To be a good Auditor, you need to be precise, analytical and commit to upholding financial integrity. Whether you’re an aspiring auditor or a professional looking to enhance your skills, this is for you. Take a look at the actionable insights below to unlock your potential and excel in this profession.
Stay updated on industry trends, new regulations, and emerging technologies that impact the field. Continuously enhance your expertise through professional certifications, relevant courses, and engaging in peer knowledge sharing.
We recommend these platforms for keeping up to date with all things Accounts & Audit:
Auditors are responsible for inspecting financial records and identifying potential errors or irregularities. Sharpen your analytical skills and your ability to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and ask insightful questions that uncover hidden risks or opportunities for improvement.
Communication is a vital skill for auditors, as you’ll be interacting with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at various levels. Refine your communication skills to effectively convey complex financial information in a clear and concise manner. Work on your active listening skills to better understand client needs and build strong professional relationships. Also focus on writing well-structured reports that are easy to understand.
The auditing landscape is rapidly changing with advancements in technology and automation. Embrace these changes and learn to leverage audit software, data analytics tools, and AI to streamline processes.
To excel as an auditor, it’s crucial to continuously learn and improve. Actively seek feedback from supervisors, peers, and clients to identify areas for growth. Embrace opportunities for professional development, attend conferences and participate in training classes.
Work towards improving in these areas and you’re guaranteed to unlock your potential and excel in your career.
We work with accountancy practices across the East Midlands to recruit for finance professionals including Audit roles of all levels. Our consultants can offer additional advice and guidance on your career in auditing whether you’re just starting out or looking for a senior position.
Click here to view our current vacancies.
Additional Resources:
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the spotlight is on anxiety and how it can often be overlooked. According to the World Health Organisation, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness worldwide, affecting around 264 million people. Feeling nervous around events like job interviews or public speaking is completely normal but when the issue is ongoing and debilitating, these feelings can develop into something more serious.
But how can we tell the difference between the ‘Sunday Blues’ or a deeper issue with our job?
If your job is causing you stress and anxiety, take some time to consider why this is and if steps can be taken to find a solution.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of job dissatisfaction and provide you with expert advice on how to navigate a career transition to improve your mental well-being.
Take some time to reflect on what aspects of your current job are causing anxiety and unhappiness. Is it the work environment, lack of growth opportunities, or a mismatch of skills and interests? Identifying the key triggers will help you make informed decisions moving forward. If you decide that a job change is in order, read on to see what you can do.
Before embarking on a job change, reflecting on your achievements so far and your long-term career goals is key. What are you passionate about? What are your strengths and areas for improvement? Identify the roles and industries that align with your values, preferences, and aspirations.
Once you have a clear understanding of your skills, interests, and goals, it’s time to research and explore potential career paths. Use online resources, your professional network and consider contacting a recruiter who can offer insight into different industries and job roles that are perfectly suited to you.
Transitioning to a new position or industry often requires acquiring new skills. Identify any skill gaps you need to bridge to get to your goal and consider attending workshops or online courses to enhance your skill set. Additionally, actively networking with professionals in your desired field can open doors to new opportunities.
Before making the leap, develop a well-thought-out transition plan. Assess your financial situation and determine how long you can sustain yourself during the transition period if needed. Set realistic timelines and milestones for achieving your career change goals. Breaking down the process into manageable steps will make the transition less daunting and help you stay motivated.
Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with your desired job role. Also, ensure your LinkedIn profile and other social platforms are private or suitable for an employer’s eyes – they might look at them! Reach out to a recruiter who can offer guidance on structuring your CV to match the job advert.
Changing jobs can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Especially when we lose out on a dream opportunity or feel anxious ahead of an interview, it can take a real toll on our mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and support. Consider reaching out to career coaches, recruiters, or people close to you who have gone through similar experiences. Their insights and advice can provide valuable perspective and motivation throughout your job search journey.
Regular check-ins with employees and good resource management is essential to making sure staff feel respected and don’t burnout. Conducting audits on factors like company culture, staff retention and brand reputation can highlight any weak points in your business. If an employee does hand in their notice, consider an Exit Interview to understand if there was a deeper reason for their decision. This is a great learning opportunity and a chance to improve. On the other hand, retention tactics such as counter-offering are famously a bad idea if their reason for moving is around mental well-being. Holding employees back from new opportunities is a red flag when it comes to staff retention and can signal a toxic company culture.
