Careers ZenCast (https://zencast.fm) We talk to recruiters, tutors and other professionals to find out how to avoid common pitfalls and maximise your potential as you begin your career © 2024 en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:38:34 +0000 https://careers.zencast.website https://podcdn.zencast.fm/download/Podcast%2Fartworks%2F14257%2Flarge%2F905bd4fbc0f746487b0e7173a81e34430af54d039b5993cbc48abe27a6c76fb7%2F0ea7d0786b1e8470.jpg Careers https://careers.zencast.website ACCA careers ACCA careers Careers Everything you need to know about how to successfully launch your career We talk to recruiters, tutors and other professionals to find out how to avoid common pitfalls and maximise your potential as you begin your career We talk to recruiters, tutors and other professionals to find out how to avoid common pitfalls and maximise your potential as you begin your career episodic ACCA careers jackie.dollar@accaglobal.com No false No yes full Careerwise: Understanding behavioural assessments Careerwise: Understanding behavioural assessments Neil talks to Ben Williams, a chartered occupational psychologist, about behavioural assessments in recruitment. No No 799a7e19-adff-4b65-8c5a-602e23378f16 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:58:47 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-understanding-behavioural-assessments Ben discusses distinguishing behavioural assessments from psychometric tests. They often come at the end of the recruitment funnel and involve direct observation of behaviour in scenarios simulating job roles. They can be group or individual exercises, online or in-person, and vary in complexity. Preparation includes understanding assessment criteria and company values. Resources include Ben's website and the Association for Business Psychology's site

]]> Ben discusses distinguishing behavioural assessments from psychometric tests. They often come at the end of the recruitment funnel and involve direct observation of behaviour in scenarios simulating job roles. They can be group or individual exercises, online or in-person, and vary in complexity. Preparation includes understanding assessment criteria and company values. Resources include Ben's website and the Association for Business Psychology's site

]]> ACCA careers false no 1379 full The Strategic CFO – Leading Beyond the Numbers The Strategic CFO – Leading Beyond the Numbers Recorded live at Finance Forum London, Jo Malvern talks to Watergate Bay CFO Chris Naisby, FCCA, on aligning finance with commercial priorities, building boardroom influence, and leading high-performing teams—15 minutes of sharp, practical insight. No No d3ced3fd-8fc8-47d1-ac5b-afc5a74f28e4 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:33:51 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/the-strategic-cfo-leading-beyond-the-numbers Recorded live at Finance Forum London, AB’s Editor-in-Chief Jo Malvern sits down with Chris Naisby, FCCA, CFO of Watergate Bay Hotel Limited, for a candid 15-minute conversation on leading with impact. Chris shares practical lessons from the top—how to align finance with commercial priorities, build real boardroom influence, and create value beyond the balance sheet. Expect straight talk, actionable insights, and leadership takeaways that resonate with finance professionals ready to think bigger and act faster.

]]> Recorded live at Finance Forum London, AB’s Editor-in-Chief Jo Malvern sits down with Chris Naisby, FCCA, CFO of Watergate Bay Hotel Limited, for a candid 15-minute conversation on leading with impact. Chris shares practical lessons from the top—how to align finance with commercial priorities, build real boardroom influence, and create value beyond the balance sheet. Expect straight talk, actionable insights, and leadership takeaways that resonate with finance professionals ready to think bigger and act faster.

]]> ACCA careers false no 939 full Careerwise: is there such a thing as zero experience? Careerwise: is there such a thing as zero experience? Neil and Neville Rose from CV Writers discuss strategies for creating a CV with zero work experience. No No 1d4dcaef-e0a8-4c66-bedc-e40fbad99fba Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:54:26 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-is-there-such-a-thing-as-zero-experience Neville emphasizes highlighting transferable skills and motivation on LinkedIn and CVs, using headlines to position oneself as an aspiring accountant or financial analyst. He suggests using the STAR method to describe projects and competencies. Neville advises including voluntary work, sports, and extracurricular activities to demonstrate relevant skills. He also recommends networking on LinkedIn, obtaining recommendations, and tailoring CVs to job descriptions. The key is to frame experiences effectively to showcase relevant competencies and personal qualities.

