Great opportunities await: make the right move

As a newly or recently qualified accountant you may be thinking that Armageddon is approaching and that any thoughts of a career move are out of the question

But companies have a longer-term view about their staffing strategies than some of the media may have you believe. And this could be a great opportunity for those who can demonstrate that they have something to offer.

Whether times are good or bad, financial talent is key and organisations are keen to invest in quality people. The banking market may be in the doldrums in terms of hiring at the moment, but with good commercial or industrial experience, it is no more difficult to secure a career move now than it was six months ago.

Those waiting for the market to improve may find they are missing out on some of the best career opportunities. Firms know that this is the best chance they have had for a long time to acquire talent and so, far from being a 'bad' market, this could be the best time to look around and see what's on offer.

Steve Carter is managing director of financial recruiter, Nigel Lynn