Building a Successful Finance Career in the North-West of England: Opportunities Beyond London

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Contrary to the belief that London is the only hub for high-flying finance careers, the North-West of England is booming with growth, development and innovation, which means there are many different job opportunities in finance on offer for newly qualified accountants. Which makes it an ideal location to launch or progress your journey in finance.

Why the North-West stands out

The North-West of England has undergone substantial transformation in recent years, becoming a hotspot for business investment and development:

• Greater Manchester is home to MediaCityUK, the UK’s largest media hub outside London, and a growing fintech scene that includes companies like AccessPay, Nivo, and Zuto.
• Lancashire boasts strong roots in manufacturing and engineering, with companies like BAE Systems offering attractive finance opportunities for those interested in working within high-tech industries.
• The £1 billion Northern Gateway infrastructure project aims to deliver thousands of new homes and commercial spaces in Manchester, making it one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes in the UK.
• The Preston City Deal continues to bring inward investment and major transport improvements, further opening up the region.

These developments highlight how the North-West is not just keeping up with London, but forging its own path as a key business and financial centre.

Preparing for post-qual career opportunities

With the region hosting a diverse range of industries—from digital and media to aerospace and advanced manufacturing—you’ll find plenty of job opportunities suited to your chosen career path.

However it's precisely this breadth of choice that can make it an overwhelming time for many newly qualified accountants. There are so many different jobs in finance to choose from so its worth initially focusing on one or two areas you’re interested in before deciding on a more granular level.  

Do this well ahead of qualifying so that you have time to hone the right skills and start to gain the experience you’ll need to specialise once you've qualified:  

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): This area involves budgeting, forecasting, and supporting strategic planning. Skills to focus on include Excel modelling, financial reporting tools (such as Power BI or Tableau), and business acumen.

Financial & Data Analytics: Combining finance with data science, this field is growing rapidly. Learn SQL, data visualisation software, and cultivate a strong understanding of how to interpret large data sets to support business decisions.

Business Partnering: This role involves close collaboration with non-finance teams to influence business strategy. Strong communication skills, stakeholder management, and commercial awareness are essential.

Audit (Internal & External): This area ensures compliance, identifies risks, and provides assurance to management and stakeholders. Focus on understanding governance frameworks, attention to detail, and risk analysis.

Leverage the power of recruitment experts

Finding the right role after qualification can feel overwhelming. That’s where a specialise finance recruiter can become your most valuable ally. Experienced recruitment consultants, established in the region, understand the local job market, know what employers are looking for, and can match your skills and career aspirations to the right opportunities. They can also provide insights on salary expectations, interview tips, and even help negotiate job offers on your behalf.

What to do next

Whether you're in the final stages of your qualification, or newly qualified and ready to take the next step, the North-West of England is a dynamic and rewarding region to build your career and offers many different job opportunities in finance. With a lower cost of living, vibrant communities, and access to fantastic employers, there’s never been a better time to stay local and grow global. You don’t need to relocate to London to find incredible opportunities - they’re right here on your doorstep.

Talentedge North understands the unique strengths of the North-West and has offices covering the entire region so let us help you take the next step towards a fulfilling and successful career in finance.

Contact Abbie Smith at abbie.smith@talentedge.co.uk or Danielle Holly at danielle.holly@talentedge.co.uk to find out more about how we can help you.

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