What’s your best advice for anyone wanting a job in the finance sector?
Study a relevant degree, network with appropriate agencies that specialise in financerecruitment and do some voluntary work in the field that you’re looking to get into.
What do you primarily look for in a candidate?
We look for flexible and committed candidates with relevant work experience, good communication skills and a ‘can do’ attitude.
What qualifications are needed?
Relevant qualifications are not needed for all temporary job roles. For example, to work in accounts payable or receivable, qualifications are not important – previous experience within this area is sufficient. But if you are looking for a Financial Accountant position or a more senior accounting role then clients do expect you to have a degree and probably some formal accountant qualification such as a CA (Chartered Accountant) or CPA (Chartered Practicing Accountant) or equivalent accreditation.
How does the finance sector in Australia differ from the UK?
Australia and the UK do have different taxation laws, but this isn’t usually a problem for candidates looking for job roles here. In essence there is very little difference between the UK and Australian finance sectors.
How does the finance sector look at the moment? Are there lots of jobs?
The finance sector is extremely busy at the moment and there are plenty of jobs available to good calibre candidates with relevant experience and good inter-personal skills.
So what are the rates of pay in Australia and what are the variables?
The rates of pay really depend on the level of job that you do and which state you work in. As a rough guide Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would all have a similar pay rate.
Do you offer any training?
Training is something we do not offer for temporary placements as the clients we work with expect that all candidates will hit the ground running.
Are there any sponsorship opportunities?
Sponsorship can be offered directly by employers and with Chandler Macleod, but it depends on your educational background, qualifications, job level and salary.
What are the benefits of getting some Oz work experience?
Most blue chip organisations are located in the major cities in Australia, and you can gain experience working for a reputable company while you also enjoy the laid-back Australian lifestyle.
Thanks to Katy Footer, Permanent Consultant, Accounting and Finance, Chandler Macleod. Visit www.chandlermacleod.com.
An Interview with an…
Accountant
Guy Peckham
31, from New Zealand
What made you decide to come and work in Australia?
After having spent one year in London and another in Dublin, I just was not ready to return home to New Zealand. So I thought I would try Sydney as a great compromise between corporate career opportunities and an outdoor lifestyle that you can’t have in the UK. It was that, plus the fact my girlfriend is Australian.
What’s your new job?
I am currently undertaking a contract financial accounting assignment at a diversified ASX listed property developer.
How did you land your new job?
When I met with Tricia Liverpool, a consultant from Absolute Executive Recruitment, I expressed an interest in getting my career back into property development finance. She had a role and arranged an interview. I went to the interview, and started my new job a few days later.
Where in Australia have you worked?
I’ve worked in Sydney so far.
Where are you going next?
I think I will give Sydney a chance before considering another destination.
What job experiences did you have from before?
I had a mixture of project accounting jobs and financial accounting jobs within the property sector as well as a previous role as a Financial Controller in a multinational company based in Ireland.
How does you job in Oz compare to back home?
Much the same, but the numbers are larger than New Zealand and all my colleagues have better tans than in London and Dublin.
What’s the pay like?
It’s competitive.
Is sponsorship an option?
Kiwis can work in Australia without needing a working visa.
Do you have any funny stories about your job you want to share?
I am sure something funny will happen soon, but I’ve only been working here for one week so far.
What’s the best work- related advice you were given?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What’s your best advice for other travellers considering your job?
The Sydney experience is in the CBD, so it pays to work there.
