Joining the Dots with Dot Recruit
By Dot Recruit
Joining the Dots with Dot RecruitSep 20, 2021
Jo Stubbs - becoming FD, building confidence & the dilemma ambitious women face in their 20’s & 30’s
They also talk about the dilemma many ambitious women face in their twenties and thirties. And how they have seen women hold themselves back from fulfilling their potential because of biases and ‘what ifs’.
Jo shares how she built confidence over the years and why its important to leave your comfort zone and say yes to things that scare you!
We hope you enjoy this chat, if you do don’t forget to subscribe!
David Ramsay on the challenges he sees candidates and hiring managers face in the Accountancy Market
In Episode Six of Joining the Dots, hosted by Sofia Merraoui, we feature guest David Ramsay, Talent Acquisition Partner at Armstrong Watson. David has spent all of his 14 years of recruitment experience purely in the accountancy market, so he has seen and learned a lot along the way when it comes to challenges and mistakes hiring managers and candidates make.
He started out working in agency recruitment with Hays and Reed, but has since worked in Big 4, Top 10 and now Armstrong Watson a Top 30 Practice dominating the Northern market. So if you are thinking about a job move one day, or you are hiring for your firm, either way you are going to learn something from David's experiences and insights over the years!
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us and the rest of our team on LinkedIn!
Dale Pollitt - Entrepreneurship, running a Firm in your 20's & the driving force behind his success
In this episode, we talk about how he has gone from a young AAT apprentice after leaving college half way through A-Levels, to now ACA and CTA qualified, becoming joint Partner of Ryan's Chartered Accountants just before his 27th birthday. Now, at aged 31, he is successfully running the firm alongside his business Partner, as well as always looking to get involved in other ventures in the North West to expand his entrepreneurial portfoilo. Dale is much more than just your typical accountant, and definitely an episode to tune in to if you aspire to be more than just an 'accountant.'
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Cheryl Thompson on conflict communication, imposter syndrome & masculine/feminine leadership.
- Feminine and masculine leadership explained and how a great leader channels both.
- The benefits of operating from an abundance mindset, there’s plenty to go around!
- Conflict communication, how we gaslight ourselves and how to set boundaries in the workplace.
- How to respond when on the receiving end of poor leadership, structuring difficult conversations and self management.
- Reframing imposter syndrome and why it’s essential for our growth to welcome those uncomfortable feelings.
We would love to know what you learned from this episode so please find us on LinkedIn and share your thoughts! You can also connect with Cheryl at linkedin.com/in/cherylthompsoncoaching
Chris Brown on moving from Big 4 to setting up & scaling your own firm
Christine Richards on climbing the ladder from School Leaver to Director
In this episode, we talk about how she has progressed within the same firm right from college leaver to now shareholder Partner in 2020, still in her early 30's! We talk about any challenges she's faced along the way, what she thinks a good employee, or a good Manager, looks like within the business and the main differences of being a shareholder compared to being a regular 'employee.'
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Exam coach Helen Pretty on the KEY to passing your ACCA/CIMA exams with confidence!
This week Phoebe was joined by Helen Pretty, a CIMA Qualified Accountant and ACCA/CIMA exam coach who supports qualifying Accountants to passing their exams with confidence! In this episode we discuss how resitters can find the motivation and to keep going, why exam technique and a solid, structured revision plan is so important!
We also chat about how to rebuild confidence after a knock and the value of your qualification and the rewards in the Accounting world and in your career.
Don't forget to connect with Helen on Linkedin for more tips and advice - www.linkedin.com/in/helenprettycoach/
Phoebe Stowe-Forbes with Jane Campbell on the benefits of working with a specialist A&F recruiter
Hosted by Phoebe Stowe-Forbes, and featuring Jane Campbell - the latest addition to the Dot Recruit team!
In this episode, we introduce our lovely Jane and talk a little about her background in generalist recruitment and the benefits to Accountancy and Finance clients and candidates of working with a specialist recruiter. We chat about Jane's goals for 2022 and the challenges of juggling Motherhood and career and why she is absolutely determined to be a great role model both to her son and other working Mums.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Chris Johnson on climbing the ladder within a Top 100 firm
Hosted by Sofia Merraoui, and featuring Chris Johnson, Partner at Top 100 Lancashire Firm, PM+M.
In this episode, we discuss the reasons he has remained with PM+M for all of his career to date, how he can spot future talent within his team, and the differences between being an employee compared to when he became Partner. We also talk about his diverse client based from SME to large corporate and international businesses, why setting up on his own wouldn't have been for him and future plans for him and the business.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Jess Harcourt from Social Chain on reaching Finance Manager in 5 years, the challenges & lessons
Hosted by Phoebe Stowe-Forbes, and featuring Jess Harcourt, Finance Manager at Social Chain.
In this episode, we discuss the unconventional route that Jess took to climb the ladder from Accounts Assistant to Finance Manager within 5 years, the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way.
We also talk about why work life balance is so important and the key to juggling everything, why Jess invests time in building her personal brand on LinkedIn and the lack of representation for Women in Finance.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Gordie Smyth from Flower Accounting on setting up your own Practice!
