You need to enable JavaScript in order to use the AI chatbot tool powered by ChatBot

School tie network holds no sway for accountants

Matthew Wilcox our consultant managing the role

Ex-colleagues and social media seen as most important networks

The old school tie mentality is being shunned by accountants as they identify ex-colleagues and social media as their most important networking groups according to research from specialist accountancy recruiter Marks Sattin.*

Fifty six per cent said ex-colleagues were their most important network and 30% identified social media sites such as LinkedIn as their top networking source. This compares with the traditional networks such as members’ clubs (4%), sports clubs (5%) and the lure of the old school tie (4%) in perceived importance.

More than half (52%) of the accountants questioned said they had worked with or been employed by an ex-colleague in a new job.

Additionally, two thirds of accountants are on LinkedIn, the most business orientated social media network. However, just 39% of accountancy employers have a presence on LinkedIn, suggesting they may be missing out on spotting potential talent and business opportunities.**

University friends are also an important network for accountants, with one in five people identifying this source. This is well above family members at 8% suggesting that in accountancy at least nepotism doesn’t rule.

Top 5 Networking Groups for Accountants:

1. Ex-colleagues (56%)
2. Social media e.g. LinkedIn (30%)
3. University friends (21%)
4. Family members (8%)
5. Dedicated networking group e.g. BNI (5%)

Dave Way, Managing Director of Marks Sattin said,

“Whether for business development or career progression, most professions thrive on networking and accountancy is no different. The importance of ex-colleagues in your future career should be a strong deterrent to anyone thinking of “going out with a bang” in the mould of Greg Smith at Goldman Sachs when they leave a job. You never know when current colleagues might prove useful in the future.

“It’s also interesting to find school networks and old boy clubs are deemed as far less important than social media and university friends for networking opportunities. The ubiquity of social media and the rise in university attendance make networking a much less exclusive process – something that should be good for business.”

Networking within their own gender

Four per cent of people identify their own gender as an important network, but this rises to 14% among women.  This can in part be attributed to the rise of women’s networking groups as part of a concerted effort to promote gender equality in business. However, a quarter of accountants questioned still said there are more opportunities for men to network than women.

Dave Way continues:
“There are many causes of gender inequality in the workplace, but one that has often been raised is the fact that members’ clubs, sports teams and old school ties all favoured men when it came to networking. However, as these institutions’ influence diminishes, there also appears to be a greater focus on women-only networking, and women’s career progression in general. This is a gap that should close organically over time.”

*Based on a poll of 152 accountants conducted between 20th July and 13th August 2013
**Marks Sattin Market Insight report conducted among 2,016 UK accountants

 

11/04/16
jobs

Related jobs

Group Reporting Manager

Salary:

£65,000 - £73,000 per annum + Excellent Benefits Package

Location:

Manchester, Greater Manchester

Industry

Consumer & Retail

Qualification

Fully qualified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£70,000 - £80,000

Job Discipline

Qualified Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Exciting Group Reporting Finance Manager for a leading retail organisation based in Manchester offering hybrid working paying circa £70,000.

Reference

BBBH184314

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Nathan  Jones

Author

Nathan Jones
Find out more
Interim Financial Controller

Salary:

£400 - £475 per day

Location:

London

Industry

Private Equity

Qualification

Fully qualified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£350 - £450

Job Discipline

Qualified Finance

Contract Type:

Contract

Description

PE-backed SME seeks Interim Financial Controller for financial ops & strategic planning. Strong data analysis & PE experience required.

Reference

BBBH183888

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Jaden Alie

Author

Jaden Alie
Jaden Alie

Author

Jaden Alie
Find out more
Transactional Finance Manager

Salary:

Negotiable

Location:

Horsham, West Sussex

Industry

Technology

Qualification

None specified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£60,000 - £70,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Our high growth client in the tech/SAAS industry are looking for a new Transactional Finance Manager to join their finance team.

Reference

129384

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Harry Latham

Author

Harry Latham
Find out more
Tax Accountant

Salary:

Up to £45,000 per annum

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£40,000 - £50,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH184306

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Credit Controller

Salary:

£30,000 - £32,000 per annum

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£30,000 - £35,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Credit Controller in Leeds

Reference

BBBH184266

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Cameron  Walsh

Author

Cameron Walsh
Find out more
Financial Services Programme Director

Salary:

€100,000 - €110,000 per annum

Location:

Dublin City Centre, Dublin

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£80,000 - £100,000

Job Discipline

Project & Programme Management

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Programme Director - Financial Services - Dublin

Reference

BBBH183758

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Cillian Mcevoy Find out more
Financial Services Strategy Consulting Manager

Salary:

€70,000 - €85,000 per annum

Location:

Dublin City Centre, Dublin

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£70,000 - £80,000

Job Discipline

Change Management

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Financial Services Strategy Consulting Manager- Dublin

Reference

BBBH182070

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Cillian Mcevoy Find out more
View all jobs