Levitate Recruitment are a proud sponsor of the Manchester Chartered Accountants Student Society (MCASS), and host an annual Cocktail Making social event with them. We are also in discussions with other ICAEW Student Societies across the UK to provide sponsorship for events.

From our point of view, it is a great chance for us to interact and advertise our expertise to the qualified accountants of tomorrow. Whenever we speak with ICAEW trainees we always ask whether they attend their local student society events; we are surprised by the number of trainees that are not aware that there is a student society in their area and what they do.

With this in mind, we spoke with Emma and Eimear who are on the committee to find out more about MCASS.

Can you tell us a bit about MCASS?

MCASS provides support to students on all matters relating to their study and professional development, and on any other issues which affect them as provisional members and students of the ICAEW.

Our key aims are:

• To arrange professional, cultural, social and sporting events for students.
• To represent our students and to act as a channel of communication between MCASS members, MSCA (our local district society), the ICAEW Student Council (ISC), MYCAG (our younger members group and the ICAEW).
• To promote ACA training; membership and participation in the activities of MSCA; the ICAEW and the accountancy profession generally.

What geographical area does MCASS cover?

As the name suggests the society focuses on students within the Manchester region. However, there are members from other regions such as ‘Northwest’ (i.e. Preston as well as Liverpool) who attend events hosted by MCASS.

What is your role on the committee, and what does it entail?

Emma –As a social secretary, I am responsible for organising events and as a member of the committee attending monthly meetings to discuss any issues facing the student body as well as plan future events for our members.

Eimear – Social secretary: In general I work with other members of the committee to come up with and organise some great social events throughout the year. This year my aim was to attract new members to MCASS and encourage them to enjoy the social and networking opportunities that MCASS can provide.  I organised presentations and events aimed specifically at new ICAEW ACA students, and received some great feedback to help with future events.

Why did you get involved?

Emma – I have been part of MCASS since starting my ACA graduate scheme in November 2015

Eimear – I had moved to Manchester for my job so thought MCASS would help me meet other trainees in a social setting, and also be a great way to visit some great event venues in the city. As I work for a smaller firm, MCASS provided a great opportunity to network with and learn from other ACA trainees from a variety of firms at different stages of their training contracts. I really wanted to take on some responsibility in a role that would benefit my career and give me some experience I could not gain within the office environment.

How did you get involved?

Emma – I attended the annual fireworks event after receiving my job offer but prior to officially starting to meet fellow accountants. Whilst at the event I met Simone who talked about the committee and how I could get involved.

Eimear – I did a bit of research online and contacted the society. I was put in touch with Aisha (the chair at the time) who invited me for a coffee to have a friendly informal chat about the society, the events, and why she had enjoyed her time on the committee so much. I attended my first MCASS event; everyone was really friendly and motivating and encouraged me to formally join the committee.

What do you enjoy about being part of an ICAEW student society?

Emma – Being part of a community of students who are going through the same journey i.e. studying towards the ACA qualification and working. You get to meet like-minded people and it’s a fantastic opportunity to build your own personal network.

Eimear – MCASS provides a great support network; trainees come from all kinds of backgrounds and companies, so there is always someone to get great relevant advice from; sometimes you want some advice from someone outside your workplace environment. It is great to have a big group of friends to celebrate exam success with at the end of each session. My networking skills have really improved since becoming part of MCASS; I realise more and more how important these skills are professionally and personally.

What type of events does MCASS put on?

A variety of events from socialising/networking events to mental health and well-being meetings to revision classes for ACA exams. For example;

• Social (cocktail making, bowling, Friday drinks, Ball, BBQ etc.)
• Skills (Speaker events with successful finance professionals from multinational firms; CABA presentations on mindful resilience, brand building, revision classes etc.)
• Charitable (A range of events we hold are directly aimed at supporting our charity for the year)
• Sporting (Annual summer sports event, ping pong, spinathon)

All of the events are held in premier locations usually in the heart of Manchester city centre.

How do you feel about Recruitment Agencies being part of events?

They are fundamental to the success of events and offer an opportunity for students to meet with recruiters in a market where once qualified, trainees often look to switch jobs.

Working with a range of recruiters enables our members to understand their options for the future, whether that be an international move, moving into the industry or staying within practice.

What is your favourite event in your time as a member and why?

Emma – I thoroughly enjoyed a session hosted by the institute on the 2020 sustainability goals which involved debate and discussion around what big business can do to help achieve a sustainable society. The inter-professional event is always a big success with an opportunity to meet people from a variety of professions. Cocktail making was also a successful event with high demand due to the interactive nature of the event.

Eimear – My first MCASS ball was a massive highlight; it is the biggest event of the year and was a real celebration with an amazing atmosphere

How does someone get involved with MCASS and become part of the committee?

