As part of our partnership with the ICAEW we hosted a webinar on how ACA accountants can get the most from their career, which you can view here.
As part of our partnership with CASSL (ICAEW) we try to add value to CASSL members and all ACA students/Accountants who are thinking about next steps or what the future holds in general. With this in mind we started producing ACA next steps case studies (which is a short case study from a qualified ACA who has made the transition to industry).
This month we were lucky enough to speak to Dominic Clifford, a Senior Financial Analyst at Expedia Affiliate Network, who was keen to share his invaluable insight on how he made the move from ACA to industry.
What would be the one piece of advice you would give someone who is looking to progress their career to the next stage?
Focus your search on an industry and/or role you have a passion for. This will drive you to perform above and beyond the responsibilities & expectations of the workplace so you can truly make an impact.
What were your long term career goals when you initially moved out of practice?
The same goal I have now – the desire to start my own company one day, while moving to a commercial front office role. To this end, partnering closely with sales was a fantastic opportunity to take steps towards becoming an all round finance and business leader.
How have you found life in Industry?
It’s been fascinating. I still learn something new everyday, so I can honestly say it’s been the most rewarding and exciting 18 months of my professional career. To see a commercial initiative you have led deliver an almost instant revenue growth is extremely rewarding to look back on when you get home from the office.
I’m lucky enough to love my industry, the world of travel moves far and fast, it has so many facets, it’s impossible to be bored! The opportunity to go on business trips in Europe has been an added bonus!
What do you do on a day to day basis?
No one day is ever the same – sometimes there’s a new business problem to solve or sometimes it’s a commercial negotiation to resolve. The variety is something I enjoy more than anything else.
How has being an ACA helped in your career outside of practice?
The knowledge and technical skills you acquire with an ACA qualification are second to none. When you’re taking the exams you wonder how you’ll be able to apply your knowledge in the business world, but as soon as you move into industry you can instantly apply your knowledge to real life situations. It allows you to identify opportunities, risks and offer your insight right from the get-go.
How did Talentedge find a job that was right for you?
Talentedge listened carefully to my requirements and after an initial face-to-face consultation; they knew exactly what I wanted and where they should look. The process was extremely smooth and well coordinated.
Talentedge is a specialist recruitment consultancy that places qualified ACA’s at all levels into the Media, Tech and Consumer sectors. You can get in touch with us directly on 020 3879 9700 or submit your CV on our Contact Us page.
