Career coach | What employers want
Stand out with your skills
Clare Elliott FMAAT reveals what employers look for in candidates applying for finance positions
Words Jessica Bown
While a quick online search shows there are lots of accounting vacancies in different areas of the UK, Clare Elliott FMAAT does not feel the market is particularly buoyant at the moment.
“From what I’m seeing, there is not an abundance of opportunities,” says Elliott, who is group financial controller for software company NetSupport and her own boss at accounting practice Aybell Accountancy. “But from the other side of the fence, the supply of candidates is not plentiful either.”
However, as anyone who chooses the AAT path knows, technical skills are the basis of a successful career in finance.
“Anyone studying with AAT is already developing their technical skills, which are crucial for working in finance,” she says.
Hone your power skills
There’s a lot of talk about power skills such as communication and emotional intelligence. But do employers really take these into account when choosing people to join their workforce? According to Elliott, the answer is a resounding yes.
“Power skills are extremely important, as the role of the finance function is so diverse and being adaptable is such an asset to any finance team,” she says.
“As well as designing strategies and processes, then communicating those out to the wider organisation, members of the finance team need to be able to listen to feedback, collaborate effectively and adapt to change, while also providing strategic thinking and applying problem-solving skills.”
While only jobseekers with the required technical expertise will generally be invited to interview for accounting and finance roles, Elliott believes employers seek candidates with the power skills to become a valued member of the team.
“Communication I would say is top of the list,” she says. “Finance is as much about explaining the process as it is following the process.
“Creativity and a willingness to share ideas and opinions are also high priorities, as there is a huge necessity to inject efficiency into organisations.
“Then, thirdly, I would say the ability to relate to people in other teams, as finance spans the entire organisation. Being able to develop excellent relationships with colleagues at all levels is important.”
“Anyone studying with AAT is already developing their technical skills, which are crucial for working in finance.”
Draw attention
Having your AAT qualifications under your belt undoubtedly gives you a head start when it comes to applying for accounting jobs.
But when you are up against other candidates with the same or similar qualifications on their CVs, you need to go above and beyond to ensure your application catches the recruiter’s eye.
“It’s not just about the qualifications,” Elliott says. “You also need to be confident in your ability, have good attention to detail and demonstrate that you can think outside the box.”
She also advises highlighting the ability to work as part of a team. If, for example, you are applying for your first job, including details of team sports or activities on your CV would be one way to show this.
“Being a team player is so important,” Elliott says. “While much of the workload might be completed by you in isolation, your team skills will help you stand out from the crowd.
“Show the recruiter that you are not afraid to ask questions and are willing to take on others’ ideas and develop those along with your own, rather than trying to solve everything by yourself.”
TOP TIPS
Problem-solving
Solving problems, from balancing accounts that don’t add up to working out how to cut costs at a struggling business, is a huge part of any job in finance.
So, it should come as no surprise that Elliott’s top tip for AAT students is to develop this ability.
“Harness your problem-solving skills,” she says. “Be brave enough to share your thoughts and ask inquisitive questions, and don’t be afraid to be outspoken and think outside the box sometimes.”
She also recommends that ambitious students keen to move up the ladder and do a job they enjoy take the time to polish up their other soft skills, such as the ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a user-friendly way.
“Technical ability is only one part of the role,” she says. “In the modern workplace, power skills are just as valuable.”
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