We discuss the pressures and excitement of leaving a secure role and setting up on your own (right before the unexpected pandemic!), hiring your first 2 employees, winning new clients, and the mindset needed to set up on your own! We also talk about how it’s not easy going from a good wage to earning very little in Year One, his management style which has always served him well, as well as future plans and goals both personally and for the business.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
How Hiring Managers can navigate the current market to bag that STAR candidate!
Some of our top tips include thinking outside the box of who could interview alongside you, why telling them about the company is just as important as asking them what they already know, and why offering them promptly and giving them breathing space will show keenness and empathy.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Penny Bowden & Lindsay Nicholson from Riverside Accountancy on becoming Directors by 30 & 35
We discuss the highs and lows of taking over a business amidst the 2020 Pandemic, how they juggle home life and running a business, as well as their completely different routes into Accounting. We talk about their successes as young female directors and if they ever foresaw themselves as owning an Accountancy practice, or even their own business.
They share the lovely bond that has grown over the years between the two of them, both in and out of work, their united front and how developing your employees is key to business success.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
How to SMASH your next interview
We run through the basics that nobody should ever underestimate, some blunders we have seen in the past, and how to answer some tricky questions, as well as some must-do’s for the night before!
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
What truly defines a GREAT Graduate in 2021
Claudia shares with us the highs and lows of trying to find internships and Graduate jobs in a pandemic, and why the Masters just wasn’t going to be for her; we also share why we both think makes Claudia such a well-respected and valuable employee to a small business like Dot Recruit, and how her family values played such a vital role in shaping the person she has become today.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Neil Ormesher, MD Danbro Accounting, on the Highs and Lows of Reaching the Top, The Fundamental Qualities Needed To Get There, and Where He Goes From Here?
Welcome to episode Five of Joining the Dots, a podcast brought to you by Dot Recruit. Hosted by Sofia Merraoui, and featuring our special guest Neil Ormesher, MD at Danbro Accounting. We discuss how Neil made his way from Trainee to MD over his 20 year career and what it truly takes to get there, the sacrifices he had to make along the way, as well as some unexpected struggles along the way.
We also talk about his array of qualifications he has ticked off along the years, what he looks for in a good employee when he is hiring, and what it means to him personally to work for a family founded and run business and the opportunities that has provided for his career development.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Negotiating Salaries, Pay Rises, and Knowing your Value
We run through the preparation needed for negotiating pay rises and the best way to talk to your senior team members about your pay. We also talk about our role in the process and how you can talk to your recruitment agency for help when settling on your salary.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Dan Garlick on What it Takes to Scale the Career Ladder, Overcoming Obstacles, and Backing Yourself
Welcome to episode three of Joining the Dots, a podcast brought to you by Dot Recruit. Hosted by Phoebe Stowe-Forbes, and featuring our special guest Dan Garlick. We discuss how Dan climbed the ladder as quickly as he did, and share some of the hurdles that he overcame in his journey.
We also share some wisdom on how Dan got started in accounting, the qualifications he took and the ways that he rose through the variety of roles he has worked over his career.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Ben Posthuma de Boer, Manager at Pierce Accountancy, on Routes into Practice, the Real Truth about Audit, and the Future of the Sector
Welcome to episode two of Joining the Dots, a podcast brought to you by Dot Recruit. Hosted by Sofia Merraoui, and featuring our very first special guest, Ben Posthuma de Boer. We discuss how Ben got into the industry, the jobs he progressed through, and some of the more exciting things he's done as an accountant!
Furthermore, Ben has some insights and tips as for the way to get started and progress as an accountant, with some discussion about some of his mentors and the things he had learned early in his career.
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn!
Phoebe Stowe-Forbes and Sofia Merraoui on Starting the Podcast, our Ethos, and our Vision for the Podcast
Welcome to the first episode of Joining the Dots, a podcast brought to you by Dot Recruit. Hosted by Phoebe Stowe-Forbes and Sofia Merraoui, we discuss Dot Recruit, celebrating the second anniversary of the company, and talk in-depth about the purpose of the podcast.
We also touch on the future of the podcast and what we aim to do, week by week. Each week will cover different and varied topics, and we will have a variety of guests to interview, so stay tuned!
For any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Additionally, find us on LinkedIn
Welcome to Joining the Dots!
Welcome to Joining the Dots, a Podcast brought to you by Dot Recruit. We will be publishing weekly episodes bringing you insights into the world of finance and recruitment, bringing you special guests to expand on our insights, share our knowledge and give out tips and tricks, and bring an extra avenue of value to our surrounding networks.
Who are we?
Based in Lancashire, Dot Recruit are recruitment consultants, career coaches and market advisors, for both industry-based and public practice-based accounting and finance professionals. We aim to break the stigma behind the reputation of recruiters and demonstrate that we are doing more than just placing jobs.
Why the podcast?
Whilst we are active in voicing our advice and discussions around the world of recruitment and finance, we believe we can do more. By expanding to another form of media, we can reach further audiences and add some value to our network, as well as finding new audiences and potentially find more people to place in their perfect role.
Getting in touch
If you have any questions, concerns, or you may be interested in finding a new role in finance, our primary point of contact is through email, at hello@dotrecruit.co.uk. Find us on LinkedIn!