MyCIMA

Should I make a move?

Replies : 4

Hi, I'm 40+ years old, CIMA qualified, with a warrant for practicing accountant (+ACCA-recognised qualification).  Been 7 years working as management accountant (costings,budgets,regulatory reports) in a co with little room to move career-wise.

Now I have an opportunity for a financial controller in a retail business, small team but fairly large turnover, SAP system being used.  It may be risky but I feel that if I let more time pass and stick to my position, it will only be harder to make a move later in life.  I may also become less marketable.

I'm finding it a bit hard to pick the courage to make the move.

Any advice please?  Much appreciated.  Thanks.

 

Depends on where you want to go...

It depends on where you see yourself wanting to go, from the above I would go for it for a number of reasons:

It advances you to FC level presumably offering some experience gains whether that be new sector, system, operational or people skills. Given the company uses SAP, presumably they are a reasonable size and this may present advancement opportunities down the line.

If I understand above you say you have a practising cert either with CIMA or another body? This move would complement the skills you might want to provide to say an SME client base in the future by hopefully broadening your transferable skill set.

Potential downsides, if retail is not a sector you want to go for long term think carefully, in this crazy recruitment market place many recruiters pigeon hole you based on sector and dont read past your last couple of roles. Goes without saying that one would need to be comofortable the company was profitable/stable in terms of viability etc.

Sounds like a pretty good opportunity to me, new job is always daunting go for it unless there are particular concerns you have and good luck.

 

Time to move on...

Thanks, Brendan, I appreciate your comments and advice very much.  The company seems quite solid and has a strong position in the local market. 

I'll give it some more thought, see what they come up with...

As I said, I've been 7 years in same postition (though responsibilities and tasks have changed), and if another 3 years go by and I were to become redundant (though not that likely) or decide to move, I'm sure that it would be much tougher.  This opportunity also presents a leap in quality, too, as they're part of an international group.

Thanks and all the best to you too.

Making that move?

I remember years ago when I was faced with a daunting move to my first "proper" qualified role, the father of one of my dearest friends telling me that in his career as a Big 6 auditor he'd often come across once-good people who'd let themselves become stale. That was one reason why he left accountancy and built up a thriving commercial business. I've often used that advice.

As well as endorsing Brendan's points, I'd suggest asking yourself: if you stay, what will you be like in (say) three years' time; if you move, what will you be like after the same time? All things being equal, choose the path that will have you most looking forward to going to work each morning.

And good luck either way. 

Will move

Just a short note to thank those who replied to my discussion.  It is appreciated very much.

 

Thank you all once again and best wishes with your careers too.