Award-winning finance and business leader, Becky Glover, provides her expert opinion on how to get your first job in a tech-led accountancy role.
Looking to land your first job in a tech-led accountancy role? It may be easier than you think.
Finance departments are using technology to complete tasks such as posting invoices and paying suppliers. The sector is getting more and more reliant on technology, so the more you know about it and the more you can use it, the better chance you have of getting an incredible job offer.
But why work in a tech-led accountancy role? I believe that if a business is investing in new technology and training its colleagues, they are likely a great place to work because they’re ensuring that its team can add as much value to its work as possible.
A recent research paper from PwC showed that professionals working in sectors that work with artificial intelligence (AI) can earn a staggering 25% more!
Do your research
If you’re new to the finance industry, you may not know where to start. Research technology companies that serve the companies that you may want to work for. For example, Xero, Sage, and iplicit are great places to begin. Once you’ve understood their offerings, you’ll be able to discuss why a business may want to use the software, what positives they can bring to a company, and where the software may go next.
If you dive a little deeper into each software, you may start having a favourite. This will help your job search and allow you to focus on businesses where you’ll be using the most enjoyable software.
Take control of your learning
You need to start learning by yourself before getting a job offer. Technology moves fast so you need to be learning and showing off your skills on your CV before applying for roles to give yourself the best chance at getting a job offer.
There are plenty of YouTube videos, podcasts, and blogs that can teach you how to use different software while giving you real case studies of how they improve efficiencies. You’ll find that some software can link to others too, so this will be great to discuss in interviews as it shows you can apply yourself to the wider business and not just the finance team.
Some software providers even offer their own certifications. For example, Xero offers a free course called ‘Xero Certified Advisor’. Adding this to your CV will be hugely helpful to show you are dedicated to having the right skills for the employer, and you can hit the ground running when you begin your new role.
Check your mindset
The finance sector is fast-paced and changes in technology happen frequently. You’ll need to demonstrate that you have a thirst for learning and you’re dedicated to being at the forefront of the industry.
Think honestly about your mindset - do you have any limiting beliefs or are you ready to throw yourself into an ever-changing world that requires continuous learning?
Find the perfect organisation for you
It’s critical to find a company that you’ll love working for. Have a look at different company websites, assess their values, and check out their social media too.
Most companies have a LinkedIn page where you can learn more about them, their purpose, and their company culture. Some businesses also have Instagram or TikTok pages where you can get a good idea of what their work culture is like.
Don’t be afraid to say no to a workplace that doesn’t have the right ‘feel.’ It’s not fair to yourself or the employer.
Create a great CV
Your CV is the first impression you’ll make, so make sure it’s easy to read, clear, and sets out your skills.
If this is your first role in this industry, you may worry that you don’t have much to mention, but don’t let that put you off. Focus on the research and learning you’ve done (that we’ve discussed above) and include any transferable and soft skills that you have. These may include great communication skills, teamwork, and critical thinking.
The interview
So, you’ve done your research, learnt lots about technology and the industry, embraced a continuous learning mindset and you’ve applied for a job vacancy for a great company with your updated CV. The next stage is the interview.
You’ll be able to talk plenty about different technologies that you’ve researched, and potentially you can talk through why you prefer one software over another. But just remember, you need to let your personality and passion shine through.
In a technology-led business, the basic tasks have been automated. Potential employers need to understand what value you as an individual can bring to the company.
Ultimately, a business that embraces technology gives humans more of a chance to be human - so be yourself.
Start your career today
Whether you’re early on in your career or looking for new ways to upskill, we can support you in advancing your career.
We offer tuition for a wide range of accountancy qualifications, as well as our ACCA Finance Analyst (Level 3) apprenticeship where you can significantly boost your data literacy knowledge and skills.
If you already have a finance background but are looking for extra skills within the data and technology sector, browse through our apprenticeship programmes where you can apply for current vacancies, or read more about how to talk to your existing employer about starting an apprenticeship.