Going from a large corporate firm to an SME
A growing number of finance jobs are being generated by SMEs, but not everyone can easily manage a move from a big company to a small one.
The number of SMEs in the UK has risen rapidly in recent years, driven by the growth of new start-ups. But would professionals really want to move from a large company to a small one?
For many people, the answer is yes, as some would enjoy the challenge and responsibility that such an undertaking would involve. For others, however, it may be a case that their first choice would be another large firm, yet the availability of posts in this area is restricted - necessitating a wider job search that considers the possibilities of small firms.
This shift has been driven by a number of trends beyond the simple increase in SME numbers. For instance, in companies with over 5,000 employees in London, new financial roadmaps have tended to restrict internal opportunities.
Another development has been a rise in investment banking chief financial officers and financial directors among SMEs, pushed by the continuing key requirement of raising funds. These post holders will need to be backed up by deputies who have the small company experience to run an SME finance function.
A common question asked by candidates is just how an employee can manage a move from a huge multinational to a small but agile business.
The first part of the answer is to note that while the London recruitment market is busily hiring, it remains risk averse, so any candidate will need to show their value. This is undoubtedly a market focused on proven talent.
For smaller companies, this focus needs to be greater still. In a large firm with a big team, it is possible to delegate tasks and ensure the tougher ones are shared out more. In a small firm, the responsibility levels placed on each individual are inevitably greater. Potentially, that makes each hire riskier in a small firm.
Small employers will look to mitigate this in a number of ways. Personality tests and psychometrics are being increasingly used at small firms to assess whether candidates seeking to leave large companies really can cope with the transition from big to small.
There has certainly been a rise in the number of finance professionals seeking to move from bigger firms to smaller ones where they can have a major impact. Those who succeed in landing such roles will be the ones who have a track record of exceeding expectations and the ability to not only add value, but go on doing so into the future.
It is advisable, therefore, to carry out some self-assessment before seeking to move to an SME. Consider whether you need a more diverse skillset. Are you innovative enough? Can you improve in these areas before you start seeking such roles?
These are not answers to be guessed at. It is important to tap into the experiences of others who have made the same transition, who will have much to say about the culture shock involved, but also about the rewarding nature of being able to make a bigger difference.
One chief executive put the situation in a nutshell: "First off I want you to ask any candidates you send my way two questions: Can they use a photocopier themselves? Would they have an issue picking up milk on the way to the office?"
Signup to receive the latest discipline specific articles
Related articles
Teaser
Finance & AccountingContent Type
General
25/04/24
Summary
Over the years, we have developed a strong reputation as a leading Senior Finance and Executive Search firm. We’re proud to have well-established teams of finance and accounting recruitment cons
by
Neil Burton
Teaser
GovernanceContent Type
Fintech
18/04/24
Summary
The role of risk and compliance in financial services As a sizeable, growing portion of the financial services sector, risk and compliance play a vital role in ensuring that firms conduct busine
by
David Clamp
Teaser
Executive SearchContent Type
General
18/04/24
Summary
Private equity (PE) is a growing industry that has always attracted ambitious top talent due to its high risk/high gain capital investment. Pre-covid, we saw the global private equity industry b
by
Tracey Alper
Related jobs
Salary:
£250 - £310 per day
Location:
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire
Industry
Business Services
Qualification
None specified
Market
Professional Services
Salary
£250 - £350
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
This role will be Inside IR35 and be offering a daily rate of £250 - £310 per day.
Reference
NH - 180224
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Niamh HellewellAuthor
Niamh HellewellSalary:
€60,000 - €65,000 per annum + Bonus, Benefits
Location:
Dublin South, Dublin
Industry
Manufacturing
Private Equity
Qualification
Finalist / Newly qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£50,000 - £60,000
Job Discipline
Newly Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Corporate Accountant - Dublin This opportunity will suit a newly qualified accountant coming from professional services environment.
Reference
BBBH180217
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Matthew FitzpatrickAuthor
Matthew FitzpatrickSalary:
£27,000 - £30,000 per annum
Location:
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£30,000 - £35,000
Job Discipline
Part Qualified & Transactional Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Marks Sattin are currently recruiting a Senior Accounts Payable Assistant on behalf of a very well established £100million turnover business, based on the outskirts of Leeds City Centre.
Reference
BBBH179770
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Yasmin CloughAuthor
Yasmin CloughSalary:
£100,000 - £120,000 per annum
Location:
Bolton, Greater Manchester
Industry
Consumer & Retail
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£100,000 - £125,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Exciting Finance Director role paying between £100,000 and £120,000 working for a PE backed retail and distribution business based in Bolton.
Reference
BBBH180076
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Nathan JonesAuthor
Nathan JonesSalary:
£60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Location:
Crewe, Cheshire
Industry
Transport & Logistics
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£70,000 - £80,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Commercial Finance Analyst role for a well established business in Crewe offering hybrid working paying a salary of up to £70,000.
Reference
BBBH180009
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Nathan JonesAuthor
Nathan JonesSalary:
£80,000 - £88,000 per annum + £7,000 Car Allowance + Benefits
Location:
Wilmslow, Cheshire
Industry
Technology
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£80,000 - £100,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Deputy Finance Director role working for an international technology business based just outside Wilmslow paying around £85,000 with car allowance.
Reference
BBBH179742
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Nathan JonesAuthor
Nathan JonesSalary:
£65,000 - £75,000 per annum
Location:
England
Industry
Manufacturing
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£70,000 - £80,000
Job Discipline
Project & Programme Management
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Mergers & Acquisitions focused Project Manager for an FMCG client.
Reference
BBBH180220
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Joshua MasseyAuthor
Joshua MasseySalary:
£300 - £330 per day
Location:
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Industry
Business Services
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Professional Services
Salary
£250 - £350
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
I have an urgent requirement for an Interim Project Accountant to join my client based in Wakefield.
Reference
NH - 180113
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Niamh HellewellAuthor
Niamh HellewellSalary:
Bonus + Benefits
Location:
City of London, London
Industry
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
Qualification
None specified
Market
Financial Services
Salary
£100,000 - £125,000
Job Discipline
Compliance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
A client of mine, a fast growing bank is looking for a Mandarin-speaking Head of Compliance to lead the function.
Reference
BBBH180219
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Muddasar MahmoodAuthor
Muddasar MahmoodSalary:
£120 - £125 per day
Location:
City of London, London
Industry
Consumer & Retail
Qualification
Part qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£100 - £150
Job Discipline
Part Qualified & Transactional Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
Finance Assistant/PE backed events business/Temporary to permanent/Netsuite
Reference
ARH020524
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Aaron HowardAuthor
Aaron Howard