Balancing professional and personal responsibilities can be tricky, especially for accountants who have care commitments at home.
Whether you care for an elderly person, young children or a family member with special needs, you deserve the support from your employer that extends beyond the workplace.
While we understand that it may be hard for accountants applying for new roles to be open about their caring responsibilities with potential employers, we passionately believe that this shouldn’t be the case.
Accountants (and professionals in every industry, for that matter) rarely make it from one end of their career to the other without changes to personal circumstances. Life happens, which can change your professional life, whether in the short or long term.
Thankfully, public practice has come a long way in recent years. The vast majority of hiring managers now provide flexibility, hybrid working options and comprehensive wellbeing support. Firms have realised that making their staff suffer in silence will only impact on the way they perform in their jobs.
So, how can accountants looking for a new role be open about their caring responsibilities, without fearing that it may limit their career prospects? Here’s our advice.
Don’t include personal commitments on your CV
Your CV is not the place to showcase your caring responsibilities.
The purpose of your CV is to get your foot through the door. It should only include your professional history, strengths and capabilities. The opportunity to be open about your personal commitments will come in time.
Not sure how to structure your CV or what information to include? Discover the six things firms want to see on an accountant’s CV.
Wait until after your first interview
Similarly, it’s best to discuss requests for extra flexibility or support after your initial interview.
At this stage, the most important thing to get across is that you’re technically skilled, a great communicator and will add value to their team.
When your interviewer asks if you have any questions, you may choose to ask about the firm’s working policies. This will help you understand their stance and whether it’s worth continuing to pursue the role.
Turn your commitments into qualities
Your responsibilities as a carer will have afforded you highly sought-after skills that will make you an even better candidate for the job.
Perhaps you’ve become a great listener, and your emotional intelligence is one of your strongest qualities. Maybe you can offer to be the firm’s disability awareness champion because you’ve learnt so much through your experiences.
Consider your commitments as credible qualities instead of roadblocks. Don’t be afraid to bring them up when you get the opportunity to discuss your personal circumstances.
Be ready to ask and answer questions
Once you’ve passed the first interview and your application has entered the next phase, it’s important to establish an open dialogue with your interviewer.
Your second interview is an opportunity to learn more about the firm and what they can do for you. You may choose to ask:
- Is there an Employee Assistance Program?
- How many team members work remotely?
- Can I access wellbeing support before the end of my probation?
- Is there financial advice available to the internal team?
Whilst asking questions is crucial for understanding whether the role is right for you, you need to prepare yourself for the coin to be flipped.
After you’ve disclosed your caring commitments, your potential employer may have a few questions in return.
Of course, it’s completely up to you how much detail you want to give them. However, it’s important to be prepared to discuss your situation, communicate your needs and find a middle ground.
Through this open and clear communication, the firm may even suggest alternative solutions that you didn’t think of but would work better for you.
Do you need more flexibility in your role, but not sure how to ask for it? Negotiate a better work-life balance with our top tips!
Know your rights
Under the Equality Act 2010, it’s illegal to discriminate against a candidate because of their responsibility as a carer, or because of the individual(s) they care for.
If an employer directly states that they can’t offer you a role due to your responsibilities, they’re outright breaking the law. If this happens, you’ve probably dodged a bullet. You wouldn’t want to work for an employer who has fostered such a close-minded culture anyway!
You can find more information about the Equality Act 2010 here.
Join support groups
There are plenty of communities on social media, so why not see if you can connect with other accountants going through a similar thing?
Joining support groups, such as Facebook communities, is a great way to access emotional support and practical advice. It will remind you that you’re not alone.
“Thankfully, the majority of hiring managers that I meet truly care about their employees and want to support them to be healthy, happy and successful, both in and out of work. In fact, we only work with firms that champion employee wellbeing and foster a supportive environment. Honest conversations are always the best way forward when it comes to talking about challenges you’re facing as an accountant in practice, but choosing the right moment to have these discussions is important. My team and I are always on hand to give you confidential advice about how to go about getting the support you need from an employer.” – Garry Howling, Managing Director at Public Practice Recruitment
Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we regularly meet candidates who feel like they need to hide their personal commitments to make themselves appear more employable. Our response is always the same: you should always be your authentic self. In fact, showcasing your true self at an interview will lead to a more meaningful connection and stand you in great stead for getting the job.
And remember – your wellbeing is vital to your success and productivity at work. Supportive firms recognise the value of accommodating their employees’ diverse needs.
Looking to work with a recruiter that understands the importance of inclusivity?
Our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your public practice career and find a job that works for you.
