This is an experiment. I’ve never tried it before and readers may tell me to shove it. OK – i’ll take that risk. As it happens, this is ironic because today, I declined an opportunity to do something vaguely similar but that is for another day. And for the sake of full disclosure, I offered to write this post without any charge, cost or other commitment from GJ.
If you think you can make it any better, have ideas about presentation or think the offer sucks, please comment. I want to know whether this approach is attractive or crap.
Here goes:
- Employer: Goodman Jones
- Wanted: Manager – Accounting Systems and Services department with heavy emphasis on technology
- Location: London West End (see Google Maps link)
- Salary: £40-50K pa (€59-75K, $71-95K)
- Job description: Two core requirements:
- Managing the ‘team’ engaged in day-to-day bookkeeping, VAT, management accounts and budgeting for a wide portfolio of clients; and
- The implementation of accounting packages – from the initial potential client facing stage to the conversion, installation and configuration of the system, and the training of clients and staff
- Educational requirements: 3 years PQE (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or EU equivalents)
- Technical skills: Strong practical accounting skills are assumed with an emphasis on assisting business managers rather than preaching the numbers. In addition, candidates will need to demonstrate a genuine passion for technology. The geekier the better but not to the point of speaking in Java or PHP. You need to be an Excel Wizard and if you have Crystal skills, that’s a bonus. and you need to have solid communications skills – written and oral.
- Social abilities: Team player? Good. Able to work unsupervised without goofing off or panicking? Ideal. Flexible? Goes without saying.
- On offer: The chance to get genuine exposure to new technologies in a high octane environment where excellence is rewarded and where promotion is rapid for the person with the right smarts, attitude and desire to succeed and who likes working with owner managed business entrepreneurs.
- Open to: Anyone who meets the criteria and (where appropriate), has or can obtain a work permit for the UK
- Contact: Philip Woodgate quoting ref: phw/gpb/wb
- Further details: At Goodman Jones website
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My take:
I know Philip well. We have worked together on a project where previously we had not worked together. We communicate regularly and frequently exchange ideas. He’s a very easy to get along with person but is strict on deadlines. If that floats your boat then you’ll get on famously. Philiip has a blog – not updated as often as I’d like but what you see is good content, relevant to the client base. (Hint: you might need to do a bit of blogging yourself.)
I also know the senior partner. He’s a businessman rather than a Chartered Accountant who thinks he’s a businessman. There’s a difference. The firm is riding the technology wave in the expectation they will deliver superior, differentiated and mutually profitable service to clients. They’re taking the only approach that makes sense for a medium sized practice.
If you’re in industry, this could be a good move for someone of ambition who is stuck. If you’re in practice and champing at the bit to do more for clients, then again, this could be for you. I can envisage a smart, career minded lady making a good go at this.
If you’re a soccer fan then the location couldn’t be better – right next door to the English FA. If you like real ale and great company, then there’s an excellent selection of local hostelries serving fine ales. If you hate commuting to places like central London – forget it. If, on the other hand, you want to work with a firm that genuinely values your contribution, challenges your skills, wants you to succeed and have fun in the process, then I’d weigh up just how much those things mean to you and your career – other than the commute.
If you want to sanity check with me first – drop a comment or email (see my about page for contact details) and I’ll answer any questions I can, usually within 12 hours. If you’re stateside, don’t worry, I understand Pacific Time.
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