Find out more about Neville's company on his website

]]> Neville emphasizes highlighting transferable skills and motivation on LinkedIn and CVs, using headlines to position oneself as an aspiring accountant or financial analyst. He suggests using the STAR method to describe projects and competencies. Neville advises including voluntary work, sports, and extracurricular activities to demonstrate relevant skills. He also recommends networking on LinkedIn, obtaining recommendations, and tailoring CVs to job descriptions. The key is to frame experiences effectively to showcase relevant competencies and personal qualities.

Find out more about Neville's company on his website

]]> ACCA careers false no 1030 full Careerwise: Are you ready for an MBA? Careerwise: Are you ready for an MBA? Neil is joined by joined by Owan O’Sullivan and Siobhan Blackwell from Trinity business school, Dublin, to discuss everything an MBA entails. No No dad2bdfe-c719-41a2-a14c-8482acc82b0e Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:11:14 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-are-you-ready-for-an-mba Owan O’Sullivan, MBA admissions manager at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, explains MBAs are for those transitioning from technical roles to general management, offering a broad business education. Meanwhile, Siobhan Blackwell MBA FCCA, a director at TD Securities in Dublin shares her experience, highlighting the value of an MBA's immersive learning and diverse peer group. They discuss the ideal timing for an MBA and the importance of balancing career and personal life. Support systems are a key feature, as are scholarships and career services. An MBA can also offer interesting and unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Siobhan Blackwell MBA FCCA, Director, Regional Head Business, Regulatory & Supervisory Management TD Securities. Siobhan's LinkedIn

Owan O’Sullivan, MBA Admissions Manager Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin. Find out more about Trinity's MBA programmes here

]]> Owan O’Sullivan, MBA admissions manager at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, explains MBAs are for those transitioning from technical roles to general management, offering a broad business education. Meanwhile, Siobhan Blackwell MBA FCCA, a director at TD Securities in Dublin shares her experience, highlighting the value of an MBA's immersive learning and diverse peer group. They discuss the ideal timing for an MBA and the importance of balancing career and personal life. Support systems are a key feature, as are scholarships and career services. An MBA can also offer interesting and unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Siobhan Blackwell MBA FCCA, Director, Regional Head Business, Regulatory & Supervisory Management TD Securities. Siobhan's LinkedIn

Owan O’Sullivan, MBA Admissions Manager Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin. Find out more about Trinity's MBA programmes here

]]> ACCA careers false no 1297 full Careerwise: psychometric testing Careerwise: psychometric testing Neil talks to Ben Williams, a chartered occupational psychologist about psychometric testing in recruitment No No 487995cd-4a5f-436f-bd32-ae315dc8f1f2 Wed, 21 May 2025 16:07:02 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-psychometric-testing Ben explains that psychometric tests measure personality, motivation, and reasoning skills, often used to predict job performance. These tests can eliminate up to 70% of applicants. Ben emphasizes the importance of understanding job requirements and the candidate's personality fit. He advises candidates to prepare, ask about test types, and not to cheat, as it can lead to rejection. He also mentions the potential use of AI in testing, which is still under experimentation.

Find out more at his company website Sten 10

Fort more about business psychology visit The Association for Business Psychology

Ben's Bio: I am a Chartered Occupational Psychologist with 25 years’ experience and I am the founder of Sten10 an assessment design consultancy. Sten10 creates high quality and innovative psychological tests to provide insight into behaviour, motivation and personality in recruitment. I have over 25 years' experience working across all areas of Occupational Psychology, including being the Chair of the Association for Business Psychology. I and my team have designed thousands of psychometric tests and I am committed to demystifying the process and allowing people to perform at their best during the selection process.

