William Parry-Jones

From 2025 You Will Be Able to Become a Chartered Accountant Without a Degree With the shortage of Accountants expected to be at 58,000 by 2033, the Institute of Chartered Accountants has announced an apprenticeship like training scheme that will allow people wanting to become Accountants to learn by working on the job, instead of taking the current route of a university degree. It could be argued that lowering entry requirements could dilute the profession’s standards and diminish the University qualifications already earned by past graduates, but I think this is a smart move for the CA and its members, with firms finding it increasingly hard to attract Graduates to the industry. In an article for the AFR, Euan Black spoke with Rob Dunderdale (Head of Talent Attraction at KPMG Australia) who said employees recruited through this type of program tended to “stay longer and generally progress faster through our organisation. They spend time with our business, they get to build connections quickly, and they understand how we work.” A traineeship system like this emphasizes the value of practical experience over academic qualifications that can be expensive and time-consuming. People can gain exposure to the profession before making such a big commitment and it can counteract the appeal of much larger Graduate salaries that can be earned in other industries. Is the new Traineeship Program a good idea or should the CA stick with the current University requirements to undertake its qualification? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. #ALRARecruitment #CharteredAccountants

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⛔ ⛔ Don't do what this accounting firm did ⛔ ⛔ Friday Lesson for Accounting Firms 🧑‍💼💻: Don’t promise candidates things in an interview if you have no intention of delivering on them. I try to work predominantly with long-term, trusted clients, but on occasion, a new or untested firm asks for help with recruitment. After doing my due diligence—asking all the right questions to ensure we align with the candidate's needs—I was told, "WFH flexibility" and "flexible hours" were no issue. Fast forward a few weeks, and now the candidate I placed is told, "Oh, WFH isn’t really encouraged, and we really do prefer people to be in the office at the same time." 🤦‍♂️ Shock horror, the candidate is frustrated, potentially wants to leave and now they’re not too happy with me. Delightful!! 🙃 I completely get that WFH and flexible hours don’t work for every firm—but please, be upfront and manage expectations the right way. Do not just give lip service to get a decent candidate initially on board and then expect them to change their expectations. Clear, honest communication will save a lot of drama down the road! Anyway...I hope everyone is having a better Friday than me 😅

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Finance and accounting professionals are more likely to leave their roles due to a lack of learning opportunities than the average UK worker. As we move towards 2025, such insights are invaluable for financial institutions aiming to attract the very best talent.    Tiger Finance’s latest Salary and Benefits Review reveals what finance professionals truly value, including trends in compensation, flexible working, and benefits beyond the paycheck.    Link to the full report is in the comments below. 

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➡ Navigating the Surge in Demand for Experienced Accountants ⬅ ⬇ What This Means for Your Career ⬇ The accountancy sector is witnessing a huge demand for seasoned professionals is not just a trend—it's an opportunity. 👨‍💼 What Does This Mean for You?👨‍💼 If you're an experienced accountant considering a career shift, the timing couldn't be better. Here’s what the current market landscape offers: ✅ Higher Salaries: The high demand coupled with the limited supply of seasoned professionals puts you in a prime position to negotiate for better compensation. ✅ Customised / Flexible Roles: Firms are now crafting roles that align more closely with the specific strengths and preferences of candidates, offering flexibility and enhanced work-life balance. ✅ Strategic Career Advancement: The current market conditions allow you to strategically position yourself in roles that not only cater to your skills but also amplify your career trajectory. 🔴Conclusion🔴 For accountants with significant experience, the market has never been more conducive to leveraging your expertise for better compensation, tailored roles, and strategic advancements. Firms recognise your value and are ready to invest in your expertise. #AccountingTrends #CareerAdvancement #FinancialExperts #TaxProfessionals #AuditCareers #ForensicAccounting #StrategicFinance #ProfessionalGrowth #SalaryNegotiation #AccountancyJobs #CareerOpportunities #FinanceProfessionals #IndustryInsights #AccountingLife #ExpertiseInDemand

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Great tip if your sitting advanced audit and assurance this exam round! 💡 Do not let the syllabus size of AAA fool you into a false sense of security that it is a breeze 😅- this exam is notoriously one of the more technically difficult ones, with a consistent low(est) pass mark so make sure you are well prepared ☺️👩🏻‍🎓🧑🏻‍🎓 #ACCA #septemberexams #AAA

