Summertime is good time for London job hunters

Many firms are quieter over the summer months and will pay more attention to recruitment. With jobs across general practice plentiful, especially at the senior end, it’s a good time to consider a new role, says Morgan McKinley’s Tom Wood.

August 2019

The Audit in General Practice market has seen a particular demand to fill Audit Senior roles, and we anticipate this to continue for the foreseeable future. We have seen an increase in senior level vacancies compared to the start of 2019, particularly around Senior Manager/Partner Designate level. With the majority of positions being down to growth, this is a positive sign for the public practice market.

The main regulatory matter currently, particularly in bookkeeping and outsourcing departments, has been Making Tax Digital (MTD). Since it came into effect on 1 April, many firms have been keen to hire professionals with experience of MTD and are aware of its effects on the practice markets, particularly in relation to VAT. 

Across personal tax within practice, there has been a significant drive to fill manager and senior manager level roles. More recently, however, this has slowed and there has been a focus on compliance seniors: any individuals with solid experience in the field are being valued more than those wishing to push their way to the top. 

The opportunity to work from home or work flexibly is still slowly becoming the norm in general practice, though not at the rate being seen at the bigger firms. As more adopt this, it will start to become more of a criteria when professionals are considering a move. 

There is now more emphasis on staff welfare than ever before, with many firms placing a focus on initiatives such as mental health awareness week and updating their flexible working policies

How can public practice job seekers stay motivated over the slower summer months?

Despite the perception that processes take longer over summer, it can be the best time to look for a new role. Many firms are quieter and will pay more attention to the recruitment of new employees as they prepare for the busier times in the lead up to Christmas. 

This may also mean that you, as a jobseeker, are quieter as well and will have more time to effectively prepare for an interview. 

Those who choose to hold off on their job search are missing a trick: jobs are plentiful and you may not have as much competition!

What makes a public practice CV stand out? 

Solid experience in Xero, Quickbooks or Sage remains an essential skill when you are looking for a new role in a bookkeeping or accounts function. Also, despite the establishment of outsourcing as a key service line for accountancy firms, many firms are growing teams where employees will prepare both management and statutory accounts. 

Across personal tax within general practice, the top skills have included experience of non-domicile and non-residents. Those wishing to specialise in compliance have begun to get more gateways as tax compliance manager roles have come available in the last two or three months. Further to this, there has been a shortage of mixed tax senior level candidates.

Tom Wood is a public practice manager at Morgan McKinley