Settling into a new role can be a transformative experience when it alleviates the anxiety and unhappiness you may have faced in your old work situation. Prioritising your mental health and taking steps towards a more fulfilling career can lead to long-term happiness and well-being. Remember, you have the power to shape your professional journey, so embrace change and pursue a path that brings you joy, fulfilment, and peace of mind.
Additional Resources:
Throughout April, we’ve been recognising Stress Awareness Month by reflecting on our stress levels each week and sharing our tips on stress management.
Stress and burnout in the workplace are more common than ever, with many people experiencing these feelings daily. Knowing what to do when you feel this way and understanding what works for you is essential to maintain a healthy mindset.
As an employer, being aware of employee well-being is a key component of a positive workplace culture. Advocating for a healthy work/life balance or scheduling regular check-ins with your staff shouldn’t just be down to HR. If you suspect that your employees are experiencing burnout or high-stress levels in their role, honest communication, alongside empathy, is the first step to finding a solution.
Stress is caused by all aspects of our lives and can sometimes be hard to talk about. By sharing the tips below with your employees and aiming to create a stress-free working environment, you’re on your way to success.
The team took some time to plan our day and write down our routine to identify when we are most at risk of becoming stressed. Watch the Reel from our Instagram below. Download the Daily Destressing Planner from The Stress Management Society and try it out for yourself by clicking here.
Click here to visit our Instagram page.
We are thrilled to announce that our Digital Marketing & Admin Assistant, Lucy has successfully completed her apprenticeship and achieved a distinction! She has worked hard over the past 18 months to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to support the business’s marketing needs, and we could not be more proud of her accomplishment.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Lucy has demonstrated her creativity, commitment to learning, and passion for what we do at Twenty2. She has gone above and beyond to complete the coursework and exams, and her hard work and determination have finally paid off.
Lucy
Lucy’s achievement is a testament to the power of apprenticeships as a pathway to success.
She says, “I’m so happy to have achieved top marks in my apprenticeship. Being able to work on exciting projects at Twenty2 alongside studying has been brilliant and has taught me so much about the recruitment process and candidate journey.
I’m looking forward to progressing in my role, learning more about recruitment marketing and communicating with amazing clients and candidates. Twenty2 have been so supportive from start to finish, allowing me to take the lead on big campaigns – making my time as an apprentice really special.”
(and so much more!)
Top moments from the last 18 months
Shoutout to the staff at althaus, now based on Pride Park in Derby, for supporting Lucy’s apprenticeship and running excellent online classes over the last 18 months.
We know that Lucy has a great future ahead of her, and we cannot wait to see what she will accomplish in the years to come.
Congratulations, Lucy, on this incredible accomplishment!
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the achievements of all women across the globe. This year, we’re sharing our advice for women entrepreneurs and ambitious early-career women looking to suceed in business.
The theme for IWD 2023 is ‘Embrace Equity’. This recognises that providing equal opportunities is no longer enough and more focus should be placed on the needs of specific groups in order to reach an equal outcome. What works for one does not work for all.
This year, the spotlight is also on women in tech and aims to highlight the lack of inclusion in this industry.
The UK has made progress in recent years, with more women starting their own businesses than ever before and an increased focus on supporting working mums.
But there’s still a lot more we can do if we want to see true parity between men and women in the workplace.
Women currently hold nearly half of the jobs in the country, but they own only 11% of small businesses.
Our very own founder, Hayley Grange is part of this 11%, and we’re proud to currently have an all-women team at Twenty2.
She says, “My advice to any woman wanting to start their own business is to simply start. If you’ve been thinking about going freelance or setting up a team, there’s no better time than the present to start working towards your goal. The journey will be long and success takes time, but don’t be disheartened if you find it hard in the beginning. Use those people around you who support and champion what you are doing. I found my network of family and friends vital in bringing success and pushing through the challenges. Remember that there will be highs and lows, but it’ll be so worth it in the end.”
And remember to REST!
National Careers Week is an annual event that aims to help people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities find the right career for them. It’s a great chance to learn more about what jobs are available and how you can get started in your chosen field.
So you want to become an accountant, but you’re not sure what qualifications you need?
There are so many different qualifications when it comes to finance and accounting and it can be tricky to navigate.
Our expert team specialise in recruiting accountants and finance professionals. They have a unique insight into the industry and how to get started.
Here’s an overview.
There is little difference between the ACCA and ICAEW qualifications however, ICAEW requires you to complete your training with an approved employer – ACCA does not. Take a look at our additional resources for more information on choosing the right qualification for you.
A lot of these course providers offer a range of courses, covering different qualifications and levels, that you can explore and choose from.
