Hello, please can you provide an insight into the opportunities available at Phoenix Group for newly qualified ACAs.

Hi Henry, for newly qualified ACA there are opportunities in a number of our functions within finance which can be sought via our careers website. Clearly the roles to apply for are all based on levels of experience as well as qualification but from my experience, lots of newly qualified ACA members have joined as 'accountants' in areas such as finance operations, financial reporting, tax and investment accounting. I am also aware that the risk departments will consider accountants with ACA qualifications. The breadth of roles certainly opens up dependant on your experience in those specific areas.

Hi Josh, thank you for your answer. Please could let me know about the progression opportunities within the finance teams at Phoenix Group. Is it possible to join within Finance and then have the opportunity furthet down the line to experience working in the asset management or risk teams?

Hi Henry, in short absolutely, progression in the business is not generally linear within the same teams and looking to move to other areas of the business can really support your overall knowledge of the business to make you most effective. There are many instances of staff making these transitions to other areas of the business and it is even actively encouraged when someone has a development plan in mind.

Hi Henry, Phoenix really values utilising and developing our internal talent and we do see a lot of movement between teams and functions across the business. As long as you have the relevant skills and experience (transferrable or direct), there's absolutely the potential to move internally. We also have a 'gigs' programme where you can apply to spend some time with another team for a couple of weeks or even an hour per week to get an idea of what life is like there or to see if its something you'd like to work towards.

Hi Matt, that is good to hear. I just have one further question. As someone currently working in audit (mainly retail and manufacturing companies) and am due to qualify this November can you advise what skills you are looking for in new hires to the finance team who have not worked in a financial services industry role before.

This will vary across the different teams as they'll all have their own goals and requirements. We're usually really keen on an Excel understanding but also great communication, an ability to work independently and usually some element of finance experience (although we understand that entry level roles will require some development and learning). Remember, you dont need to meet every requirement to be a great candidate!