As you progress through your professional accounting qualification there are many potential career opportunities that are available to you. We know how daunting this can be and have developed this handbook to help you decide what the right move might be for you. This Part Qualified Career Guide will help guide you through the wide range of career opportunities available to you across different industries. It will provide case studies for the routes that other accountants have taken, as well as interview tips and advice on how to get your ideal job.

1. Part Qualified
Career Guide
020 7321 5000
www.markssattin.co.uk

2. Service Breadth
As you progress through your professional accounting
qualification there are many potential career
opportunities that are available to you. We know
how daunting this can be and have developed this
handbook to help you decide what the right move
might be for you.
This Part Qualified Career Guide will help guide
you through the wide range of career opportunities
available to you across different industries. It will
provide case studies for the routes that other
accountants have taken, as well as interview tips and
advice on how to get your ideal job.
We understand that whether you decide to stay where
you are or make the move it is important to carry out
as much research as possible beforehand about the
roles, locations and businesses on offer. With this in
mind, once you have digested the information and
identified your goals our experienced consultants will
be on hand to give you impartial advice and help you
find your next move.
Good luck!
Dave Way
Managing Director, Marks Sattin

3. Contents
Career Op ortunities
p 4
Commerce Industry 4
Banking Financial Services 4
Not-for-Profit 5
Public Sector 5
Typical Roes
l 6
Management Accountant 6
Finance Analyst 6
Business Partner 7
Commercial Analyst 7
Business Analyst 8
Finance Manager 9
CandidateProfiles 10
Planning Performance Analyst 10
Management Accountant 11
Internal Procurement FInance Manager 12
Salary Surveys 14
Interview Questions
15
Typical questions 16
Questions to ask the interviewer 17
Referral Schemes 19
Marks Sattin — What we can do for you 21
Contact us 23
3

4. Career Opportunities
Commerce Industry
Encompassing a diverse range of sectors, the are the norm, most skills are transferable within
world of commerce industry offers a vast array commerce industry creating a versatile CV
of opportunities. Part qualified accountants can and career.
work for large, blue chip companies and leading
household brands, through to small / medium Part qualified accountants have a vast
enterprises and smaller entrepreneurial businesses. array of opportunities in all of the following
sectors: media, advertising, energy, natural
The roles available to you are varied and include resources, FMCG, retail, pharmaceuticals,
commercial, analytical, operational and project telecommunications, professional services,
focused roles across many sectors. Although publishing, technology, construction,
certain career paths in specific or related sectors manufacturing and property.
Banking Financial Services
Banking and financial services can offer many career within financial services. Opportunities
positions that you simply will not find in other in core finance, business partnering and niche
industries. Not only do the roles vary, but so do specialisations increase once qualified and open
the opportunities for part qualified accountants up numerous career paths.
within top tier banks through to small boutique
banks and asset managers Sectors include; investment banking,
commercial banking, retail banking, insurance,
London is a key hub in the financial world and asset management, investment management,
offers an excellent platform on which to build a brokers, private equity and hedge funds.
4

5. Not-for-Profit
Not-for-Profit is an increasingly popular sector The transition into a NFP organisation for
that has become far more commercial in its someone with experience outside the sector
approach in recent years. As such, the sector is normally quite straightforward. The skills and
can provide similar career opportunities to those experience gained in the commercial world
within profit making sectors. are very transferable and in many cases highly
sought after.
Similar to Commerce Industry there is a mix
of organisations ranging from large, high-profile Sectors include; Arts Heritage, Associations,
brands equivalent in size to some FTSE 250 Charities, Housing Associations, Membership
companies to a significant number of small and Bodies, and Social Enterprises.
medium sized organisations.
Public Sector
The Public Sector has had its fair share of there will eventually be greater opportunities at
headlines in the recent past and is in the process the part qualified level in the coming years.
of its biggest shake up for many years. The past
year has seen opportunities within the Public Factors that typically draw people to the Public
Sector diminish in much the same way as the Sector are the development and progression
private sector in 2008/09. opportunities as well as the work life balance
and benefits.
However there are still opportunities and if this is
an area you are keen to work within they can still Sectors include; Education, Central Government,
be found, albeit with greater perseverance! And Local Government, NDPB’s, NHS, and
Public Sector Not for Profit
as a result of the cuts, there is also the possibility Regulatory Bodies.
“ We are pro-active in our
approach and passionate about
securing you the perfect job.
Maddy Carey — Financial Services London ”
5

