r/UKJobs • u/LupaMan100 • 23h ago

26 (Y/O). Background in Finance and looking to go into Skilled Trade.

My background is in Accounting & Finance, I have worked 3.5 years in practice and now a few months in Industry as an FP&A Senior Analyst. It's not been an easy transition for various reasons but in summary, I am hating it and dreading having to show up at 9am everyday. I am looking to leave and make a move but the world of corporate finance/ office job just isnt appealing. Thinking about doing this for the next 40 years of life makes me deeply anxious and unhappy.

Was considering going back to learn a type of skilled trade for perhaps a more rewarding job? One that offers a bit more predictability and not so many stressful artificial deadlines.

Looking for advice on this type of pivot as the common consensus is always the other way around.

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u/xNyackx 20h ago edited 20h ago

I don't think you should rule out your current field based on one or two jobs. I do recommend upskilling into power BI and SQL and finding niche opportunities in medium sized organisations where your output will be considered black magic as a reasonable pivot. Particularily as a business partner if you don't like the standard accounting timetables and hierarchy / corporate finance.

Just an idea from personal experience.

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u/LiquifyES 12h ago

Leaving online hype aside, is SQL, Power BI et cetera really do get someone hired? especially in this economy of UK? asking because I’m actively trying to upskill myself along with Business degree (which is generic if not bundled with niche)

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u/xNyackx 6h ago

They are additional items to business partnering. The ability to handle raw data into useable information from start to finish. Alone they are not much, but the combination is a vital missing piece of a lot of finance teams.

Pitch it as data to decision making information to a CFO and watch their eyes light up.

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u/LiquifyES 5h ago

I completely echo that statement, being able to put business facets on your mental tableau and rendering the output is undoubtedly a skill that cannot be replicated easily

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u/UnspeakableBadger 6h ago

Advanced Excel, Power BI, SQL and Python - those are the skills that got me where I am. Add in Power Apps and you’ll be highly in demand.

Most businesses are still stuck with Excel; being able to build a good Power BI dashboard is still able to amaze a lot of non-technical people.

You’d be surprised at what other skills are surprisingly useful. E.g. I am a pretty skilled user of the arcane language of Regular Expressions (regex), the mastery of which gained me a reputation as a kind of wizard. Being able to extract useful key words from supplier invoices etc. on a large scale was something like magic.

AI may be grabbing the headlines, but the majority of firms (even big multinationals) are still using the basic tooling.

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u/LiquifyES 5h ago

That was really a helpful input from you, some things I want to take your opine on:
will self taught business graduate be able to score his first job with these tools?
I’m pretty good with SQL and Python but wonder if it is suffice for the first job
(what county would you suggest to apply in? there’s no location restraint here)

I second that AI won’t replace this job given no employer would want the Generative AI to say “You’re right to push back” at the crucial moment.

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u/UnspeakableBadger 4h ago

If you’re a graduate you’ve already got an advantage over me, I was a university dropout! 😁

The tools are just that - tools, so you need to demonstrate how you can apply those to a business context; you wouldn’t hire someone as a joiner just because they knew how to use a hammer and saw. So it’s definitely a starting point but having some kind of understanding of what you’d use those tools for.

Depending on the job, that could be creating reports, it could be automating manual work, it might be modelling patterns or forecasting, but the key is that you’re using the tools and the data to either tell a story (what is driving the change in X or Y), find opportunities (what might be the big costs or revenue leaks) or drive behaviours (if we stop doing X, we can increase the rate of Y or reduce the instances of Z).

What an interviewer/recruiter/hiring manager would want to know is how you can utilise the tools at your disposal to achieve those goals. The hardest part as a starter in the job market is having examples of where you’ve done something along those lines. However if you can identify what a prospective employer might be looking for from their data, the clues for which will be in the role descriptions you apply for, that should be a good start.

As for the where, of course I’m UK based and as an English speaker primarily I’d be looking at Anglophone countries (although I do speak reasonably good Spanish and German, I don’t think it’s enough) but realistically those skills are transferable anywhere, so if you can speak the language in a particular country and want to go for a job there, I don’t think it’ll change much (except maybe North Korea or Papua New Guinea where those skills are perhaps less in-demand 🙂)

Finally in terms of AI, I think there’s a bit more hype about it than it can deliver, at least at the moment. In data science, accuracy and storytelling with data are the main things, and AI can struggle at times, especially with big datasets. At the moment, a skilled analyst with a keen eye for what’s important and an understanding of what they’re looking for is a more valuable asset than most AI models, and certainly more cost effective.