]]> Ben explains that psychometric tests measure personality, motivation, and reasoning skills, often used to predict job performance. These tests can eliminate up to 70% of applicants. Ben emphasizes the importance of understanding job requirements and the candidate's personality fit. He advises candidates to prepare, ask about test types, and not to cheat, as it can lead to rejection. He also mentions the potential use of AI in testing, which is still under experimentation.

Find out more at his company website Sten 10

Fort more about business psychology visit The Association for Business Psychology

Ben's Bio: I am a Chartered Occupational Psychologist with 25 years’ experience and I am the founder of Sten10 an assessment design consultancy. Sten10 creates high quality and innovative psychological tests to provide insight into behaviour, motivation and personality in recruitment. I have over 25 years' experience working across all areas of Occupational Psychology, including being the Chair of the Association for Business Psychology. I and my team have designed thousands of psychometric tests and I am committed to demystifying the process and allowing people to perform at their best during the selection process.

]]> ACCA careers false no 1199 full Careerwise: the art of career planning Careerwise: the art of career planning Neil talks to Katie O'Malley, career coach and workplace strategist, about the importance of both short-term and long-term career planning No No b1831fbc-f20e-409b-b17c-1a235acecdb0 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:41:04 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-the-art-of-career-planning Neil and Katie discuss the need for employees to find non-toxic work environments and to plan flexibly, as the average person has seven different careers. Katie shares her personal journey from academia to entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of integrity, authenticity, and flexibility.

]]> Neil and Katie discuss the need for employees to find non-toxic work environments and to plan flexibly, as the average person has seven different careers. Katie shares her personal journey from academia to entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of integrity, authenticity, and flexibility.

]]> ACCA careers false no 1155 full Careerwise: Job hunting and mental health Careerwise: Job hunting and mental health Neil talks to chartered accountant and coach Edel Walsh about the importance of self-care during job hunting No No a2bea801-20d3-4f57-a630-0570b6cc069d Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:36:29 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-job-hunting-and-mental-health Edel, a coach for accountants, specialising in exam coaching and career coaching, highlights the emotional toll of job hunting, including stress, frustration, and anxiety. She emphasizes recognizing these signs and setting realistic expectations. She also advises breaking tasks into manageable chunks, prioritizing physical health, and seeking support.

Find out more about Edel on her website or follow her on Linkedin

]]> Edel, a coach for accountants, specialising in exam coaching and career coaching, highlights the emotional toll of job hunting, including stress, frustration, and anxiety. She emphasizes recognizing these signs and setting realistic expectations. She also advises breaking tasks into manageable chunks, prioritizing physical health, and seeking support.

Find out more about Edel on her website or follow her on Linkedin

]]> ACCA careers false no 1075 full Careerwise: First impressions Careerwise: First impressions Neil Johnson discusses the importance of making a good first impression at a new job with Joanne Ritchie from Grant Thornton UK and Kevin Kan, an executive coach. No No fe7fb6e1-f216-432b-bd94-1014a050c279 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:14:19 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-first-impressions In this episode with host Nei Johnson, Joanne emphasizes the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and maintaining a professional demeanor. Kevin advises new hires to be open-minded and absorb everything during orientation. Both agree that initial focus should be on soft skills like communication and teamwork rather than technical expertise. They highlight the value of feedback, understanding expectations, and leveraging support networks.

]]> In this episode with host Nei Johnson, Joanne emphasizes the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and maintaining a professional demeanor. Kevin advises new hires to be open-minded and absorb everything during orientation. Both agree that initial focus should be on soft skills like communication and teamwork rather than technical expertise. They highlight the value of feedback, understanding expectations, and leveraging support networks.

]]> ACCA careers false no 1715 full A guided meditation A guided meditation Allow yourself a few minutes to unwind and feel calm in your busy day. No No 4f11c6b2-c435-4e3a-8c2f-a1ee9509f7be Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:29:26 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/a-guided-meditation In this special podcast, meditation practitioner and wellbeing expert Ciara McGinley, founder of Finding Quiet, takes you on a short, guided meditation. Allow yourself a few minutes to unwind and feel calm in your busy day.

