In the latest instalment of ‘Your Career in Finance’ series, Leighton Thomas had the pleasure of speaking with Christos Argyropoulos, the Group Reporting Manager at PTSG. We delved into his transition from practice to industry, exploring the challenges he encountered and the invaluable advice he has for others making a similar move.

Christos is currently expanding his team and is seeking a Group Financial Accountant. This role presents an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make their first move from practice to industry, with the added benefit of working under a supportive manager. I highly recommend reading the interview for insights into this career transition.

Find out more about working for PTSG on our Featured Employers webpage. If you're interested in learning more about the Group Financial Accountant position, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Leighton - 07732495873.

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What skills and experience did you obtain whilst working within a Big Four firm that have been most valuable in supporting your transition?

My time at PwC really honed my work ethic and my ability to manage and process large volumes of work efficiently. The strong technical skills I developed there have been crucial to my success in my roles within industry. Additionally, I gained significant experience in working with stakeholders and in teamwork, both of which have been invaluable.

What prompted your decision to move to industry?

There were really two main reasons. First and foremost, it was about work-life balance. I began my career at PwC and eventually worked my way up to the position of manager. While I gained valuable experience there, I felt the environment was high-pressured and I was working very long hours. Over time, I found myself growing disenchanted with the job. Moving to industry was appealing because, when I heard people talk about the demands of industry roles, it seemed  more manageable compared to the intensity I was experiencing  working at a Big Four firm. It felt like the right time for me to make a change in pursuit of a different type of work-life harmony.

I didn’t envisage myself becoming a partner and wasn’t passionate about selling services which comes as part of the role as Manager, so it felt the right time to make the move.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during the transition?

The biggest challenge was adjusting to a different mentality. In practice, your time is billed, and you’re constantly moving from one team to another. In industry, however, you work with the same team over the long term, which makes building strong relationships essential. Another key difference is in ownership. In practice, you can advise clients on what they need to do with their accounts, but ultimately, the decision is theirs. In industry, those decisions fall on you, which means you have to take ownership and responsibility for the outcomes.

What advice would you give to someone considering the move from practice to industry?

My advice would be not to rush into it. I understand that practice can be tough, but it’s important not to make a hasty decision out of frustration. Make sure that your next step aligns with your career goals and aspirations. It’s crucial that the move into industry provides the development opportunities you’re seeking.

Why do you believe the Group Financial Accountant role is a good fit for someone straight out of practice?

This role comes with some interesting challenges, which makes it a great opportunity for someone looking to grow. The company is going through a lot of exciting changes, and it’s not your typical corporate 9-5 role. It’s a fluid and dynamic environment, with plenty of scope to make genuine, impactful changes.

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Contact Leighton for any additional information on the topics dicsussed in this article, or about the Group Financial Accountant position:

leighton@pratappartnership.com

07732495873

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