A&F Insights – Q4 Mar 2024
What we are seeing in the market
- The feedback within the market over the Q1 when speaking with candidates points towards more choice in their job search, and we couldn’t agree more. 2024 has started off strong with an increased number of experienced and motivated candidates seeking the next steps in their career journey as the recruitment landscape begins to even out.
- There is still an increasing demand for Qualified CA’s for Financial Accounting Senior roles but we are still seeing a slow shift in employers adapting their qualification expectations when welcoming new accounting professionals to their team.
- Employers offering study support continue to be highly appealing within the part-qualified space. Whether through financial assistance or offering study leave alongside mentorship within the team, this distinguishes them as attractive employers within this space, which in turn positions these opportunities more favourably against the competition!
- In the part qualified and newly qualified Accountancy and Finance market, we are noticing an increase in the required notice period that this level now holds. Typically, a Part Qualified candidate would hold a 1 month notice, however are seeing an increasing rate of employers extending this to 3 months thus to ensure enough time to secure a replacement within the team
- Across all Finance levels we have seen an increase in fixed term contracts and temporary roles due to potential new projects or employers looking for additional support during busy periods as we are approaching year end for a lot of businesses.
- Across the transactional space, the hunt remains on for experienced Payroll candidates at all levels, with an increased requirement for those who have supported on migration projects as companies look to streamline their processes
- Hybrid working still remains to be the preference when candidates are looking for a move however we have seen a shift in clients who are fully on-site to become a lot more flexible with this expectation. This could be a flexibility around working hours or agreeing on an ‘anchor day’ that allows consistency within the team.
Accountancy and Finance Event
Pathways to Success: Navigating your Career After Qualifying
On the 14th of March, our Senior Consultants, Cameron Brown and Emma Ritchie held the first in our series of events; ‘Pathways to Success’. Joined by guest speakers Stuart Coutts, Global Finance Manager at Retronix Semiconductor and Danielle Brown, Finance Director at 3D Reid, the event focussed on part qualified and newly qualified ACCA professionals, encouraging a platform to gain insights into both Stuart and Danielle’s career journey post-qualifying. It was great to hear their unique successes, challenges and unexpected career moves that has ultimately led them their influential positions to-date. Keep an eye on this space as planning is underway for event number 2!
Hyrox
On the 3rd of March, some of the Iconic team completed Hyrox in Glasgow. This was a huge challenge in balancing strength and mindset with some of our team beating PB’s! Well done to everyone who took part, trained and smashed their goals. There are already conversations of signing up again next year (once the shin splints heal!)
Qualifications
ICAS
ICAS is launching a new syllabus in April for CA students, with the three main focuses being ethics, sustainability and technology. This change will occur at all three levels of the CA syllabus with a continuous focus on non-technical skills to allow students to be more confident when stepping into the future workplace. The course will also offer more in terms of flexibility, with the option for employers to choose different pathways and select a ‘subject specific’ route. For example, students working in a Tax environment can now study the Tax syllabus first before expanding and studying the rest of the CA course. There are no changes to the number of hours needed to complete the ICAS qualification or the number of SCQF credits needed but it is great to see some flexibility around the order of the course to enhance students learning along with their progression.
ACCA
In March, it was ACCA exam week and we hope everyone who sat exams did well and feels confident with their performance. The countdown is on for results day! Whether this was your first exam or last exam, the ACCA qualification is a huge achievement so well done for putting in the hours and we hope your hard work has paid off.
Promotions!
Iconic Accountancy and Finance are pleased to announce that Emma Shahnavaz has been promoted to Business Manager, specialising in the Transactional, Part Qualified and Newly Qualified markets across Scotland. Emma joined Iconic Resourcing over 2 years ago and each day has encouraged, motivated and supported the team and we are looking forward to watching Emma grow into an inspirational leader for team Finance. Well done Emma!