]]> In this special podcast, meditation practitioner and wellbeing expert Ciara McGinley, founder of Finding Quiet, takes you on a short, guided meditation. Allow yourself a few minutes to unwind and feel calm in your busy day.

]]> ACCA careers false no 617 full Careerwise: Making the most of LinkedIn Careerwise: Making the most of LinkedIn Neil Johnson is joined again by HR expert Caroline Bixby and CV writer Neville Rose, in the 2nd of two episodes looking at the best way to promote yourself through your CV and LinkedIn. This time they turn their attention to LinkedIn. No No e7974667-fb34-4b95-b96b-769748576dd5 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:00:52 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-making-the-most-of-linkedin The ACCA Career Wise podcast discusses optimizing LinkedIn profiles, addressing neurodiversity in job applications, and the relevance of cover letters. Caroline Bixby emphasizes filling out LinkedIn profiles completely, including contact details and relevant education, and connecting with relevant professionals. Neville Rose advises aligning LinkedIn with CVs and leveraging recommendations. Both stress the importance of professional photos and avoiding selfies. On neurodiversity, Caroline shares her experience with ADHD and the benefits of disclosing disabilities in supportive workplaces. Cover letters are still valuable, providing a personal touch and showcasing suitability for roles.

]]> The ACCA Career Wise podcast discusses optimizing LinkedIn profiles, addressing neurodiversity in job applications, and the relevance of cover letters. Caroline Bixby emphasizes filling out LinkedIn profiles completely, including contact details and relevant education, and connecting with relevant professionals. Neville Rose advises aligning LinkedIn with CVs and leveraging recommendations. Both stress the importance of professional photos and avoiding selfies. On neurodiversity, Caroline shares her experience with ADHD and the benefits of disclosing disabilities in supportive workplaces. Cover letters are still valuable, providing a personal touch and showcasing suitability for roles.

]]> ACCA careers false no 1363 full Careerwise: The secret to CVs Careerwise: The secret to CVs Neil Johnson is joined by HR expert Caroline Bixby and CV writer Neville Rose, in the 1st of two episodes looking at the best way to promote yourself through your CV and LinkedIn. This week they cover CV do’s and don’ts. No No 1245b65a-bec5-4722-9058-9865a803ec71 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:01:00 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-the-secret-to-cvs Neil and guests discuss why it's important to emphasise achievements and tailoring CVs to job descriptions, and why using third-person language is a mistake. They stress the importance of avoiding spelling mistakes and using clear, non-acronym-laden language, and highlight the significance of transferable skills and being honest about one's abilities. The conversation also touches on the role of applicant tracking systems and why a short but clear CV is best.

]]> Neil and guests discuss why it's important to emphasise achievements and tailoring CVs to job descriptions, and why using third-person language is a mistake. They stress the importance of avoiding spelling mistakes and using clear, non-acronym-laden language, and highlight the significance of transferable skills and being honest about one's abilities. The conversation also touches on the role of applicant tracking systems and why a short but clear CV is best.

