How to make the skills shortage work in your favour
The last few years have been both turbulent and unpredictable. Accountancy and Finance (A&F) professionals have learned to rapidly adapt to new working styles and technologies. Yet despite recent innovations in the industry, it’s no secret that the skills shortage is taking a considerable toll on businesses across the country.
Right now, as a chartered accountants, your skills are in high demand. Our latest What Workers Want report reveals that just 22% of firms say they can access the skills they need to meet organisational objectives. Continuous learning is vitally important for the success of both individuals in their own careers and businesses as a whole, so limited access to talent means employers are very willing to provide training opportunities for their staff.
How can you get the most of your professional development?
Employers are increasingly flexible with their hiring processes and more frequently look outside their usual recruitment networks. A substantial 75% of A&F employers are open to hiring someone without all the right skills and upskilling them on the job. If you want to transition into a new role, you’ll likely discover many opportunities for training and career progression.
When job searching, if a role piques your interest but you’re missing a key skill, don’t give up hope. Show a willingness to learn and examples of how you’ve upskilled quickly in the past when applying for the job and you may well get noticed by the hiring manager.
If you’re already in a job and want further training, communicate that to your manager. Our What Workers Want report reveals that only 32% of A&F professionals have a clear professional development plan set out with their employees. However, even employers who recognise the importance of upskilling are struggling to find learning content that meets the full spectrum of their learners’ needs.
If you don’t already have a development plan in place, communicate your desire to develop one. Clearly defining your targets will help limit any disconnect between you and your employer and align your personal goals with their business objectives. You can also take control of your own professional development and get access to our free-to-use training platform, Thrive . You’ll discover a host of training tools that are accessible from anywhere. Build your own custom training packages and ensure you’re prepared for whatever the future of work holds.
A trusted ICAS CA Jobs Partner
As your lifelong partner, we’re here to support you now and tomorrow. By providing advice, insights, and expertise on issues you face in the fast-paced world of work, we help you make the right decisions for tomorrow.
Our specialist consultants are experts at finding the best opportunities for you wherever you are in your career journey. With a wide range of services available for all ICAS members, no matter where your ambitions stretch, rely on us to help you access the tools you need to grow.
Level up your A+F career and access Thrive today or visit our website to discover your next role.
This blog is one of a series of articles from our commercial partners.
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of ICAS.