In the ever-evolving landscape of employment, a notable shift has occurred. What was once considered a coveted perk—flexible working—is now increasingly seen as an expectation by job seekers. This shift reflects a broader change in attitudes towards work-life balance, the importance of mental well-being, and the recognition that productivity thrives in environments that accommodate individual needs. Just last year, 77% of Brits ranked flexible working as the most important perk from their employer. Why has this change come about, and is it here to stay? We have spoken before about whether more employers were calling people back to the office, and here we take a closer look into it from the employees perspective…

The process of training new hires in the fields of accountancy and finance is a critical aspect of ensuring their success within any organisation. By providing the right education and guidance, employers equip their employees with the tools needed to thrive in the industry. Moreover, today's accountancy and finance professionals have an increasing appetite for ongoing training and development. Studies indicate that approximately 40% of staff members are concerned about the relevance of their skills in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Additionally, 49% of employees express a desire to enhance their skills but often struggle to identify where to begin. For business leaders, the initial focus of training for new hires should emphasise the development of essential soft skills. While technical abilities are often inherent to their roles, upskilling and expanding on these competencies can always be pursued later. Here are three crucial areas of focus when training new accountancy and finance hires