]]> ACCA careers false no 1296 full Careerwise: The truth behind the AI hype Careerwise: The truth behind the AI hype This week Neil Johnson and his guests James Berridge, and Becca Durrant in the UK and Fahad Riaz in the UAE discuss the impact of AI, and what the future might hold for its many uses. No No ce1112b9-31c2-4c5f-8ec9-077ef22b6c82 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:26:28 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-the-truth-behind-the-ai-hype ACCA careers false no 1474 full How to be assertive How to be assertive Pressure in the workplace can take many forms, and our ability to deal with them can vary. In this episode in a series of podcasts on coping with pressure, business psychologist and coach Jess Baker looks at how to be assertive. No No c9ea4fe3-7091-4138-a67b-c50632991b6b Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:44:58 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/how-to-be-assertive ACCA careers false no 515 full Managing oversensitivity Managing oversensitivity Pressure in the workplace can take many forms, and our ability to deal with them can vary. In this episode in a series of podcasts on coping with pressure, business psychologist and coach Jess Baker looks at how to manage our oversensitivity. No No 73d96e14-6524-4e9a-9f76-6f8469298fdf Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:43:37 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/managing-oversensitivity ACCA careers false no 453 full Careerwise: Getting your foot in the door Part 2 Careerwise: Getting your foot in the door Part 2 In the second part of ‘Getting your foot in the door’. Neil Johnson asks recruitment consultants Karen Young, director at Hays and Gareth Cowan, co-founder at Trace Recruitment, about their CV Pet peeves and their top tips for interviews. No No e0787648-5a4d-464a-b0fb-5b5705e526b5 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:09:18 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-getting-your-foot-in-the-door-part-2 ACCA careers false no 941 full ACCA Supporting Young Entrepreneurs ACCA Supporting Young Entrepreneurs ACCA is a proud supporter of the Side Hustle, an initiative supporting young entrepreneurs across... No No 6056c669-7a83-434c-b035-745b19e369c8 Fri, 05 May 2023 11:17:18 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/acca-supporting-young-entrepreneurs ACCA is a proud supporter of the Side Hustle, an initiative supporting young entrepreneurs across the country by Your Game Plan. ACCA Member and business owner Cheryl Sharp speaks to previous runner up Alfie, on how the competition has supported him to set up his successful gardening business. If you have any career problems you want solving, please get in touch - email us at studentaccountant@accaglobal.com

]]> ACCA is a proud supporter of the Side Hustle, an initiative supporting young entrepreneurs across the country by Your Game Plan. ACCA Member and business owner Cheryl Sharp speaks to previous runner up Alfie, on how the competition has supported him to set up his successful gardening business. If you have any career problems you want solving, please get in touch - email us at studentaccountant@accaglobal.com

]]> ACCA careers false no 51780 full Career success Career success We speak to ACCA member Sarfraz Nadir to find out about his key steps for career success. You can... No No 135bfa11-1372-4a6c-8e77-340741822440 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:45:24 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/career-success We speak to ACCA member Sarfraz Nadir to find out about his key steps for career success. You can read articles from Sarfraz here and hereIf you have any career problems you want solving, please get in touch - email us at studentaccountant@accaglobal.com

]]> We speak to ACCA member Sarfraz Nadir to find out about his key steps for career success. You can read articles from Sarfraz here and hereIf you have any career problems you want solving, please get in touch - email us at studentaccountant@accaglobal.com

]]> ACCA careers false no 76020 full How to prioritise How to prioritise Pressure in the workplace can take many forms, and our ability to deal with them can vary. In this episode in a series of podcasts on coping with pressure, business psychologist and coach Jess Baker looks at how to prioritise. No No a9067ff3-a200-41d0-8bce-427ca4a02729 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:07:26 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/how-to-prioritise ACCA careers false no 493 full Careerwise: Getting your foot in the door Part 1 Careerwise: Getting your foot in the door Part 1 Welcome to the first episode of Careerwise, where we take a look at all aspects of the world of work. No No b5556c73-fa18-4e89-bf99-198eeb5cdbac Wed, 22 May 2024 14:09:21 +0000 ACCA careers https://careers.zencast.website/episodes/careerwise-getting-your-foot-in-the-door-part-1 In this episode, ACCA Careers editor Neil Johnson chats to recruitment consultants Karen Young, director at Hays and Gareth Cowan, co-founder at Trace Recruitment about getting your foot in the door.

]]> In this episode, ACCA Careers editor Neil Johnson chats to recruitment consultants Karen Young, director at Hays and Gareth Cowan, co-founder at Trace Recruitment about getting your foot in the door.

]]> ACCA careers false no 720