6. Typical roles
Typical job titles will include:
Management Accountant | Business Analyst | Finance Analyst
Commercial Analyst | Business Partner | Finance Manager
Management Accountant
Position Prospects — A typical role for a Person— Good
part qualified accountant to aspire to as they presentation skills,
progress through or complete their studies. This both written and verbal
role is vital in supporting the business decision are often required.
makers and requires a mix of technical and commercial Management Accountants must be
expertise. The position allows progression towards Finance technically strong, commercially aware
Manager and FPA roles with the opportunity of further and good communicators who can act
development into FC or FD roles. as an inter-company ambassador for
the finance function.
The role will include the preparation, presentation and
analysis of monthly management and financial information. A
Management Accountant provides commentary and variance
analysis and is often involved in budgeting and forecasting.
Finance Analyst
Position Prospects — Financial planning Person — This is a very
analysis offers an overview and input into competitive area and
the business activities from a commercial, requires commercially
strategic and planning angle. This area aware, analytically
encourages the development of excellent business minded and entrepreneurial
knowledge, exposure to senior level management and characters. Common sense and
decision making. business acumen will prevail over
strong academics.
There is also a need for a rounded understanding of the
market place and competitors in order to anticipate any up-
coming issues for the business. If you are successful within
FPA it will provide a stepping stone for you to move into
roles such as Commercial Director or Strategy Director.
6

7. Business Partner
Position Prospects — Although these types Person — This is the
of roles have been around for years the term perfect role for someone
“Business Partner” has grown significantly looking to work within a
in popularity in recent times. As the title large organisation but still
suggests, the role usually involves partnering a business feel close to the business. The role will
unit (IT, HR, Legal etc) where you will be responsible require good communication skills,
for preparing management accounts, financial analysis, strong commercial awareness and the
providing financial commentary and communicating these ability to work with both finance and
invariably to non-Finance Managers. non-finance contacts.
The role is arguably more prevalent within banking and
also involves assisting department heads and senior
management in their decision making. Budgeting,
forecasting and planning will make up a significant
proportion of the role.
Commercial Analyst
Position Prospects — The phrase “what is Person — Once again
in a title” probably rings true here as well. In strong commercial
many respects a Commercial Analyst will in all skills and effective
likelihood be very similar to either a Finance communication skills are
Analyst or a Business Partner. A Commercial Analyst might essential. The ability to relate finance
split their time 50/50 between the business, typically sales back to the business is key and the
or marketing, and finance often acting as a link between work will once again working with
the two. finance and non-finance teams.
A lot of the work a Commercial Analyst will undertake will be
forward looking and typically predict sales, yields, unit costs
and future performance. However the differences between
a Commercial Analyst, a Finance Analyst or a Business
Partner are very few and in many cases not existent.
7

8. “ Marks Sattin have more than
30 years experience working
with many of the world’s leading
organisations including FTSE 100
and Fortune 250.
”
Business Analyst
Position Prospects — As with any position, it Person — An enthusiasm
is always good to look beyond a job title. This for processes and a keen
is especially the case with Business Analyst eye for detail are usually
roles. The main difference between a Business prerequisites, you will be
Analyst and a Finance Analyst is that former is normally analytically mined with the ability to
more technical and the latter more commercial, although offer solutions some of which could
there can of course be overlaps. be quite complex. The ability to work
and communicate with non-finance
A Business Analyst in an accounting sense will normally teams is also a must have.
work with other departments in developing processes and
controls. More technically focused in the sense the role
might require you to work more closely with IT / Systems,
example duties could include preparation of complex
models or streamlining reporting processes.
8