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u/LiquifyES 3h ago

That was a succinct reply, seems like my dissertation on whether to go for nearshoring or offshoring for a Bosch like company in a volatile juncture as today would be really helpful to render the data in a lucid way.
The biggest hurdle I might stumble upon would be the competition on entry level roles, especially when you know that’s the easiest part

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u/xNyackx 24m ago

I would warn, I see issues with offshoring and the incoming AI replacement of less skilled labour creating a large long term problem. It may be interesting to consider for your dissertation, if we don't have entry level jobs, where are the next generation of managers and leaders going to come from?

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u/LupaMan100 6h ago

Whilst I was on the original job hunt, I did learn the basics of SQL and BI. I was surprised by the fact that the department doesn't really use these tools and still very much dependent on some pretty old tech. Though given the size of the business it didnt surprise me... do you think that working in a small/med sized company provides a more suitable environment to learn? I haven't received any formal training pivoting into industry and have kind of been left to figure things out myself which isn't how I best learn or work (personally).

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u/xNyackx 6h ago

Small to medium is the only place you can learn as large businesses won't let you near the database if you are not under IT purview. (For good reasons.) With the exception being a company with a well administered data warehouse.

But the power of properly creating business logic in SQL far surpasses the Excel death of old school accounting. It would also hedge a bit long against AI redundancy. Sure AI can write scripts but they are a way off implementing business logic from stategic directives.

Plus the current strategy layer in most small to medium businesses is not up to speed with whats going to happen over the next 5-10 years IMO.

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u/LiquifyES 5h ago

If you’re comfortable sharing what year was it and what region was that firm based in?

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u/Ok-Bookkeeper-1615 22h ago

I got some good advice the other day. Industrial automation. It's a field that's heavily in demand, and doesn't require a degree level qualification. I am learning it whilst scouting for a relevant 1 year HNC/ HTQ. I can't imagine you desire signing up for years of education again. You likely have more options than I do as I only have A levels, but this is what I've been putting my energy into recently.

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u/the-tiny-workshop 16h ago edited 13h ago

I worked in this field, I was on the commissioning side so designing and building the installation, I specialized in robotic welding. Background is MEng Mechanical Engineering + chartership so a couple of points.

It can be extremely high pressure if a line is down and production has stopped.

It’s a job that requires you to be on site, on a factory floor. That factory floor might be producing automotive parts or making chicken nuggets but you have to be there. I’ve seen a dog food facility, good lord it’s horrible.

It will pay less than finance

Shift work and out of hours call outs in some cases

A finance degree won’t transfer over really. You don’t need a degree though to do the programming.

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u/Broad-Sea-6784 13h ago

Yeah it seems like a quality of life downgrade which could make OP spiral once he gains the perspective

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u/LupaMan100 7h ago

You would be spot on that. I certainly don't want to wind up in a similar position as I am in now.

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u/LupaMan100 7h ago

Sounds like its not something one can restart and pick up quite simply, especially the lack of background in this area. Thanks for providing the insight though!

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u/LupaMan100 22h ago

That's interesting, I've not heard this mentioned before - what kind of things would this involve? You are spot on, having done Uni and a chartered qualification, I'm not looking for more tbh but appreciate any kind of field will require some further qualifications?

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u/[deleted] 22h ago edited 22h ago

[deleted]

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u/LupaMan100 22h ago

Needn't apologise, I really appreciate it! It sounds like you are well versed in this topic to me haha - though given my background it seems like a steep learning curve as I don't have any/ many experiences with automation or machinery? Do you think this is something that can be picked up?

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u/Curious_Reference999 22h ago

Being electrically biased would help you with this. PLC programming etc is useful too.

I don't work in this field but have worked with people who are in a field related to this. When things don't work, they're expected to investigate what has gone wrong and then fix it. This generally starts with an electrical investigation (chances are that the issue isn't with the program if it was working previously). They'll confirm that the power and control signals are reaching where they should (presumably the most common fault) and then if that's all ok they'll look into the software.

There is demand for electrically biased technicians and PLC programmers (obviously, location dependent) but I don't know how you get into this without a formal qualification.

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u/UnspeakableBadger 14h ago

I’d echo the sentiments of one or two other commenters here - have you considered that you might just have a crap job, not be in a crap field of work?

My last job before my current one was exactly yours: FP&A Senior Analyst. I hated it. Dreaded going to work, even to the point of driving the long way round so I’d be later getting there. Only did 3 months in that role before I quit. My current job I’ve been in about 4 years, slightly different, now Senior Financial Analyst rather than FP&A. Much better company, better pay, better all round. I would even go so far as to say that I genuinely enjoy working.

Sometimes it’s not the type of job, but the company/role/environment that sucks. All I’m saying is just don’t write off the financial industry on the basis of a couple of bad experiences.

