tiny minority of the nation's accountants had their part to play in this dire situation, it does seem a bit rich for them to take the whole weight of the blame on their shoulders. Ironically, a majority of bankers questioned expressed pride in their profession.

Accountants are Cutting Edge

It's true that when many of us hear the word 'accountant', a cliched vision of a grey man marking up a ledger with a quill pen may leap uninvited into our minds. These days, though, accountancy is driven by sophisticated computer programs and cutting-edge technology. Accountants have the heavy responsibility of keeping a weather eye on the financial situations of the smallest of family firms as well as the highest echelon of government. Accountancy has moved with the times and those working within the industry now play a crucial role in safeguarding the precarious state of the nation's finances.

Accountants Contribute to the Financial Health of the Nation

Accountancy is a profession with lots of scope for flexibility. There will always be a demand for accountants and those in senior positions can command an impressive salary. It is an ideal profession for those professionals who wish to map out a steady career progression as there are clear and structured career paths. Many universities offer accountancy degrees, but if you have a good head for figures it is entirely possible to enter the profession at ground level and work your way up. There are few professions where your career path will be so clearly signposted. Additionally, many accountants contribute to the altruistic health of the nation with their vital and often unpaid work for charities.

All in all, there is no need for accountants to hang their heads in shame. They play a key part in keeping the country financially afloat. Where would we be without them?

Written by Niraj Joshi of Circle Square 

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