9. Finance Manager
Position Prospects — A typical Finance Person — Typically you
Manager will have an overarching will have gained strong
responsibility for a function. In some cases all round experience
this can be narrow; managing a transactional within the finance arena
team i.e. AR or AP, and in others broad; overseeing a thus giving you the ability to handle a
number of functions i.e. transactional accounting, financial range of finance responsibilities. It is
accounts and management accounts. A Finance Manager likely you will need to manage people
might manage anything from 0-10+ people and again when and act as a primary point of contact
considering this sort of role it is important to understand within a finance team.
the duties and responsibilities beyond the title.
The role is arguably more attainable to a CIMA / ACCA
candidate (as opposed to a newly qualified CA) as you
would have already gained a good practical understanding
of a finance function whilst studying. Future progression
can be obtained by managing larger teams or moving into
Head of Finance or Financial Controller positions.
6
/10
candidates actively recommend
us to friends or colleagues.
9

10. Robert, Planning Performance Analyst
How I got here
Name After spending 3 successful
years at EDS I felt I had
Robert reached a stage where my
future development would
Education be better placed elsewhere. Having considered
internal options I decided that I would look
Loughborough University externally and within 1 month of job searching I
BSc Maths and was placed at Talk Talk.
Accounting with
Financial Management Advice for other CIMA’s
Although money was an important factor this
(1st)
wasn’t my primary consideration when accepting
a new position. I needed a company that could
Qualification offer a better role coupled with good future career
prospects. Although the market at the time wasn’t
Part Qual CIMA
at its strongest I was still fortunate enough to have
a number of good options presented to me.
Previous company
My advice would be to look beyond the job
EDS titles and the salaries and assess if the role
will challenge you enough in the short term,
Current Position/ and whether it is with a company that can help
facilitate longer term career development.
Employer
Planning Performance
Analyst – Talk Talk
“ Although the market at the
time wasn’t at its strongest I
was still fortunate enough to
have a number of good options
10
presented to me.
”

11. Arti, Management Accountant
How I got here
Name Having spent a little over
3 years at Swatch I was
Arti unfortunately made redundant.
After leaving I secured a
Education contract role but was keen to find a permanent
position with a company that could develop my
Coventry University skills and experience in line with my ACCA studies.
BA Hons Economics Utilising my background at Swatch I successfully
managed to secure a Management Accountant
Qualification role with Hackett.
Part Qual ACCA Advice for other CIMA’s
Whilst disappointed to leave Swatch it did act as
a catalyst that enabled me to find myself a new
Previous Company role. Rather than rush into the wrong role, I took
Swatch Group a contract which allowed me more time to find a
suitable permanent position, and added to my skill
set and experience.
Current Position/
Employer Having progressed well in my previous roles this
was a key consideration when searching for my
Management Accountant next permanent role. The opportunity at Hackett
– Hackett was perfect. The companies future plan and culture
excited me and the Management Accountant role
allowed me to combine and build on the skills and
experience I had already gained.
Based on my experience I would advise those
searching for a new position to not just consider
the role they want next but also where they plan to
be in 2, 3 or 5 years time. Make sure the role and
company can offer a path that helps you achieve
your future career aspirations.
11

12. “ In any job search it’s important
to have a clear understanding of
what you want/need from your
next move.
”
12

13. Arif, Internal Procurement FInance Manager
How I got here
Name I approached Marks Sattin
whilst working for O2. Although
Arif my time there had been
successful and I had learnt a
Education great deal, after 3 years I wanted to experience a
fresh challenge within a new market.
University of
Hertfordshire I contacted Marks Sattin as they placed me at O2
BA Business Studies (2:1) and I started a new search. I was presented with
an opportunity at BP which I saw as a excellent
avenue into the business. An interview was
Qualification secured and the whole process took two weeks
ACMA from first round to offer stage, which I happily
accepted.
Current Position/ Advice for other CIMA’s
In any job search it’s important to have a clear
Employer understanding of what you want/need from your
Internal Procurement next move i.e. clearly identifying the reasons for
Finance Manger – BP leaving and understanding the most important
factors for you moving forward.
If you fail to clarify these points a job search can
become frustrating. What impressed me with
Marks Sattin is their ability to listen to these key
points. The consultant who originally placed me at
O2 (and then BP) fully understood my needs and
how to effectively market my CV.
The level of professionalism and efficiency of the
BP process was also very impressive, as was the
level of preparation and attention to detail offered
by my consultant which gave me a great deal of
confidence to impress.
13

