Careers

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.

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.

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

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

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

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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.

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

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 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.

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.