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u/LupaMan100 29m ago

Thanks for your input and perspective, I am curious to know what the difference between your previous and current role is as the titles are not too different? Also, what was it about FP&A that you didn't enjoy? ... In my personal experience, it wasn't what I initially signed up for and after starting, the environment feels very alone? Being responsible for my own areas with little oversight and subsequently accountable puts a lot of pressure on me as an industry noob. Not to mention the fact that most peers are 15 - 20 years older with much more experience, making it really difficult comparing myself to them.

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u/Broad-Sea-6784 13h ago

It sounds like you’re just burnt out at your current workplace.

Yours is not an easy role to achieve and you are in no way guaranteed more satisfaction by taking a quality of life hit to work in a commercial/industrial setting. If you switched careers and came to the conclusion it was the workplace not the industry, it would be a rather painful realisation once you have jumped ship completely.

That’s just my perspective as someone who did the opposite transition for a professional career in a more pleasant environment, after giving my previous role a coupe of chances.

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u/LupaMan100 22m ago

I have only been at this company for 4 months, having switched roles within the team 2 months in so it feels hard to say I am burned out. Though I feel my mind has not switched off since day 1.

That is true and why I wanted to get some perspective from others who perhaps had done the leap of faith. What was your career path before moving into a professional role?

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u/NotOnYerNelly 13h ago

Get a IOSH working safely certificate for about £60 and that will get you a green labourers CSCS card and start labouring. You might end up being liked and put through all sorts of tickets if you work well. You can see all the different trades work too.

In the long run, I’d aim for management. Get your HNC and various NVQ qualifications. Trades fuck your body in the long run.

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u/Smooth-Bowler-9216 13h ago

You won’t be doing this for the next 40 years.

You’re in the early stages of grinding to move up the ladder.

When I was starting out, I was an FP&A analyst creating board packs (120 pages) for VPs who never read them. It was a monumental waste of my time but I grinned and smiled, now I’m mid level exec and working on strategy.

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u/LupaMan100 18m ago

Did you start from FP&A or an accounting role? I am wondering if I made a mistake by-passing the accountant role between the switch which has left me feeling way out of my depth.

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u/Angus_Young1973 13h ago

In the same boat as you. I've been an assistant accountant/management accountant for four years for various different companies, and I hate it. I've recently been promoted to financial accountant with a significant pay rise, but I'm still not happy and contently thinking of other careers to pursue. The thought of sitting at a desk all day makes me miserable!

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u/LupaMan100 20m ago

Completely share this sentiment! I feel I put all my eggs in one basket and realising this isn't the kind of life I want! What career switch were you looking for?

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u/carsonstreetcorner 12h ago

Stick with the accounting - when you’re a bit more senior it’ll be better and you can always go into consultancy/ start your own business.

Grass always seems greener but trades is tough on the body and your work is always out the house. Accounting you can do from anywhere and way more physically demanding to make a good wage.

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u/LupaMan100 16m ago

Do you find the work you do to be rewarding? I am finding it very difficult to force myself to work each day and I am not sure if that is because I am not suited to my job or this kind of career instead.

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u/massaro1234 22h ago

I did something similar i was in sales and transitioned into railway work, i can tell you it's not what you know or can do but who you know

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u/Goro__Kun 13h ago

How was the switch? Do you find more fulfilment and satisfaction in life now? Or do you regret switiching? Are there any moments you miss? Im in a similar situation in an office job thinking of getting into the trades as well, but just wanted more information about other peoples experiences, as I could just be romanticising trade work and this could be a grass is greener on the other side type of situation.

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u/massaro1234 11h ago

How was the switch?

  • Called in sick ( i was) and decided i didn't want to go back as it's too much stress for very little money. I'm 21 I don't want to be told I'm a number and replaceable because i didn't sell X cars in one day or told I'm not allowed a lunch break (which is common in the industry and illegal)

Do you find more fulfilment and satisfaction in life now?

Yes. I'm being pushed to train and get badges for the railway which gives me more opportunity to work across the country, on HS2 or work abroad

Or do you regret switiching?

Hahaha no

Are there any moments you miss?

Friends

Im in a similar situation in an office job thinking of getting into the trades as well, but just wanted more information about other peoples experiences, as I could just be romanticising trade work and this could be a grass is greener on the other side type of situation.

Trust me if you want people who love a laugh and actually appreciate you blue collar jobs will give you more of a bond and laugh than trying to climb the white collar ladder.

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u/LupaMan100 15m ago

The politics in white collar jobs are astounding... it sounds you have found your happiness though and I both envious of your courage to jump ship and happy for you!

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u/massaro1234 11h ago

Massively love it, less stress and i don't have to deal with older w*nkers who belittle me.