Accounting is one of the most versatile industries. All businesses, big or small, need accountants to take care of their records and finances. Accountants are integral to a business since they manage its liquidity and determine its profits and losses. They are also responsible for maintaining track of all expenses, revenues, and liabilities.
A career in accountancy can also bring you several opportunities. If you are a skilled accountant with certifications, experience, and a commanding resume, companies would be willing to offer you exceptional salaries for your services. If you are entrepreneurial, you can also provide accounting services to other businesses and clients and become a business owner. Regardless of what motivates you, here are a few tips for those wishing to excel in their accounting careers:
- Having Certifications Makes Your Resume Stand Out
Certifications are crucial if you plan on making your way into the accounting industry. Certifications add credibility and legitimacy to your resume. They are proof of your accounting knowledge and skill level. They also help potential employers rank and assess your job application against other applicants.
Certifications also determine the type of jobs and positions that you seek. CPA is a renowned certification that can unlock your career. Becoming a certified public accountant can allow you to work for big multinational corporations or secure high-paying employment.
However, if you possess a master’s degree in accounting, it can further accelerate your career to new heights. Even if you have a bachelor’s in a different domain, you can pursue higher education in accountancy and enter this field. Does this statement seem too good to be true? It certainly is true since online learning resources have made it convenient. You can opt for an online masters in accounting for non accounting majors and pursue the accountancy field with the relevant skills and knowledge.
- Tap Into Your Network
We often tend to underestimate the power of networking. We may not realize it, but networking is crucial. Whether you are trying to expand your business, looking for new clients, or in search of that perfect employment opportunity, a good network is undoubtedly irreplaceable. Networking is not about knowing hundreds of people.
Therefore, invest your time and energy in building a relevant network in line with your personal and professional goals. Networking is a two-way street. If you help other people in your network and strengthen your relationship with them, people tend to remember favors. That coworker or acquaintance you helped out in the past could become the golden key for you in landing your dream job in the future.
- Have Supplementary Skills
Accountants focus incessantly on having professional certifications and qualifications. However, they tend to ignore the importance of supplementary or soft skills. Undeniably, it is valuable and necessary to have professional credentials. However, companies look for candidates who bring a range of auxiliary and soft skills to the table alongside professional degrees. Supplementary skills would include knowledge of modern accounting software solutions, being well-versed with trends, and having good networking with professionals in the industry.
Soft skills are equally essential, including communication skills, leadership, presentation, problem-solving, and teamwork. Accountants do not work in isolation. Companies prefer candidates who can quickly learn, adapt, and add value to the firm’s work culture. Being an expert in the field, an accountant should also have the skill to explain technical concepts to people not having prior knowledge of book-keeping. You never know when a confused board of directors might call you in to explain some accounting discrepancies in the books.
- Find Good Mentorship
Sometimes even after the best education and certifications, professionals tend to struggle in their careers. We cannot stress enough the importance of finding mentors throughout your professional journey. Most top-level executives and high-net-worth individuals attribute their success to their mentors. A mentor can be anyone who teaches you the ins and out of business and career. Look for mentors who have lots of experience and have achieved expertise in their field. Mentors can help guide you in your professional journey.
Instead of making mistakes and learning from one’s suffering, a good mentor will teach you from experience and guide you. Learning from the experiences of other people can help you avoid career pitfalls. Especially in the accounting industry, a good mentor can advise you regarding certifications, work experience, etc. Mentors also help us identify our shortcomings and weaknesses by directing us towards solutions.
- Regularly Scan For Potential Opportunities
Good opportunities might reveal themselves from time to time, but significant opportunities come by once in a blue moon. Therefore, it is essential to scan job markets and available options consistently. That is why networks are necessary because great opportunities seldom get advertised on job portals. However, we don’t advise you to ignore the importance of listings and job portals.
Of course, not all jobs will pay well in the beginning. The idea is to work on your craft first and master it. Look for employers who are struggling with accounting problems and propose possible solutions to them. That will not just build credibility but can also earn you goodwill with your employer. Within no time, you will quickly rise through the ranks.
Final Words
Becoming an accountant is by no means an easy task. It requires a certain level of technical knowledge, numerical skills, and intellect. Aiming for a career in accountancy already puts you ahead as compared to an average graduate. Accountants are some of the highest-paid professionals, and rightfully so. If you want to join the ranks of high-income accountants and excel in your career, work on yourself. Opt for masters, expand your network, and seek mentorship.
