Anonymous wrote
Hello,
I have got MBA degree (not from UK) and have got around 6 years working expereince in Sales and Customer Services and a bit of research work as well. Recently moved to UK and now am planning to move my career towards finance and accounts as it is hard to get a job in marketing without the english or US accent. I am 34 years old and now i am not sure what to do. Sometimes i think its better to do CFA sometimes i think about ACCA or CIMA. I am not sure what will be the job market due to the recent credit problems in future. I am planning to do my CFA level-1 in June 2009 with that i am looking for an Entery level oppertunity in one of the Financial secotrs. My future aim is to be a consultant in one of the better consultancy firms. Could you please guide me how to enter into the job market with all this expereince. I am even ready to work without pay for sometime to learn and explore. Please advise taking my age factor also into consideration.
A consultant at WH Marks Sattin replied
To be honest, it will be very difficult for you to enter the classic corporate finance sphere. As you are aware, the current market conditions have not only diluted the overall demand for bankers and corporate financiers – it has in turn increased the number of highly qualified finance professionals who have been made redundant.
What can be seen now is a huge number of strong candidates and a limited number of roles. The corporate finance and PE clients can be a lot more picky about candidates nowadays, and are generally asking for stronger more experienced CVs. In turn, some experienced candidates are being pushed into consulting – which will ultimately make your entry into that domain very difficult.
The ACCA and CIMA qualifications you referred to in your query would be helpful for accountancy roles. In terms of corporate finance the CFA would be more relevant, although please bear in mind that gaining a CFA would not in itself QUALIFY you to perform or land a corporate finance role. Hands-on experience is more preferred, and that is fundamentally what clients are looking for from a candidate.
Ultimately, my advice for you would be to try to move into a sales or customer service role within a bank; study for your desired qualification; and then see if it is possible for you to transfer internally.
Good luck with your efforts.
WH Marks Sattin
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About the WH Marks Sattin Job Doctor
WH Marks Sattin is a specialist recruitment agency dealing with accountancy, finance, tax and consultancy professionals. This is our Job Doctor forum/blog.
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2 comments:
Dear Doctor Dave,
I am trying to restart my career after a break due to illness.
Trouble is I am 54 and obviously it's not the best time.
I am qualified with a pretty decent cv and some solid experience.
What do you think is the best way to overcome the tendency amongst agencies to discard anyone that looks a bit wrinkly?
Steve
Hi DOCTOR,
I have just completed my post graduate diploma in Business administratoin because i felt i should have more practical based knowledge which can help me to secure position in any industry and started doing CIMA.I am also planning to do Investment Management certificate recongised by FSA.I want to have a combination of CIMA with investment management so that i can gain position in financial institution as fund accountant and can work as an Management accountant just to increase the chances of getting job.AM I ON THE RIGHT TRACK.
YOUR REPLY WILL MOTIVATE ME TO STICK WITH MY PLAN.
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