Login
iscover
Don’t be afraid of having a frank conversation with a future employer even if you have yet to make up your mind, says one mid-tier boss.
Looking to jump ship to a different firm? Have a frank conversation first
19 June 2019
•
6 minute read
That’s the advice from PKF Brisbane chief executive Larn Mulligan to accountants who are currently torn between making a move from their current firm.
“Nothing bad comes from having conversations and just being honest with your future employers about the pros and the cons of making the move,” Mr Mulligan told New Accountant.
“Don’t be swayed by the pressure that’s being put on you by agents to close those deals and to sign on to contracts.
“For us, we’d rather have those conversations with people who are very genuine about what their position is career-wise and what their goals are.”
Specialist roles
While filling roles at the firm has been relatively straightforward for Mr Mulligan, he believes the market is tightening for specialist hires.
“We do find it challenging to find people with very specific technical skills, and sometimes those skills are found more in the big four than they are in the mid-tiers,” Mr Mulligan said.
“When it comes to corporate tax, for example, there are a relatively small number of larger second-tier firms that have a true corporate tax client base. So, finding people with the qualities and skills in listed companies, for example, in tax effect accounting and transactional work is more difficult when you look at some smaller mid-tier firms. Some of the big four and larger mid-tiers are a better hunting ground for us.
“One of the biggest myths would be that high-quality work doesn’t exist in the client bases of mid-tiers or second-tier firms.”
You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!