14. Salary Surveys
A regularly updated salary guide can be found on our website at:
www.markssattin.co.uk/what-am-i-worth,
however in order to obtain a more tailored review contact us on 020 7321 5000.
Stage of Study
Salary Hourly Rate
Finalist £35-45k £18-25
Managerial / Professional £28-35k £14-18
Fundamental / Operational £24-30k £12-15
By Position - Part Qualified
Salary Hourly Rate
Finance Manager £30-45k £15-30
Management Accountant £30-45k £15-25
Financial Accountant £30-40k £15-25
Finance Analyst £30-45k £15-25
Assistant Accountant £25-32k £13-17
Project Accountant £28-45k £14-25
Qualified
Salary Daily Rate
Newly Qualified 1yr PQE £40-50k £200-250
1-2 years PQE £45-55k £225-300
3-5 years PQE £55-70k £300-450
Financial Controller £65–80k £neg
Financial Director £70–100k+ £neg
14

15. Interview questions
An employer’s objective in an interview is to build a detailed picture of your competencies, skills and
personality in order to assess whether you have the correct skill set and cultural fit for the business.
There are a number of interview questions that are commonly asked, and we would recommend that
you prepare your answers in advance. Most of the questions that you will be asked will be about your
previous roles, so it is definitely worth preparing examples that show:
Skills
Experience
T
echnical knowledge
It is always worth remembering that when responding to questions to keep your responses concise
and relevant. Make sure you sell yourself and your ability through using a variety of examples that
reflect different aspects of your experience.
A good interviewer will provide the arena for you to sell yourself at interview. Make sure you have
reread your CV beforehand and you have considered what benefit your skills and experience can
offer your potential new employer.
15

16. Typical questions
Behavioural Questions – Interviewers will often Competency Questions – These questions are
use these type of questions to find out more used quite often used to align your past work
about your personality, asking questions that experience with the specific competencies
require you to refer to specific experiences that are required for the job you are
from your past. interviewing for, such as:
Q: as your career met your expectations?
H Q: escribe your achievements to date: (What
D
(What they want to know: Are you confident, they want to know: Are you successful?)
positive, ambitious?) A: elect an achievement that is career related.
S
A: nswer must be a resounding “YES”,
A Identify the skills you used in this situation
however, if you feel you are moving too slowly, and quantify the benefit.
then give reasons for this.
Industry Specific Questions – Here the
Q: What are your weaknesses?
interviewer wants to see how much you know
A: on’t say “none” - we all have some. There
D
about their industry. It is important that you
are two options available: use a professional do your research here to ensure that you
weakness such as lack of experience on your know about the company, its industry and its
part in an area that is not essential to the job competitors, such as:
on offer. The second option is to describe a
Q: hy do you want to work for this company?
W
weakness that could also be considered a
(What they want to know: Are you prepared,
strength and the steps that you have taken to
knowledgeable? What is the image of the
combat this.
company externally?)
Q: hat decisions do you find difficult to make?
W
A: how you have researched into the firm’s
S
(What they want to know: Are you decisive?)
position in the market, what the company’s
A: our answer must not display weakness -
Y
strategy is, how long the particular
focus on decisions that have to be made
department you are interviewing for has been
without sufficient information.
around and what their corporate image is.
Q: hy are you leaving your current employer?
W
A: ooking for more challenge, responsibility
L
and experience. DO NOT be negative in your
reasons for leaving.
Q: ell me about a difficult situation that you
T
have been in at work and how you overcame
it?
A: mployers use this question to try and gauge
E
what you see as difficult situations and if you
are able to show a logical approach to how
you solve problems. Always aim to show
yourself in a positive light.
16

