hard work is both expected and rewarded
The health of the finance and accountancy job markets in any given locale isn't directly tied to the state of the local economy.
However, with the UK in solid economic shape, there’s a near-constant demand for financial specialists in pretty much all fields. London remains one of the world's vital financial centres, and there are jobs in virtually every financial sector. However, there's also work elsewhere in the UK, albeit on a smaller scale. The next couple of pages offer a primer on the financial job market in the UK.
Finding a job
You're in the right place,
register at TNT Jobs, upload your CV and let recruiters find you.
You may also get lucky by browsing the websites of some of the major firms in the UK as some jobs appear first on companies’ own websites, and others may even be listed there exclusively. However, there’s also plenty of short-term contract work on offer.
According to Marie Blackwell, international candidate consultant at recruitment agency Witan Jardine (www.witanjardine.co.uk): "The market for temporary work in the UK is very buoyant, with high volumes of roles currently coming through to recruiters." There are a number of recruitment agencies specialising in finance.
Check TNT for details or get recommendations from friends, then sign up with several. You may find a surfeit of temporary work near the end of the financial year (April to the end of March), when the industries are at their busiest.
Tax accountants may also find plenty of short-term work in the run-up to the annual deadline for personal tax returns at the end of January.
Qualifications and experience
A well-tailored CV is a must when applying for work in this competitive market. Emphasise your experience, include details of your skills in relevant computer programs, and highlight any particular areas of speciality.
Your CV, of course, should also include details of your qualifications.
According to Blackwell, most financial degrees and qualifications awarded overseas are recognised here. "Especially the accountancy qualifications, which are very transferable. A CIMA qualification is also globally recognised."
If possible, include the UK or Irish equivalent of any qualifications earned overseas: potential employers will appreciate the forethought.
"It's a good idea to pursue courses on tax and other reporting standards over here to ensure that your understanding of the UK market is up to speed," says Blackwell.
The work
The one characteristic shared by all sectors of the financial job market in the UK, and particularly in London, is that hard work is both expected and rewarded.
Accountancy Starting Salary Guide UK
Part-qualified
| Role |
Permanent (annual salary) |
Contract rate(per hour) |
| Foundation stage |
£24,000-£28,000 |
£13-£15 |
| Intermediate stage |
£28,000-£35,000 |
£15-£18 |
| Professional stage |
£35,000-£40,000 |
£19-£22 |
| Passed finalist |
£40,000-£45,000 |
£25+ |
Newly qualified 1-2yrs poe
| Financial accountant |
£40,000-£45,000 |
£22+ |
| Credit analyst |
£45,000-£48,000 |
£23-£25 |
| Systems accountant |
£45,000-£50,000 |
£23-£28 |
| Risk analyst |
£45,000-£48,000 |
£25+ |
| Internal audit account |
£45,000-£55,000 |
£25-£30 |
| Project accountant |
£44,000-£55,000 |
£25-£35 |
| Management account |
£45,000+ |
£28+ |
| Product control |
£50,000-£55,000 |
£28-£35 |
| Financial control |
£55,000-£65,000 |
£35-£40 |
Source: Witan Jardine NB: Figures are exclusive of benefits/bonuses and intended as a guide only
Useful websites
