Financial roles in the Middle East

Kamran wrote

With reference to the current economic conditions specifically in UK, I am looking to expand my search to the Persian Gulf countries. I speak both English & Farsi (Persian) fluently and have some understanding of Arabic with commitment and ability to learn further. With 23 years experience in the Financial Services industry and more specifically in sales and sales management, I am looking for a reputable organisation with solid back ground.

My experience covers areas such as; Daily sales activity & management, Dealing with Clients of all different financial and ethnic back ground, Compliance and delivering regulatory requirements, Setting targets on personal and cooperate objectives, Delivering training meetings and seminars, Ability to communicate with people at both local and cooperate level, etc.I would be most grateful, if you could advise on the best way forward in achieving my objective.With that in mind, I look forward to hearing from you and if I can provide you with any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The Regional Manager of WH Marks Sattin Dubai replied

Economic conditions in the Arabian Gulf are also alot poorer than last year, albeit more due to an uncertainty on trading conditions and a lack of transparency in eg the banking market, rather than a lack of potential for the Gulf economies. GCC economies are forecast to grow at around 3.5% this year, about the same growth rate as the UK at the height of the 2006 boom, so there is potential.

We are not placed to advise on sales related roles in financial services as we focus on technical skills in accountancy, corporate finance, research and private equity, but my own belief is that your chances in the short term are not good. Sales people in particular will be selected for prior Gulf experience, and there are plenty on the market in the short term. In the medium term there is a large pipeline of IPO and sukuk (Islamic Bond) issues waiting for the markets to stabilise before they are launched on the markets and these will all happen at once. Demand for ECM and DCM sales may grow rapidly in circa June - September, and if you have specific product experience you may stand a good chance of getting a decent role, though not through us sadly.


Accountancy jobs in the Middle East

Negative impact of non first time passes

Anonymous asked a question in response to Moving into Corporate Finance following ACA qualification

I have a fairly unrelated question but still relevant question.

You referenced first time passes. I had to retake at the professional stage (I didn't pass all four the first time they were sat.

I know this is detrimental when it comes to applying for jobs but how much of a negative impact will this have?

I am currently at a small firm (top 20) and would like to move to audit/assurance/forensics at one of the mid-tier or preferably Big 4 firms.

Am I still likely to find a post? 

A director of WH Marks Sattin's Professional Services division replied

With the increased number of candidates in the market, 1st time passes and a solid educational background are becoming more and more important. That said, the number one thing is still the industries and type of work you have handled in your professional career and these will often get you the interview. From there it is up to you!

Recruiters will be able to give you a good idea of expectations and possible roles after having a look at CV. By all means send it to us and we can have a look.

Best of luck

WH Marks Sattin

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Graduate work in Dubai

Anonymous wrote

I am British. I speak Arabic and English fluently. BA Banking and Finance degree from a British university (1st class). 2 years work experience in finance. 1 year work experience in sales. I am looking for a graduate scheme or a job to go and work in Dubai. Any websites? employers? suggestions?


The Middle East regional manager of WH Marks Sattin replied

It is tough to give an exact diagnosis on this without knowing what sort of finance and what you were selling, but one clear bit of advice that I would give to anyone would be that in the current market you are most likely to find a job doing almost exactly what you were doing last. With jobs, broadly, few and far between and employers cutting back on training and development expenses they will more often than not be in the market for someone who can "hit the ground running".

Speaking Arabic is an advantage in the Middle East, but at a junior level in your career you would probably need to be already in situ to get a job.

Best of luck

WH Marks Sattin


Click for the latest accountancy and finance jobs in the Middle East

On the right track for an investment management job?

Anonymous wrote:

Hi DOCTOR,

I have just completed my post graduate diploma in Business Administration 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.

A consultant at WH Marks Sattin replied:

If you are serious about building a career within Financial Services and in particular Investment Management then the academic path you have chosen to pursue will prove to be very advantageous. It is definitely advisable to undertake either your CIMA or your ACCA if you want to gain an accountancy position within this sector and not studying towards or completing the qualification can hold a number of people back whilst their peers progress upwards. The CIMA is particularly suited if you are looking for Management accounting type positions and the routes these can offer long term.

With regards the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) it is a qualification that clients can often request when recruiting for positions within Investment Management and in particular for Fund Accounting roles. Personally I would say the certificate is a definite advantage to have, although not having the IMC should not hinder your progression once you have managed to make the initial breakthrough into this sector as it is the experience you have that is most important to clients.

Best of luck with all your studies and securing your ideal job.

WH Marks Sattin

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Restarting career after illness

Anonymous wrote:

Dear Doctor

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


A consultant at WH Marks Sattin replied:

Steve, I firmly believe that your age will not be a factor. If you are the right person for the job then this will not be an issue. However, as you rightly point out, this is a competitive market and there are individuals of all ages, experience and abilities that are finding it tougher to secure a job. However being a qualified accountant with 'solid exerpience' sounds like you have a decent background to open doors. If you have a flexible approach and treat each company and job on merit that your agency presents to you, then this will maximise possibilities. However it is impossible for me to proactively advise you on the best steps without seeing a fuller CV. Please send through your full details and then a consultant from the relevant industry team and call you to discuss in more details.

Best of luck

WH Marks Sattin