Newly Qualified - Where Next

Newly Qualified - Where Next Newly Qualified - Where Next? 22 Jul 2014 It's an exciting time for many as newly qualified accountants receive those much anticipated exam results. However becoming a Chartered Accountant is just the start of a journey that could take you around the world. Many will already have an idea of the career path they’d like to pursue but it is always best to explore all your options before you decide. Those qualifying have just completed a highly challenging and demanding professional certification whilst working full-time in challenging and demanding markets. Working in finance is certainly not restricted by borders or boundaries and companies are on the search for the very best talent regardless of residence.   There are two main routes for Chartered Accountants; stay in Britain and pursue an industry role either in-house or with a practice or explore the opportunities abroad through international finance. The choice very much depends on your personal ambitions and circumstances. Businesses expect their finance personnel to be commercially aware.   When moving into industry, newly qualified accountants will have the opportunity to develop both their technical and commercial skills. With that in mind, it is very important to choose the right company to follow a clear career progression to a more senior commercial role. Those that choose to stay in practice enjoy building lasting relationships with clients, developing their skills on secondments and having a clearly defined career path. Those that work in practice can easily make the jump into industry, particularly at a more senior level.   Businesses expect their finance personnel to be commercially aware.   When moving into industry, newly qualified accountants will have the opportunity to develop both their technical and commercial skills. With that in mind, it is very important to choose the right company to follow a clear career progression to a more senior commercial role. Those that choose to stay in practice enjoy building lasting relationships with clients, developing their skills on secondments and having a clearly defined career path. Those that work in practice can easily make the jump into industry, particularly at a more senior level. Paul Buchan â€" Principal Consultant, Edinburgh Becoming chartered is no mean feat. It is an exhaustive process and one that ensures that when you finally complete your studies you have demonstrated all of the qualities required to succeed in business; academic prowess, the ability to juggle various priorities and the tenacity to succeed in the face of difficult obstacles.   I would argue that qualifying as an accountant shows not just mental acuity but also very strong personal qualities. Think of the various careers you can have within accountancy; Tax Partner, VAT Partner, Audit Partner, General Practice, Consultancy, Advisory.   The range of choice for a newly-qualified accountant is truly astonishing and so it is time to put your thinking cap on.   What do you enjoy most about the profession?   What do you enjoy least?   What do you believe to be your leadership, communication and commercial abilities?   What do you understand about the best fit for you as an individual? If you take a sample of 10 qualified accountants who qualified in, say, 2003, you will find that they have all enjoyed very different careers. Confused about what to do after you qualify? Post a comment below or get in touch with our accountancy and finance consultants who will be happy to share insight and provide guidance.