Ever wondered if it’s worth taking a pay cut to work for the Big4?

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So you work for a mid-tier practice firm but are keen to join a Big4 but they pay less – What’s that about? And why should I take a cut??

In an ideal world you never want to take a pay cut but why should you perhaps think about it?

 

Long term gain – playing the long game both within practice and in industry.

Within practice, candidates are often seen as more valuable if they have the Big4 background. It’s a fact that the experience you gain puts you in good stead for practice roles at smaller firms. If you can handle what the top tier throw at you then you can be confident to lead the way and make positive change if you then decide to work at a mid or lower tier firm.

If industry is your end goal then we regularly place ex-practice candidates into industry roles and typically the first demand our clients make is “they should be ex-Big4”. We’re not saying that if you don’t work for a Big4 it’s impossible to secure your ideal role in industry but what we are saying is that your chances will be higher if you do and you’ll have access to a larger pool of international companies.

 

Is it really a cut?

They may initially require you to take a small cut but salaries do increase substantially as you change grade plus you have the additional bonuses, car allowance, medical, etc that come hand in hand with the infrastructure that a larger company can offer so when you add it all up the cut may actually be a gain.

You need to make the decisions that are right for you at any particular time in your career – take the time to weigh up the options, list the pros and cons and see what the long term ramifications could be – you might be surprised.

“I want to get out of audit!” If I had a £1……..

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Done 3 years or more in audit and want to transition into the advisory world but don’t have the experience? I hear this a lot and genuinely am keen to help candidates make this step however it’s not easy. My best advice is to gain any experience you can within the firm you are in. Put your hand up to do an internal rotation or secondment to another team in the advisory space. One of the Big4 won’t look at vanilla audit seniors with zero TS/CF exposure for a role in those teams because they can source those people internally. So make yourself accessible within the firm you are in and network with the right people. Then once you have the experience you can look to navigate your way into a new permanent role at another firm.

If you’re looking to move countries and move from audit to advisory then I’m afraid that’s even tougher. Come over in audit then transition once you’re here otherwise your options will be incredibly slim OR transition where you are then make the geographical move with the experience you need.

This probably isn’t what you want to hear and I’m sure some will beg to differ with me but from my experience within the Big4 the above rings true. Opportunities within the mid-tier/smaller practice firms may well differ. As always if I can help you make your desired move then I will do my very best to do so. If I can’t I’ll be honest with you and try and point you in the right direction : )

Recruitment Consultant, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire

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Competitive Salary + Commission

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Recruitment Consultant to join our specialist executive recruitment company, based in Wheathampstead.

The opportunity would suit an individual who wishes to work in a motivated and mature working environment. It is a great opportunity to add value to a growing niche company.

  • It would be highly advantageous if you possessed experience of working in any of the following areas; recruitment, client relations, finance, sales & marketing.
  • Individuals need to be highly driven, tenacious, passionate and have an ambition to succeed within a growing business.
  • You must also have excellent presentation skills together with a focus on customer satisfaction.
  • You will be responsible for further developing the existing client base and market presence within your specialist area.

The company values a healthy work/life balance and provides a flexible but professional working environment. This combined with a competitive remuneration scheme make it an attractive opportunity. This is an exciting and challenging stage in the development of the company and we are looking for an individual with drive and charisma who will add great value to the business.

Candidate Resourcer, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire

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Competitive Salary + Commission

 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Candidate Resourcer to join our specialist executive recruitment company.  The role has been newly created due to the continuing growth in our client base. The role will support our growing Finance Professional Services team. It is a great opportunity to add value to a growing niche company.

Your main focus, will be to search, select and engage with candidates both in the UK and internationally. You will build up an expertise in the finance and accountancy market sector. You will establish the capability to be able to identify candidates who are specialists in their industry and be able to match candidates with our client’s needs.  We specialise on the functions of Professional Services Finance recruitment and our clients include the top accountancy firms in the UK.

You must have the drive to succeed and ability to research. You will be rewarded for your efforts. Ideally you will possess the following attributes:

 

  • Enthusiastic and motivated
  • Previous experience of research
  • An ability to build relationships
  • A competitive nature
  • An excellent telephone manner
  • A desire to earn commission
  • A strong work ethic
  • Self-starter who understands the need to complete everything to the best of their ability

 

The role will involve direct targeting and headhunting using various job boards and social media platforms to source candidates. You will also be responsible for advertising vacancies. A flexible approach, a hard work ethic are essential. This is an exciting stage in the development of the company and we are looking for an individual with drive and charisma who will add great value to the business and someone who is keen to push forward their career.

Audit Specialist, Central London, UK

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£45,000

Our client, a boutique 16 partner firm requires an audit specialist to not only undertake audit assignments but support the corporate finance department on an ad hoc basis.
They have a mixed client portfolio, including Leisure, Financial Services, Property, Media some very large private businesses, ranging from several million to £5m – £50m+ t/over bracket, though some are in the hundreds of millions. This offers an excellent opportunity for career development within an expanding London firm and an opportunity to be exposed to a real diversity of client work both in the audit and Corporate Finance project area. High performing individuals will be well remunerated and will progress very quickly.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Reporting to either Senior Managers or directly to Partners.
  • Time split between audit and corporate finance.
  • Acting as on site senior, responsible for planning, executing and completing audit work to a high standard. Will be working regularly with juniors & semi seniors, so must be able to train juniors during an audit, delegate, monitor & review their work.
  • Due Diligence, Valuations and Transaction Support projects
  • A high technical & practical standard sought, so experience working in a well-reputed and recognised firm is preferred.

Qualifications:

  • ACA or ACCA Qualified
  • Must be computer literate with advanced knowledge of Excel and good knowledge of Word, Pro Audit is useful but not essential.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written skills.
  • Knowledge of IFRS would be useful.