Current market conditions
The UK's finance and accountancy sectors are bearing up well despite recent problems in the global credit markets. Recruiters say they are optimistic with the market looking positive for the rest of 2008.
The UK's domestic and international banking institutions are still the major recruiters but there are also great positions available in the UK's vibrant commerce and industry sector.
Although there is job availability at all levels, recruiters are currently reporting a shortage of candidates with between 3 – 5 years commercial experience in finance. Suitable candidates are highly sought after and with half year end time coming up the market is expected to continue to improve. At present there has been more demand for accounts payable, accounts assistants, financial controller/financial manager level (with commerce experience) and specialist financial analyst or strategy roles.
New areas of business such as digital divisions or new ventures in media seem unaffected by any uncertainty in the markets and are calling out for qualified individuals.
On the banking side, our recruitment partners report more emand on the operations side at present, rather than straight accounting ie client service roles, product control and settlements.
Useful Qualifications
- CA
- CPA
- Newly qualified
- Part Qualified
Useful sytems skills
Useful experience
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Product control
- Analysis
Current Salary Rates
Antipodeans will experience a significant increase in pay compared to the rates at home. Here are some examples of average hourly rates;
| Positions Available | UK hourly rates | $Aus equivalent | $NZ equivalent | | Newly qualified Big 4 Accountant | £30 | $62 | $74 | | Newly qualified Accountant(other) | £28 | $57 | $69 | | Part qualified Accountant | £23 | $48 | $56 | | Analyst - Financial | £30 | $62 | $74 | | Analyst - Business | £30 | $62 | $74 | | Banking operations professionals | £20 | $41 | $49 |
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How the UK job market works
Many of the UK's blue chip companies don't advertise their contract posts but ask specific agencies to find them suitable candidates. Using a recruitment service like the one offered by FastrackUK, is often the best way to secure a good contract or temporary job in the UK, particularly in the financial sector. FastrackUK liaises with the leading recruitment agencies in this sector and know the best people to send your CV to. After seeing your CV, recruitment consultants will want to talk to you to get to know you better and discuss what jobs are available, they may even phone for a chat before you leave. In most circumstances recruiters will want to have a meeting with you when you arrive in the UK.
It is important that you present yourself to the agency as if you were presenting yourself in a job interview. The recruitment consultant is responsible for recommending potential candidates to clients and you should dress appropriately, do your homework, be enthusiastic and show your personality at its best. To find out more about preparing yourself for job interviews take a look at our interview tips section.
Advice to prospective candidates from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
- Get some financial experience behind you either within a firm with financial service clients or within a finance company
- Arrive with advance excel skills - if you don't have these, take a course or start self training
- Experience in using SAP is highly advantageous
FastrackUK's Consultants have detailed knowledge of the current UK jobs market and will be happy to give you more details on the types of jobs available in your sector. call - Aus 1300 78 44 79 , UK 0208 547 4160, SA +27 (0)21 439 6006 email an Australian Consultant by clicking here, a UK Consultant by clicking here, or a SA Consultant by clicking here and we'll do what we can to help.