Many ways! Come to an event and speak to any of the members in attendance; visit the website or LinkedIn page and contact us directly; speak to your firm MCASS representative (if you have one) and ask about getting involved.

Basically, get in touch, this will allow you to learn a bit more about the committee, you can sit in on a general meeting, and if you like what you see, you can choose to get more involved.

Are there any negatives of being on the committee?

Emma – Not a negative but rather a point to note – being on the committee requires commitment and sacrificing your personal time to attend meetings and host events but it’s a great way to take a break from work and study and you make some great friends on the committee

Eimear – No, quite the opposite.  If you are having any negative feelings about your job role, training contract, exam success, work like balance, etc. then the committee can help support you and help find the best solution to your problem.  It is an extra support network outside your workplace with people who have undoubtedly at some stage been in the same position.

We understand everyone has different busy times, and personal/professional pressures so we make sure that involvement with the committee works around everyone’s schedule.

How do you feel it benefits your professional development?

Provides an opportunity to meet with people you wouldn’t normally meet i.e. students at other firms, students in other professions as well as recruiters and senior members of the institute.

What skills do you feel you have gained/developed by being part of MCASS?

Communication, organisation and time management skills as well as the ability to confidently host events and liaise with a variety of people.

What are MCASS’ plans for the year?

We are keen to attract new members to MCASS and encourage them to enjoy the social and networking opportunities that MCASS can provide.

We have a range of events already confirmed for the rest of the year with more expected to be added to the calendar.

Why should ICAEW trainees get involved?

To meet friends, make contacts and have a break from ACA/Audit!

Is there a cost to be a member?

No

Is there a minimum number of events a member must commit to?

No

How can someone get involved with MCASS?

Visit the ICAEW website or LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4963453/profile) and contact us directly; speak to your firm MCASS representative (if you have one) and ask about getting involved.

 

Making any career move is an important decision, one that is only intensified by the possibility of relocation.

We have reached out to a number of individuals we have assisted over the years who have successfully made a career move overseas.

We spoke to Andrew who we assisted make a move from a mid-tier practice in the UK to join a Big 4 Practice in the Channel Islands.

Nationality: British

Location from and to: UK to the Channel Islands

Experience background: Audit Supervisor with a mid-tier practice in London. ACA Qualified.

Role secured: Audit Senior with a Big 4 practice focussing on financial services clients.

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• Why did you first consider making a move overseas? To expand on my professional experience, and gain exposure to overseas work and gain experience in the Financial Services Industry.
• What locations were you interested in and why? Initially Australia and the Caribbean, but decided on the Channel Islands given the Covid Restrictions that were started to come into force around the world at the time I was looking to move jobs.
• What were your personal circumstances at the time of the move – single/married/homeowner? Single person, non-homeowner.
• How did you find out about opportunities and start to apply for roles? I heard of the opportunities in the Channel Islands from Scott Lowes from Levitate Recruitment, and a former colleague who used to work at a top 10 firm in Jersey.
• What useful information was provided to you by the recruiter? Yes, I was given a good insight into the types of roles available in the Channel Islands and the recruitment process.
• How did the Interview process work? There were two interviews, the first one was over the telephone with someone from the HR Department. The second interview happened a few days later, being an online video call with a Manager and Senior Manager from the Audit Department. I received my offer a day after my second interview.
• How long did it take to secure a Visa or work permit and what was required from you? The work visa took several weeks I believe to get sorted out. I believe I was only required to show a copy of my passport for this being a UK Citizen. I also had to undertake a vetting process which is conducted by a third party, who conduct reference checks and checks over qualifications etc. This took about 4-5 weeks.
• Please can you walk us through your first 3 months in the new location/job and how you managed to settle into your new life? When I first arrived I had to spend about a week quarantining in a hotel that was paid for by the company, due to Guernsey’s Covid restrictions in place at the time. Part-way through this, I was able to start my work where I did compliance training and other admin. Once I was able to go to the office I was shown around and introduced to the majority of people who were present. For the first three months there was a lot of learning of the systems and processes in place at KPMG, but there were plenty of people on hand to offer assistance when needed. Guernsey is a rather small place, and so it was relatively easy getting to know the local area. The people at work were great at recommending were the main things nearby were, shops, gym, restaurants etc. There are usually a few people heading out to town on Fridays, which is often a good opportunity to get to know people and the local area when you’re relatively new to the island. I was able to go out a few times when I first joined, and also took part in several activities organised by work in the first few weeks of me joining, which allowed me to get to know more people faster.
• How do you feel it benefitted your personal development? The move has allowed me to gain exposure to new country, at a time when worldwide travel became severely limited.
• How do you feel an international move benefitted you professionally? The move has given me a great exposure into the world of Financial Services, where I previously didn’t have any experience in. Working in a top 4 firm has meant that I often have to work with teams in different parts of the world, and work in much larger teams. This has been one of the biggest changes from my previous role and has greatly improved my teamwork and leadership skills.
• How long was the process from you speaking with your consultant to you actually making the move? I initially touched base with my consultant about a year before I actually made the move. However, the initial discussions were about what potential options there were for as I had recently qualified, at that stage I wasn’t 100% sure whether I wanted to move overseas. From the point of focussing purely on discussing roles in the Channel Islands, to me moving over there, it was about 3-4 months.
• What value do you think working with a recruiter had in securing an opportunity overseas? Enabling me to gain a greater insight into the opportunities over there, and the recruitment process. Working with a recruiter also gave greater access to contacts of those working in the HR Departments of the firms in the Channel Islands.
• What was the hardest part of making an international move? Deciding whether leaving the firm that I trained with was the right move, as I really enjoyed working where I was previously.
• What advice would you offer someone thinking of making a move overseas? Do as much research as you can on the places you’re thinking of moving to, in order to determine as much as possible whether you think you’ll be happy living there. Research on the firms who work in those areas and the type of work that you’ll be doing.