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What skills make a great management accountant? 💡 Whether you choose CIMA, ACCA, or ACA, becoming a top-notch management accountant requires a combination of skills: ✔️ Analytical Mindset: Ability to analyse financial data and provide insights. ✔️ Communication: Clearly explaining financial information to non-financial stakeholders. ✔️ Technological Proficiency: Skill with accounting software and new tech. ✔️ Strategic Thinking: Aligning financial strategies with business goals. ✔️ Detail-Oriented: Thorough in identifying discrepancies and trends. In today's fast-paced business environment, these skills are essential. But what do you think? Drop your thoughts below! #ManagementAccountancy #FinanceSkills #CareerDevelopment

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🗣 MARKET UPDATE 🗣 Market Overview The accountancy and finance recruitment market in Essex has seen dynamic shifts in recent months. There is a stable yet cautiously optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year as the economic environment starts to take shape, we are seeing a steady demand for finance professionals across all industries. 🔑 Key Trends Increased Demand for Qualified Professionals There has been a notable rise in demand for qualified accountants and finance professionals, particularly those with ACCA, CIMA, and ACA certifications. This is driven by businesses seeking to strengthen their financial reporting and strategic planning capabilities. Interestingly, we have seen a spike in demand for people making their first move out of practice. 🖥 Emphasis on Digital and Analytical Skills Employers are increasingly valuing candidates with strong digital competencies, including proficiency in financial software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI). Skills in automation and AI-driven financial analysis are also becoming highly sought after. 🏘 Hybrid and Remote Working Models Many companies are offering hybrid working models, this shift has broadened the talent pool, allowing employers to attract candidates from a wider geographic area. We are starting to see more businesses within the Essex market opt to bring people back into the office full-time with the larger PLCs still providing a 3/2 split. 📰 Growth in Interim and Contract Roles: There is a growing preference for interim and contract roles, particularly in project-based work such as system implementations, financial restructuring, and regulatory compliance.   👯 Retention Issues Retaining top talent remains a challenge as professionals seek career advancement opportunities and better work-life balance. Businesses are starting to create strategies on how to keep their best talent, we have just launched our annual salary guide which can help you benchmark this. 👀 Future Outlook The outlook for the Essex accountancy and finance recruitment market remains positive. Companies will continue to prioritize digital transformation and strategic financial management, driving the need for skilled talent. The Essex accountancy and finance recruitment market is vibrant and evolving, presenting opportunities and challenges for both employers and job seekers. Staying ahead of the trend remains paramount when recruiting, the market is fast-moving meaning jobseekers are not on the market for long and urgency when hiring puts you in the best possible position to attract talent. If you're looking for your next role or would like to add the best talent Essex has to offer, please feel free to reach out on my contact details below: [email protected] 01371 832922

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👉 Interview prep? At Huntress Accountancy and Finance we always hold a pre-interview meeting with our candidates. Whether it's for a temporary role or something long term. It gives us a chance to help candidates articulate their experience in the best light. Plus is give us an opportunity to recap on the role, the business and any questions candidates might have. I’ve noticed that many candidates find this kind of insight incredibly valuable during the process. What’s your thoughts? Do you think interview prep makes a difference, even for temporary positions? #recruiting #interview #interviewprep

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The 2024 UK Budget: What could it mean for Interim Finance Professionals? With the announcement of the 2024 UK Budget, we’re entering a period of challenge and opportunity for businesses and finance professionals alike. From tax reforms to spending shifts, these policies will likely reshape the UK's demand for interim finance talent. As a senior interim finance recruiter, here are some thoughts: 1️⃣ Increased demand for agility: Businesses are navigating tighter budgets and an uncertain economic landscape. This often translates to a preference for interim professionals who can deliver results without long-term commitments. Interim CFOs, financial controllers, and project specialists will play a pivotal role in cost management, M&A, and compliance reviews. 2️⃣ Public Sector Opportunities: With increased public spending in certain areas (or cuts in others), we’ll see a knock-on effect in the interim market. Public sector finance teams may lean on interim hires to manage spending reviews, audit requirements, and new funding allocations. 📈 What this means for interim professionals: The next 12 months are an excellent time to position yourself as a solution provider. Clients will seek candidates who can step in with expertise, adaptability, and a focus on delivering measurable impact. 💼 For businesses: Interim recruitment is more than a stopgap—it's a strategic tool. In an unpredictable landscape, access to on-demand expertise can be the key to unlocking resilience and driving success. As we look to 2025, interim professionals could be at the forefront of helping organisations adapt to the budget’s implications. #interim #finance #budget2024

