Connor Coombes’ Post

If you find the idea of changing jobs daunting then you're not alone. Most of us find the job market to be a mine field and worry that we're making the wrong choice. Is the grass really greener on the other side? What if I regret leaving my current firm? These are all natural fears but the reality is, if you're not enjoying your current role, or you don't have opportunities in it then you're more likely to regret not moving. The market has picked right back up after the Easter holidays and I have brand new accountancy practice jobs on across Hampshire & Berkshire. Why not get in touch for an informal and confidential chat? We can get you 3-4 different interviews so that you know you'll be making the right choice for you. What have you got to loose?

2 weeks and done. I once spoke with a candidate who was let go after 2 weeks of starting a new job. I was able to get both sides of the story. He was hired to work in the accounting department. He had several years of experience and even worked with the same software. He came from the same industry, so what happened? He was very fond of telling his new boss/company better ways (in his opinion) to do the job. It was often proceeded by the phrase, "How we did it at my old company was..." He was quickly seen as unwilling to learn how and why they did things the way they did. They said he didn't fit in with the team because he always knew better. I see a lot of people on LinkedIn saying they don't feel heard or listened to at their company. That their opinion doesn't matter. If the company is not wanting to or willing to change, maybe it doesn't matter to them. If feeling like you can change things in your new job is important, ask about it in the interview period. Regardless of the answer, if you accept the job, commit to learning how and why they do things before telling them how to do it better.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠? 🔍 Let's prep! ⤵ 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗯: Research, research, research! Really understand who the firm/company is. Their culture, the type of work they do, markets they serve, etc. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: Prepare to talk about yourself. The work you do, your aspirations both personally & professionally, goals you have for when you come aboard, etc. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: Ask yourself what you are looking for in a position and company. Salary, hours, title, culture, benefits, etc. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁: Practice commonly asked questions. Think about the position itself from all aspects and what you could potentially be asked. Read over the responsibilities of the position and be familiar with what they will expect of you. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲: Can you see yourself growing within the company? Any ability to expand your industry knowledge? Interviews can be intimidating but with preparation comes ease. Knowing the work you do, the work they are looking for, and what you want in a next position will help the process tremendously! Message me for any interview questions or prep assistance! #hiring #interviewprocess #accounting

This message absolutely made my day! I had shared an IT audit Interview video with Prabh Nair and seeing how it helped someone land a job is incredibly rewarding. This is exactly why I create content. To shape tomorrow's IT Auditors. Maybe this is an indication that I'm heading in the right direction :) Feeling motivated to keep creating content that helps others achieve their goals! #itaudit #newjob #career #audit #jobinterview

Here’s what Finance leaders are telling me they’re looking for from Accountant’s at interview Get to ‘know’ the interviewers before you meet them. LinkedIn and the company website are your friends here. You’ll find common ground - interests outside of work, shared connections and experiences... Noticed they've been with the company for 5 years? Why is that? Ask them about their career development opportunities. Similar volunteering experiences / interests? There’s your icebreaker. Follow the same companies or top voices? Know people that went to the same School, University, or College? Chat about it, it will make you relax. Bonus tip here! Nail your ‘WHY’ Show genuine interest in the company, not just the role. What do you like about their vision, culture & values, the way they do business? At the end of the day, the interview is a two-way street. Was this useful? #InterviewTips #CareerGrowth #FinanceRecruitment

Accountants: Ready to level up your career?   In today’s job market, aiming high means proving you deserve your spot—especially during interviews.   We’re seeing a trend: too many accountants are caught off guard by basic technical questions. The result? Missed opportunities.   Firms are digging deeper, even during first interviews, so it’s time to brush up on the fundamentals. Being prepared is non-negotiable.   Pro tip: Self-assess, practice, and stay updated on the latest industry standards. You can’t simply tell them how great you are, you must show them.   Your next role, promotion, or pay rise depends on it. Own your growth, master the details, and make your mark!   #accountants #accountancy #accountingjobs #interviewtips

