Two years into a career as a recruiter specialising in accountancy roles, Jake Newcombe is making his mark as a professional consultant, leading Emerald Group’s accounting and finance team. We spoke to Jake about his motivation to find the best roles for the candidates he works with and how taking the time to really get to know his contacts is fast-tracking his sector knowledge and expertise.
Jake, in just two years you’ve made a name for yourself as a specialist placing candidates into accountancy and connected financial roles. How have you built up your sector expertise?
I had some IT recruitment experience before joining Emerald Group, but have definitely found my niche specialising in accountancy plus financial planning and analysis roles. There’s a lot of sector crossover in this area and I’ve placed candidates in banks, treasury teams, FX, hedging, investments and insurance. Working across multiple areas of the financial services sector is really stimulating. A fairly fast and intense learning curve at the start has given me a really solid foundation to understand the roles I’m looking to fill and the companies and teams they sit within.
You studied digital marketing: has that helped or hindered your switch to financial services?
It definitely helped, although maybe in an unexpected way! While studying, I learnt a lot about what I liked and, just as importantly, what I didn’t like. I soon knew that I didn’t want a career in marketing, but that I really enjoyed the sales side of what I was learning. My father works in recruitment and encouraged me to see if it was a good fit: I quickly found that I enjoy the contact with people that’s so essential in recruitment. My sales skills definitely help me now, and I’ve found a great career.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy connecting with people – you can’t really work in recruitment if you don’t. But more than that, I enjoy the purpose behind the connection. I find it really satisfying to help individual candidates. I also find it really stimulating to see the way my placements help clients grow their teams and make progress towards their function or department goals. When you take the time to talk to people, you discover what they’re really looking for. I love finding ways to help and to make a difference.
How do you build your knowledge and skills about the sector?
I’ve learnt so much in the last two years at Emerald Group, including technical and sector knowledge which is crucial to providing effective support to hiring managers. I also keep learning. I put time and effort into keeping up to speed on the sector as a whole, and I follow industry sources to ensure my knowledge of the responsibilities, skills and expertise required by different roles is current. I also look ahead to how roles are developing as the market evolves. I have a really good network of contacts in insurance accounting, which has helped me understand the differences between this and accountancy in other sectors. I make the most of every conversation, whether it’s with a junior or senior contact: there’s always something to learn and I really pay attention to their perspectives and experiences.
What’s the biggest challenge you come across in your role?
The market is constantly fluctuating and, along with all my colleagues at Emerald Group, I need to respond to whatever is going on in the market at any point in time. At times good roles can be scarce, but we have a great database of candidates and clients recognise the benefits of working with us. We’re all very driven to place the best candidates into the right roles.
What’s it like working for Emerald Group?
One of the biggest benefits of being part of Emerald Group is that I can work outside London, yet still be immersed in London and international markets. I regularly go to see clients in London and after an intense few days of meetings, I am always happy to head back to Plymouth. I have the best of both worlds!
Would you recommend recruitment as a career?
Absolutely. It’s different to most corporate roles: what you do each day directly impacts your financial rewards. I enjoy being office based and travel to meet clients is always stimulating. There is also a good career progression route. Working at Emerald Group has allowed me to test and build my skills, boosted my confidence and sharpened my ability to communicate with a range of different people. It’s been a great experience.
Last question, Jake: how do you unwind when you’re not working?
I play football but I’m injured at the moment so my football career is on hold! I’m fascinated by the world of FX and everything related: trading, stocks, crypto. It’s a great side-interest when I’m not at work.
Emerald Group recruitment consultants use their marketing knowledge and experience to place the right candidates in the best roles. If you’re looking for a new job, a new team member or even a career in recruitment, Emerald Group can help. For the best recruitment solutions in the actuarial and financial services sectors, call us on +44 (0)207 283 2520.
The Emerald Group
Industry Leading Recruitment Expertise
for the Actuarial and Financial Services Sector