17. Questions to ask the interviewer
Don’t forget that this is also your opportunity to find out more about the organisation, and the
position, so we recommend that you have a few questions ready to ask them. Here are some
examples that you might find helpful:
“ How will this role satisfy Q: ow has this position become
H
”
vacant?
my drive for success? Q: What will my role entail?
Q: What will my daily routine involve?
Q: ow does my role fit into the overall
H
department?
Q: ow will my performance be
H
monitored?
Q: Who will I report to?
Q: Will anyone report to me?
Q: hat are the opportunities for training
W
and professional development?
Q: Where is your company going?
Q: re there any expansion plans?
A
Q: ill this position involve travelling?
W
Q: hat is the objective of this
W
organisation/department/team?
Q: ow does the culture compare to
H
elsewhere?
Q: hat sort of person does well here?
W
Q: ow might I influence my own future
H
here?
Q: hich of my skills are required for this
W
job?
Q: ow will this role satisfy my drive for
H
success?
Q: hat is the work environment like?
W
Q: hat is it about this organisation that
W
you (the interviewer) enjoy?
Q: f I’m as successful in this position
I
as I should be, what might I be doing
after a year? After two years?
17

18. “ Marks Sattin candidates are
not treated like commodities. Our
aim is to understand you better
than anyone else.
”
18

19. Referral Schemes
For any friend or colleague recommended to us and subsequently placed for a minimum of three
months we will reward you. There is no restriction on the number of people you can refer, so submit a
referral to claim your reward.
A
referred candidate placed in a permanent role will grant the referrer
up to £100 in their choice of vouchers depending on
the level.
A
referred candidate placed in a 6+ month temp / contract role will
grant the referrer a £50 Virgin Voucher.
A referred candidate placed in a 1-6 month temp / contract role will
grant the referrer a £30 Virgin Voucher
We are always interested in receiving referrals from our candidates, as good people often know other
good people.
To refer a friend all you need to do is go online to our refer a friend section on our website or email
the details to: referral.uk@markssattin.com
...and we will take it from there.
19

20. “ I was treated professionally by
all the consultants that I dealt with
at Marks Sattin. Their enthusiasm,
market knowledge and personable
approach set them apart from the rest
and assisted me in making the right
choice for my future development.
With the support from the company
I was placed at, I hope to be fully
”
qualified within a year.
CIMA Managerial
– placed with online gaming company
20

21. Marks Sattin – What we can do for you
Assist you in preparing the most effective
Provide detailed feedback from the client
CV for the jobs you wish to apply for after interview with suggestions for future
interviews if unsuccessful
Provide confidential and impartial advice on
your career path and the options available egotiate contract details including salary
N
to you, including potential skills that are expectations on your behalf to ensure you
likely to be in demand receive the best rate possible
Provide a full consultative service with no
rovide continual support from initial
P
obligation to register with us registration through placement, salary
negotiations and after you move
Inform you of relevant vacancies as soon as
we hear of them ontact permanent candidates once a
C
fortnight whilst looking for work; quarterly
Keep you up to date with market trends,
once an assignment has started
employment legislation and salary levels
across the industry onducting end of placement feedback
C
interviews, these can be carried out by
Prepare you for interviews by providing
email, phone, face to face or freepost
you with a full interview pack with detailed
information on the company you are
interviewing with, press releases, interview
techniques and typical questions
“ We can negotiate contract
details including salary
expectations on your behalf to
ensure you receive the best
rate possible
”
21

22. “ We can provide a full
consultative service with no
obligation to register with us.
”
22

23. Contact us
You have read the booklet and explored your options, now send us
your CV to kick start your career.
Our consultants are well placed to advise you on opportunities, career
paths, market trends, and salaries. Please contact us to discuss
further:
Mark Thomas
Director - Part Qualified Transactional Accounting Division
t: +44 (0)20 7747 9702
e: mark.thomas@markssattin.com
w: www.markssattin.co.uk/part-qualified-and-transactional
Warren Hilton
Manager - Part Qualified Transactional Accounting Team (Temporary)
t: +44 (0)20 7747 9742
e: warren.hilton@markssattin.com
w: www.markssattin.co.uk/part-qualified-and-transactional
Carmine Scalzo
Manager - Part Qualified Team (Permanent)
t: +44 (0)20 7747 9755
e: carmine.scalzo@markssattin.com
w: www.markssattin.co.uk/part-qualified-and-transactional
23

24. 020 7321 5000
www.markssattin.co.uk