A question to those who do the hiring

NikkeiPositivity

I'm an AAT qual accounting tech and I'm starting my CIMA exams in November. I finished working for an amazing company yesterday as I had to turn down a permanent position as I couldn't relocate to the IOM.

I also had two interviews yesterday. One is the ideal job as an assistant management accountant, the other is working half accounts and half payroll with the job sitting under payroll. The first job I will hear whether I've got a second interview next week, but I think I'm going to be offered the second job today which is a six month contract.

I'm in a situation where I need to be working so I'm not sure what to do?

Secondly, if the role didn't become perm after 6 months, will I have hindered my progression as an assistant management accountant? Would you want to interview me?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks
Nikkei

sweety_1

Wish u all the luck for the asst management accountant role.Hope u get it.I cant answer you (just started acca).I am sure u ll get some good advice from other members here.

Acc72

Hi,

If you are offered the 6 month job, then you should accept immediately.

Worry about the other job if and when you are offered that one (if you are offered the other job, then you can then decline the first job on the basis that you have been offered a permanent contract).

At your stage of qualification, it is good to get good experience in all aspects of a finance function (i.e. sales ledger, purchase ledger, credit control, general ledger etc.) and this includes payroll.

You will still learn a great deal - possibly about PAYE, P11d's, expenses etc. that will be good experience for the future.

As the temp. role is half non-payroll you will also get experience of other areas.

As you "need to be working", you should accept whichever of the 2 jobs you have applied for. If you are then in the fortunate position of being offered both, you can worry about it then.

Such a contract will not hinder your career - it is actually better for you to show that you have been working for 6 months (anywhere, doing anything office/accounts based) rather than a 6 months gap where you were not working but looking for your perfect job.

Good luck.

DKLS

When I was in that industry, I would have viewed your Payroll experience as a positive thing on your CV. The duration is irrelevant. When I did accounting temp roles, I was often brought in when a new software system was being rolled out and was usually for 3-6 months so its not uncommon.
A well rounded candidate with additional skills is always attractive to me when hiring.

Kynthia

AAT qualified, accountancy studier with six months work experience in payroll and accounts. Sounds really good to me. :-)

Payroll is definitely related experience and any role has links and overlaps with others so you are bound to be able to get involved in finance/accounting activities. Having this experience will really put you ahead of so many who are studying and are desperate to be given a chance to get work experience. I know people who can't even get the opportunity to work for free to get experience.

Good luck!

Evilm

Payroll has always been my downfall as I've never done it so everytime that comes up its an issue.

If you have both jobs on the table I'd take the perm "ideal role". If you don't and only have the 6 month contract half payroll position then take that anyway.

In accounts having short term contracts on your CV doesn't harm you. It broadens your experience and makes people aware that you want to work and won't sit there waiting for the 'perfect' job to turn up. It won't get you branded as a job hopper and won't get you looked down on.

NikkeiPositivity

Hi Everyone,

So a quick update...

Well I was very honest with the agency when they called me regarding the 6 month role, and explained my concerns re the role and despite them trying to talk me round.

Re the second role, I got a second interview! I interview again on Monday.

Then this week a role came up and I was asked very quickly to go for an interview, (the same day within an hour and a half of being told about the role) it was the longest interview ever for a job a step down to what I do, however I really believe in the people and think I could learn alot. They have since offered me the job and after being told I needed to make a decision by the agency yesterday I have accepted.

I'm feeling really confused now and I'm feeling quite anxious about possibly being offered another job and then having to decide between the two and messing the agencies and the companies around, it's making me feel quite ill. I really wasn't expecting the interest that I've had this time round

whitewing

Huge congratulations on accepting a job offer. Do not worry about the others until you get offers from them too. Go wholeheartedly into the current one now. Nobody is going to expect you to do anything except take the job that is best for you. Yes those you turn down may be disappointed but there will be other suitable candidates for them and it really isn't your problem. Sounds to me that you would make a success of any job. Well done for wanting to do the right thing but honestly the right thing to do is to look after yourself whilst still respecting everybody else.