The first move. Make it count.

As a part or newly- qualified finance and accountancy candidate, it is easy to be pulled in multiple directions early in your career. You need to take a step back and decide what is important to you. The first move out of practice is one of the most important in your career. You need to decide what type of business you want to work for, your ideal working environment and the company culture you want to be a part of.

When should you move into your next finance role?

There are several natural exit points you can take early in your career; however, we find that most people move into industry either at the half point of their studies, or as they qualify. If you are moving during your studies, it is essential that you select a role which will support you during your studies.

What salary, bonus and benefits can I expect as a part-qualified accountant?

In a commercial finance function, a graduate in London can expect to earn between £26,000 to £30,000. However, upon completion of part of your accountancy qualifications, this can rise to £40,000 to £50,000. And once you become fully qualified, you can expect to earn at least £58,000 PA.

In terms of benefits and bonuses, this varies greatly depending on your employer and sector. For more information on regional salary and market trends, download our Market Insight and Salary Trend Report.

Popular roles and industries for part qualified accountants

• Commerce and Industry 

Arguably, accounting within industry is one of the more attractive options available to newly-qualified accountants, as there is a diverse range of businesses looking for your skills. As a part-qualified accountant in commercial business, you must be able to quickly adapt to new opportunities that arise in the company.

You are also an important link between different stakeholders, so it is essential that you are great at communicating effectively. 

• Business and Commercial Analysis 

Business and commercial analysts are responsible for gathering financial and operational data about an organisation. These types of analysts often sit within the finance team of a business and help drive the financial direction of the business. 

This role is much more focused on identifying business improvement opportunities and driving efficiency. You will use data to build a narrative and aid decision-making.

• Tax 

A specialist tax accountant's role is to ensure corporate tax compliance, prepare tax returns and accurately calculate a company’s tax liability. Efficient, effective, and legal tax compliance and reporting are essential for businesses financial and reputational health. You can view some of our current opportunities in tax here.

Typically, your duties include researching tax law, liaising with HMRC on your client’s behalf, completing tax forms and auditing records. The more senior you become, it is increasingly likely you will specialise in one of these particular areas.

• Fund and Investment Accounting 

Fund and investment accounting roles are highly competitive. Companies and corporations use investing accountants to ensure that their funds are achieving their targets while remaining compliant. 

To be successful in this field of accountancy, you need a strong academic background, but excellent interpersonal skills, as you will be the link between the investor and business. 

 Where can I find part-qualified finance roles, and how can Marks Sattin help me? 

There are several places you can find graduate roles. Specialist job boards like Milkround (for graduates) and CityJobs (for finance and accountancy), generalist job boards like REED, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn.

Marks Sattin is a great place to start exploring your options in a more personalised way. Our consultants stay abreast of the latest trends in the graduate recruitment market. Whether it's commercial finance, financial services, or professional services. This detailed overview of the commercial landscape enables us to advise professionals where their best career opportunities lie.

As a specialist recruitment firm with over 30 years’ experience, we've helped many professionals find their next exciting opportunity, whether that's within global organisations or growing SMEs.

Search for your next commercial finance job, or register your details to shortlist jobs and sign up for job alerts so you're the first to hear about our latest opportunities.