#AccountingEvolution #SkillsOverTitles #InnovativeLeadership #ModernFinance The Clown Show of Accounting Interviews** Recently, my experience interviewing for Accounting Manager/Controller roles has been nothing short of eye-opening. It’s unbelievable how many interviewers are stuck in outdated thinking, putting far too much weight on job titles instead of skills, achievements, and real-world impact. Here’s why focusing on titles is a *bad move*: Titles are just labels. They don't tell the full story of a candidate’s potential, leadership, or innovative thinking. The best professionals today are those who stay hands-on, adapt to change, and bring fresh ideas to the table. By overlooking candidates like me who are still in the trenches, companies miss out on real problem solvers and innovators. I would take a Senior Accountant with up-to-date, hands-on experience over a veteran Manager or Controller who’s stuck in delegation mode. The business world is evolving, and so should the way we approach talent. Skills like strategic thinking, process optimization, and adaptability matter far more than the title someone currently holds. If interviewers only looked beyond the title, they would see candidates who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and who have the creative techniques to solve today’s complex challenges—whether it’s reconciling balance sheets or driving process improvements. It’s time to stop equating titles with experience and start focusing on what truly matters. #AccountingEvolution #SkillsOverTitles #InnovativeLeadership #ModernFinance

Why Recruiters Love Accountants Who Ask These 3 Simple Questions 👇 In a crowded market full of skilled candidates, the right questions can really differentiate you from the pack... Trust me, as a recruiter, I’ve seen first hand how asking the right questions during an interview can make an accountant unforgettable. 🧠 Here are three simple, yet powerful, questions that can help you stand out in your next interview: 1. “What does success in this role look like in the first 6 months?” This shows you’re serious about making an impact from day one. You’re not just after a job, you want to succeed and grow. 2. “How does the firm support continued professional development?” Asking this signals that you’re proactive about your career progression. It shows you're ready to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve. 3. “What are the current team’s biggest challenges, and how can I help solve them?” This question shows you’re already thinking like part of the team and want to make a meaningful difference. 💡 Pro Tip: Great accountants don’t just answer questions—they ask the right ones! Next time you're in an interview, don't just sit back and respond. Step up, ask these questions, and show them you’re serious about your future and how their opportunity fits. I guarantee few, if any, are. 👊 #PublicPractice #AccountingCareers #InterviewTips #CareerGrowth #MelbourneAccountants #CPA #CA #InterviewSuccess #JobSearch #RecruitmentAdvice #CareerProgression #HiringTips

This is a cool piece (in comments) on lesser known tools for your job search Everything from where to find data on private companies, market analysis from competitors, and strategies to reach out to people for interviews Hopefully it’s helpful for you and your friends in your job search

To all my fellow finance professionals navigating the challenging journey of interviews and career opportunities: Rejection in the hiring process can feel like a personal setback, but let me remind you—it’s not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Each of us has invested countless hours in mastering our craft, solving problems, and driving results. We’ve poured effort into learning, growing, and contributing to the success of our organizations. This is what defines us—not one company’s opinion or decision. Sometimes, a rejection isn’t about you at all. It’s about fit, timing, or priorities that don’t align. One hiring decision doesn’t define your value, and it doesn’t erase the impact you’ve already made. If you truly know your worth, you’ll understand this: the company that didn’t hire you has missed out on your contribution, your insights, and your ability to drive meaningful change. Rejections are redirections, not conclusions. They’re reminders to believe in yourself, your experiences, and the road you’ve traveled. The right opportunity—the one that values your strengths and aligns with your purpose—will come. So, keep moving forward. Stay confident in your abilities, hold your head high, and never forget the immense value you bring to the table. Remember: One “no” today doesn’t define your tomorrow. Believe in yourself, because you’re building something far greater than one interview result—you’re building a legacy. #FinanceLeadership #CareerGrowth #Resilience #BelieveInYourself #FinanceProfessionals