T+O+M BLOG

Accounting & Finance Market Insights September 2023

• Noreen Byrnes
• 05 Sep 2023

Get the low-down on what's happening in the Accounting & Finance job market right now. 

ACAMS Assembly of Australasia Conference

• Sophie Watson
• 28 Jun 2023

Interested to know more about forthcoming "tranche 2" reforms for the AML world? Take a look at this summary gleaned from the recent ACAMS annual conference. 

 

Whats the latest with Financial Services?

• 27 Mar 2019

'Should I be staying in Financial Services?' This is a question I have been asked a lot recently, as well as,  “Should I avoid working in banking?” from graduates who have recently completed their accounting qualifications.

 

3 things to do in January to help you land your dream job in 2019

• 10 Jan 2019

Are you thinking of making a career move in 2019? January, being a quiet time, is a great opportunity to start getting the wheels in motion for your next career move.

Here are some tips from our Product & Strategy recruitment consultant, Iain Waugh, for things you can do right now to help you land your dream job this year. 

7 reasons there’s never been a better time to be a construction & property accountant in Sydney

• 01 Mar 2018

It’s an exciting time to work in accounting & finance in Sydney’s construction & property industry. Sydney is the property capital of Australia...

7 essential traits you need to be a great data scientist

• 23 Feb 2018

Data science is the sexiest job of the 21st century, according to the 2012 Harvard Business Review, while IBM in the US predicts demand for data scientists will soar by 28% by 2020...

Everything you need to know about getting a contract accounting role in Sydney

• 16 Feb 2018

How to attract top financial services talent

• 25 Sep 2017

Job interviews are an important opportunity not only for candidates to impress potential employers but also for companies to leave a lasting impression on top talent. Why then, are top financial institutions not putting more emphasis on the hiring process? Other than reading up about corporate values and cultural aspirations, this is an important opportunity for top talent to assess whether current employees live these values, or whether they are simply statements designed by the firm seem in touch with what a modern workforce looks for. Here are some comments we’ve heard from unimpressed candidates following their interviews at financial institutions: “The interviewers were twenty minutes late…” “Interviewer A couldn’t make it so someone else came to meet me…” “An urgent deliverable/meeting came up so they had to postpone my meeting but I wasn’t told until I arrived…” “The interviewer was on their phone throughout the meeting…” “Something urgent came up and the interviewer had to leave early…” “The interviewer hadn’t reviewed my CV and/or wasn’t too certain of the position…” “I interviewed over a week ago and still haven’t had any feedback…” “I never heard anything after I interviewed…” These experiences can leave lasting impressions. Obviously, new priorities can arise at any time, but everyone knows a few bad reviews can kill a business, as unfortunately, bad news travels fast! Imagine if the roles were reversed and a candidate behaved this way and expected to be hired. Why are hiring managers surprised when candidates don’t want to go forward for their opportunities? Don’t forget, a candidate doesn’t know about the amazing team and the fantastic work they’ll be doing, they know the people they are meeting. The best way to ensure top talent joins you is to showcase the best and the brightest throughout interview processes. The effects strong leaders can have on people is well documented and there is much anecdotal evidence of people choosing one firm over another based on the direct manager, or the culture that is instilled in a team from the top; we know of one relatively junior candidate choosing a role paying $20K less than another based on the leadership and team differences. Of course, at different career stages priorities vary and flexibility, salary, and other factors are of consideration but a clear determinant of motivation in early careers is the learning and development that one can have access to. Where does this come from…? Leaders! Financial institutions will continue to be key organisations within the Australian economy, but if they are to drive industry-leading initiatives globally, and more local ideas, they must employ the best. If talent is to thrive within financial institutions in an ever-progressing technological world, it is so important for organisations to prioritise the hiring process. How can financial services attract top talent? Make sure the most inspirational leaders and team members at the relevant levels are brought forward during interviews; Ensure the company has a strong value proposition versus its competitors and other industries; Make sure employees at all levels are engaged and prepared to meet their potential peers and teammates; Give timely and detailed feedback (even the constructive stuff) to all candidates, not just successful ones; Ensure a consistent message is delivered to candidates throughout the hiring process about the job itself and the organisation; Be able to sell the positives and future potential of this opportunity. Obviously, this article is written by a recruitment business which has an agenda in ensuring clients present the right way and bring on the best people, but nothing is more frustrating when hiring managers ask: “Where is all the talent?” Yet they have found a way to alienate the stronger performers in the market. We'd love to hear what your experiences have been in the comments below..... the good, the bad, and the ridiculous! Of course, if you are a high performer looking to move into or find a new opportunity within Financial Services, or just interested in understanding the market better then please do get in touch…..

Is the financial services industry doing enough to attract and retain top female talent?

• 23 Aug 2017

T+O+M Executive director, Grant Movsowitz, reflects upon what progress has been made to close the gender gap in Australia’s financial services industry over the past six years. Grant also shares his thoughts on how to address this important issue

Flexibility: Case Closed?

• 16 Aug 2017

Flexible working is now mainstream. Organisations that don’t embrace flexibility are seen to be archaic or worse. Most boards and CEO’s sing from the flexibility hymn sheet. Large ASX corporates have senior roles whose sole responsibility is “diversity” and “inclusion”.