SOAPBOX

[foxinsocks]

was hoping to catch you on here

I was reading a thread the other day where you said what you did. I'm in the same profession as you (haven't worked for 4 yrs though) and trained at one of the big 4. I'm thinking about going back at the moment and saw a job advertised doing exactly what you're doing (not to the same level! but in that department) and was wondering how you found it.

My main problem is that I was never the most technically minded - did you start articles then move into the technical department or was it something you always wanted to do?

I can see the upside (less client facing and so less demanding hours I imagine) but do you also have to do presentations to the staff on new developments etc.?

I don't really want to go back to my firm (the hours, client demands, targets etc.) although I know it would be a good way to get back into working.

I was in the same position as you. I went back to my big 4 firm after having the children but never really enjoyed it so took voluntary redundancy expecting to become a SAHM. However that wasn't really for me

I got this job on a temp basis - had never done 'technical before' but was always regarded as one of the more technically able auditors.

I went straight back into a pure techie role. I some ways the article writing only really comes once you have a 'name' which comes from sorting out all the reactive stuff

If you are thinking of it a good place to start would be to start banging in responses to the ASB and IASB exposure drafts (there are loads out there at the moment) so that when you approach the firms you can take the responses with you and show what you are capable of.

You can do this under your own name.

You do need to do presentations to staff - does that bother you?

Could you pick up some contract work to get back into it - much easier to do. Look at GAAPweb.co.uk for vacancies.

You will almost certainly have to work in London though - all the technical departments are based there!

We are always on teh look out for people with good skills - drop me a CAT with your CV and I'll have a look at it. If I can't place you then I can at least give you some pointers as to where you might look!!

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Is it rude????

Either will do

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Email me the spreadsheet and put the invoices in the post and I'll do it as soon as I get a chance. Of to Disneyland Paris on Wed so will ahve to be when we get back!

Don't want money

Jxx

Thanks for that.

Yes, I am TERRIBLE at presentations - despite doing loads of courses etc. my nerves get the better of me and I either become too aggressive or a jibbering wreck! I am fine in things like client meetings etc. but it's the thought of standing up in front of a room full of people that does it for me!

My problem is that the last time I worked, we were living in central London (we now live on the outskirts). I had finished my articles and spent around 18months - 2 years working for a big company and did a lot of travel - basically as a consultant for them (going to visit their branches and making sure the fin controls were in place etc.). I also did internal audit work for them. So my CV looks v strange because I have not done financial work since I left (also I didn't mention, I did my articles and qualified overseas - I think that would put me out of the running in a technical job).

So I know when I put my CV out, the sort of jobs I'll be offered with be Internal Audit or SOx work. Most IA jobs will involve travel (which I really don't want to do) and I have no Sox work under my belt (though having done loads of IA work, it won't be difficult).

My other option is to take a Forensic job. I've done some forensic work (all be it in articles and then a small amount for the company I worked for) and I really enjoyed it. I know someone who's quite senior in Forensics and he's quite positive about finding me a place.

The other option is to find something that doesn't involve coming into London - so for me that would be Bracknell, Reading.

I think I will have to take contract work first because the thought of walking straight back into a permanent job is quite frightening and I'm sure I won't interview well for at least 6 months till I've got my 'work legs' back!

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I think you are right - people are prepared to take a 'risk' on you for a short contract that they won't on a permanent job.

I did a few contract jobs before taking my current role, really to experiment a bit as to what I wanted to do and what I enjoyed. It still a bit scary though as you go to the interview one day and start work the next which I found a bit strange!

yes, I have completely forgotten which parts of the job I actually enjoyed - I know that sounds strange but it's amazing how a few years at home can completely wipe clean your memories of work.

I was moaning to dh about how long it would take me to get into central london and he reminded me that for around 75% of my time before, I was travelling all over the country (normally on some godforsaken Virgin train). I've got so used to not doing anything unless it's really convenient that the thought of cancelled trains and tube delays has not entered my mind for years!

Thanks for that - I feel a bit better about experimenting with temp jobs now.

Have a look on gaapweb to get some ideas!

The contract jobs are incredibly well paid at the moment too

You can always do a contract then take a few weeks off before the next one to ease yourself in slowly???

Actually my DH is recruiting at the moment for an IA job which is totally London based, in the City. If you are interested you could send your CV through for him to look at?????

thanks soapbox - I'll sort out my CV and then CAT you.