Our expert team of consultants here at Twenty2 are experienced in recruiting for accountancy practice and industry roles across the East Midlands and Staffordshire. If you’re searching for a new role or looking to begin your finance career, get in touch by contacting info@22consultancy.co.uk.
We regularly have opportunities in Derby and Leicestershire so don’t hesitate to get in touch today if you’re open to work in these areas.
Is it true that reading a book can change your career? Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the workforce for a while, it’s important to remember that your career is one of the biggest parts of your life. It’s how you pay the bills, support yourself and your family, and fulfil your dreams.
But there are so many questions—where do I start? What should I do with my degree? How can I get ahead? How can I make more money? What should I do if I’m not happy at work? Should I switch careers?
On World Book Day, we’ve compiled a list of 5 books that focus on productivity and career success that we think will help answer some of these questions!
The book that started it all. This classic is a great primer on how to achieve success in life and work. It’s not just about the steps you need to take, but also about how you approach them: with an eye toward being helpful, respectful, and mindful.
This is a classic on how to get ahead professionally by being kind and thoughtful to people around you—not only at work but in your personal life as well. It has helped millions of people improve their relationships so they can reach their goals faster than ever before.
Tina Fey is a talented comedian and writer, but she’s also an inspirational woman who has made a successful career in a male-dominated industry. In her memoir, Bossypants, she shares her story and gives advice on how to keep going when things get tough.
We’re big Steven Bartlett fans in this office! The Dragon’s Den star delves into the expectations vs reality when it comes to life and work and how he’s not quite the “Happy Sexy Millionaire” he dreamt of when he was 18. A true success story.
Sheryl Sandberg calls out the ways that women are held back from success in their careers. She offers practical advice for how we can all lean in and take more chances in our lives and careers to achieve more success and happiness.
Have you read a book that changed your career or influenced you to make a change in your life? We’d love to know what you recommend. Comment on our latest social media post to let us know.
And make sure to follow us for regular updates on recruitment trends, tips and opportunities in the East Midlands and Staffordshire.
Source: goodreads.com
Visit our Jobs page to see our current vacancies or visit our About page to learn more about Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy.
The 17th of February 2023 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Starting in 1995, the yearly tradition encourages us to be kind to each other without needing a specific reason or event.
It doesn’t feel like a coincidence that this day falls in the same week as International Networking Week. Networking can lead to great opportunities and it only takes the random act of one kind stranger to completely change your career.
Even something as simple as a mention from a friend on social media, a business referral or a kind word from someone in your industry can give us the confidence to succeed.
But the first step is getting to those events and meeting the right people.
Our Recruitment Director, Hayley shares her top tips on networking and how to pluck up the courage to get involved.
1. Be brave. Walking into a room of strangers can be nerve-wracking! Sign up to the event and make that commitment.
2. Take a friend. If you’re nervous to go it alone, ask a friend or colleague if they’re interested in joining you. You might be surprised by their response.
3. Prep. Prepare what you will say when introducing yourself and your business. There’s nothing worse than feeling tongue-tied and under pressure.
4. Research the event. Read up on who the key speakers are, their subject areas and even the list of who’s attending.
5. Be yourself. Remember that you’re at the event for a reason (because you’re the best person for the job!)
And if networking isn’t your thing, here are a few ways you can show kindness in the office today.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2023 which celebrates the contribution of apprentices to businesses up and down the country. The theme for this year is ‘Skills for Life’ and recognises the quality of apprenticeships and how they have shaped the career of so many professionals.
In recent years, apprenticeships have become known for their comprehensive, 360 approach to education and work experience – rivalling a university qualification. National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to showcase apprentices and their stories to inspire others to consider an apprenticeship or a business to take on an apprentice.
Apprenticeships exist in all sectors and industries from finance, legal and tech to more hands-on roles in construction and manufacturing. At Twenty2, we have our own apprentice, Lucy, who works on our digital marketing and admin within the business. Next month, she completes her 18-month apprenticeship – something we are looking forward to celebrating as a team.
Our digital marketing apprentice, Lucy
Lucy says, “being both a uni graduate and an apprentice, the difference between the two qualifications is huge. With an apprenticeship, your study is centered around your job role and provides a solid, practical base for you to begin your career. An apprenticeship balances work with study and takes away the worry of not knowing whether you’ll find a job at the end of it.”
You might have received our newsletter where we challenged you to an anagram quiz. Scroll down to take part and see the answers.
Hint: All of the anagrams are sectors that Twenty2 specialise in. Good luck!
We’d love to hear how you did. Comment your score on our latest social media post.
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