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There is currently a soaring global demand for qualified accountants and insolvency professionals. With our extensive network of relationships with large international accounting firms and insolvency specialists, Levitate Recruitment are well-versed in placing talented professionals in overseas roles.

If you are interested in making your career a journey and are considering a move overseas, do not hesitate to contact us.

There is currently a soaring global demand for qualified accountants and insolvency professionals. With our extensive network of relationships with large international accounting firms and insolvency specialists, Levitate Recruitment are well-versed in placing talented professionals in overseas roles.

 

Making any career move is an important decision, one that is only intensified by the possibility of relocation.

We have reached out to a number of individuals we have assisted over the years who have successfully made a career move overseas.

We spoke to Karlien who we assisted make a move from a Big 4 practice in the UK to join an Insolvency specialist in Perth, Australia.

Nationality:  Originally from South Africa but has dual British / South African nationality.

Location to and from: Moved from the UK to Perth, Australia

Experience Background: Senior Insolvency Administrator with a Big 4 practice. No professional qualifications at the time but had 13 years of insolvency experience.

Role secured: Senior Insolvency Administrator with a leading Insolvency Specialist.

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• Why did you first consider making a move overseas? My partner is an Australian and was keen to go back home to Perth.
• What locations were you interested in and why? Perth as that was where his family and friends were located.
• What were your personal circumstances at the time of the move – single/married/homeowner? De-facto Relationship, renting.
• How did you find out about opportunities and start to apply for roles? Through Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment after applying for an advert I saw online.
• What useful information was provided to you by the recruiter? Scott had excellent knowledge of the Australian market and knew of the local firms in Perth that would be suitable. He had several contacts so was able to assist my needs and secure an interview at a firm that was a good fit.
• How did the interview process work? I was already in Australia so was able to attend interviews in person.
• How long did it take to secure a Visa or work permit and what was required from you? I went in on a De-facto partner visa which I had applied for circa 6 months prior to the visa being granted.
• Please can you walk us through your first 3 months in the new location/job and how you managed to settle into your new life? The biggest hurdle was finding rental accommodation as a very high percentage of people own their own properties.  Fortunately, we were able to stay with friends.  Getting bank account, driving license, Medicare etc. sorted took less than 2 weeks to sort out. The Australians are very laidback easy-going people, however very driven and hard-working. I joined the social club at work, which helped to get to know my colleagues out of the office and make friends.   Taking part in networking events also broadened my social circle as well as joining study groups for when I was doing some exams.
• How do you feel it benefitted your personal development? Moving from London to Perth was a big adjustment, however a good one. There is more focus on the importance of family life here.  People tend to start early and only work past 5:30 pm if necessary. I’ve learned to slow down a bit and not to rush around everywhere!
• How do you feel an international move benefitted you professionally? I’ve had to do some Insolvency Law exams and almost had to start again in respect of the different types of Insolvency here compared to the UK. There was a steep learning curve, but it has definitely been beneficial especially with the increase in cross-border insolvency matters.
• How long was the process from you speaking with Levitate to you actually making the move? I left London in March to go travelling and arrived in Australia in November. In this period, I was in touch with Scott and I had an interview lined up within a couple of weeks of arriving in Perth and secured the job a week after my 2^nd
• What value do you think working with Levitate Recruitment had on you securing an opportunity overseas? Arriving in a new country is stressful enough without having to try and find a job as well. So, I could concentrate on getting accommodation, and improving my surfing skills whilst Scott was doing all the hard work of finding me job opportunities!