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Mid-tier accountancy firms are 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥!!!! Don't come for me- this isn't me saying this! It's you! I wonder whether the Audit Reform has impacted the results here as more complex technical work has trickled down to smaller firms and allowed a balance of large audits with exposure to the full audit file. The “𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁” experience depends on what you value most—complex work on big clients, varied work or handling multiple audits at a time. -------------------------------------------------------------- What’s been your experience? Do you agree that mid-tier firms offer better overall exposure? Share your thoughts! 👇 #AuditReform #AccountancyPractice #Audit Leo Hewett Micâ Postans Joe Monger Louis Cordice Richard Bailey Lewis Bittle Stuart Vincent Andrew Buscombe Harrison Robertson

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With any potential change of government comes the worry about a change in the tax regime. There has been a lot of speculation about how Labour may choose to raise the tax take if they win in the next election, everything from capital gains tax on main residences, to a hike in capital gains tax rates, a reversal on pension lifetime allowance rules and VAT on school fees (and everything in between!). We will undoubtedly experience some level of change, but without a crystal ball, what that change will look like and when it will be implemented is still a complete unknown. What we do know is that having a plan that is aligned to your financial wants and needs (both in business and personally) will put you in a better position should you need to adapt some of the structuring. Any framework is only as good as the foundation its built on ...... so now is a really good time to look at how your financial plan really works for you, your family and your business. https://lnkd.in/epirU72X #financialadvice #financialplanning #businessowner #wealthmanagement #tax

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Is your current contract coming to an end? I know a lot of accountants are finishing their training contracts at the end of this month. If you’re in this situation and are looking for insights on the current market, tips on refining your CV, or advice on how to prepare for interviews, feel free to get in touch! The market is competitive so small changes can make all the difference!

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The deadline for submitting paper self-assessment tax returns for the 2023-24 tax year is 31 October 2024. If the return is submitted late, a £100 penalty will be imposed, regardless of whether there is a tax liability or if any owed tax is fully paid by 31 January 2025. #Tax #HMRC #SelfAssessment

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Do Practice Accountants Need to be Qualified to Reach the Top? Yes…but, not always 🤔 Whilst holding the ACA/ACCA qualification undoubtedly sets a standard of expertise, exceptions exist where other qualities can override this. 💥 But, it is becoming rarer. Many clients will not consider a candidate for some of the top positions if they are not qualified. 👀 It's the first cut they make. But, while qualifications are often a prerequisite for success, it's crucial to recognize that they don't always guarantee excellence. 💥 Sometimes, a blend of commercial acumen, technical prowess, and exceptional client relationship skills can outweigh any formal qualification. 💥 While qualifications provide a solid foundation, they are just one piece of the puzzle. As professionals, we must embrace a holistic perspective that values both traditional credentials and the unique strengths individuals bring to the table.

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Self-Assessment HMRC expects Self-Assessment Tax Return as well as any tax payment due to be completed for the Tax Year 2024/2025 - Paper form: 31 October 2024 - Online Submission: 31 January 2025 Nearly half of the 🕰️ has lapsed and if you or your Accountant have not completed your Tax Return as of yet We would suggest to prioritise this Some of the reasons as 👇 - Better planning and understanding of the taxes - Prepared to understand and pay any payment on Account for the following year (If applicable) - More accurately prepared rather than left until the last minute - Be able to raise any queries with HMRC Office if tax has been overpaid as a result of incorrect Tax Code - Less likely to submit the Tax Return late - Less likely to pay the Tax Late - Be prepared better for Making Tax Digital (Expected to begin in April 2026) and this will apply to many individuals If you require any assistance Please feel free to reach out to us Tel: 01212852534 Web: https://lnkd.in/ewYzdMs #accountants #taxes #bookkeeping #vat #paye #selfassessment #corporationtax #accounts #companies #pension #investments #business #businessowner #SME #accountant #accountancy #director #soletrader #partnership #incorporation #taxadvice #Crypto

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Could these empty seats be populated by you and your future client? Calling all British, American or Canadian* ‘soon-to-be-qualified-accountants’ (from all audit firms with any clients) or even current AM’s or Managers who have FS clients (this can be Banking, Insurance, Wealth and Asset management or even commercial auditors with Group Audit experience. How about spending 2 years (more if you want to of course) in Bermuda or Cayman?! Save loads of money, life in the sunshine, work with prestigious clients, make a ton of new friends, Instabrag to your friends back home! Use it as a stepping stone to the USA or other locations if you like. Just work hard, reap the rewards and (you’ll eat enough of these I’m sure) the world will the your Lobster - I mean Oyster! Bermuda Café photo credit: Adam Nelson's iphone *easier to secure visas for nationalities of these countries with the appropriate ACA or CPA qualification.

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