Need advice on salary offered and future career progression into industry.
Hi guys,
As the title suggests, I need some advice. I'm currently PQ in a small regional practice with 9/12 exams passed (taking into account 1 less profession exam from Sep 2027).
My employer has offered £34k, which i'm happy with, on the condition that i stay through a colleague's sabbatical leave for 1 year. We are a very small team.
The catch is that they wants me to commit to staying until said colleague returns. I haven’t agreed to anything just yet.
My long-term plan is to move from practice into industry, for career growth and better financial prospects. I’m also aiming to qualify with ACCA in the september 2027 transition.
I’m considering offering to commit to staying for at least around 6 months or so, and then saying after that it's fair game, because I don’t ideally want to delay moving into industry for another year, especially as the market isn't in the best position right now.
My main concern is whether moving into industry becomes significantly harder once I’m fully ACCA-qualified if I will have no industry experience.
Surely for newbie industry roles it's cheaper and therefore preferable for employers to hire a PQ or a finalist, as opposed to a newly qualified with no experience.
Would you prioritise getting into industry before qualifying, even if it means turning down/limiting the pay rise arrangement, or would you stay, qualify, and then make the transition? Am I overthinking ?
Any advice appreciated !