Before the pandemic, ‘digital nomads’ and remote working were seen as only for those who work within the creative industries or sales. CFOs found themselves having to flock to London to get the best positions. Now, you can work for a London company from almost anywhere in the world.
The pandemic changed the way we work – perhaps for the better. Savvy CFOs can now live in Manchester and work for a London company, getting all the benefits of it without paying the cost of London rent.
Remote working positions for CFOs are available on a part-time, interim, and full-time basis. Almost any CFO can take advantage of remote working positions. You could choose an interim or part-time remote position that suits your lifestyle needs.
Can You Live in Manchester and Work in London
Successful CFOs are working closely with recruitment agencies to identify remote working opportunities. Agencies like FD Capital are seeing a sharp rise in candidates choosing to work remotely for London companies throughout the UK.
More savvy CFOs are choosing to live in Manchester and work in London. It isn’t going unnoticed. Manchester Evening News recently covered the growth in professionals working in London jobs and living in Manchester.
But how are they doing it? We’re exploring how financial professionals are using remote working to their advantage and enjoying a higher quality of life. This guide shares what steps you should take to be a savvy CFO and work for a London company while living in Manchester.
Get Ready for Remote Working
Remote working isn’t a universal solution. Before you can start applying for remote working opportunities, you need to decide if it’s right for you. While most people worked from home during the pandemic, it’s not for everyone long-term.
You have to decide why you want to work from home. Most CFOs make the switch for lifestyle benefits and because they know they can be more productive.
Working remotely as a CFO allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a London career without the higher living costs or having to relocate from Manchester. CFOs looking to take advantage of remote working opportunities should work with specialist recruitment agencies, like FD Capital.
Is Remote Working for You?
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you can manage your workload independently. You’ll need to be self-disciplined to work at home without having a manager or colleagues nearby. CFOs who have project management skills are the ideal candidates for remote working.
You can prepare for working remotely by establishing a schedule. Look out for your most productive hours. Financial professionals who work remotely tend to be more effective as they tailor their schedules to their most productive times.
If you’re not required to be at your laptop from 9-5, choose a schedule that works for you. Some financial professionals choose to start early and enjoy their evenings free from work. Others schedule their work around caring commitments and swap their usual lunch breaks for the school run or appointments.
Create a schedule to test-run in your current position. See what hours you’re most productive and schedule breaks throughout the day.
Explore Remote Working with a Recruitment Agency
More companies than ever are turning to remote working. It’s a win-win for CFOs and companies – allowing both to cut down on their expenses.
Recruitment agencies like FD Capital are seeing a sharp increase in remote working opportunities. London companies of all sizes, from start-ups to established multi-national companies, are hiring remote CFOs.
Working with a recruitment agency can help to streamline the recruitment process and enable you to find a company that matches your needs. Agencies like FD Capital often get access to remote working opportunities before they’re widely advertised.
Remote work allows you to save on the cost of commuting and you can enjoy earning a London wage without the higher living costs. However, remote working positions are becoming increasingly competitive. Working with a recruitment agency can give you the edge and help you find the best remote financial position for you.
Boost Your CV for Remote Working
Savvy CFOs in Manchester have gotten jobs in London by tailoring their CV for remote working. You have to show that your new employer can trust you to work from home without the CEO watching over you.
You’ll need to be a self-starter who can work independently and has the relevant technical skills necessary for remote working to be successful. Refresh your CV to highlight the skills that companies and recruitment agencies are seeking in remote employees.
If you identify any gaps in your CV, use it as an opportunity to sign up for a course or develop your skills to prepare for remote working. You’ll need to be on top of project management tools, including Slack, that most companies use for remote working.
Be Flexible
While you’re working remotely, you may need to jump on a train down to London. CFOs who work for London companies and live in Manchester know that they need to be flexible.
Set yourself up for success by accepting that flexibility is a two-way street. You might be able to work from your local coffee shop, but you’ll be expected to make your way down to London if needed.
Visiting your company’s office can have multiple benefits. Remote working often happens at the sacrifice of office relationships. Occasionally taking a trip to your London office can help you foster interpersonal relationships and find mentoring opportunities.
CFOs who work remotely are more productive but take fewer breaks. The key to remote working is to know how to switch off. Use the flexibility to your advantage and work at your most productive times to enjoy the benefits of remote working.
Invest in your Working from Home Set-Up
You can’t work from home as a interim CFO without investing in your set-up. You need stable internet and the right tools to create a professional working environment for seamless video calls and working systems.
It could mean you have to invest in a second screen, noise-cancelling headphones, or wireless keyboards. Experiment with your set-up until you find the one that helps you be as productive as possible.
Savvy CFOs live in Manchester and work for London companies by developing their skill set and investing in the right set up. The best way to start your journey to remote work is by working with a recruitment agency. You can progress your career as a CFO without having to say goodbye to Manchester.
