5 Tips to Find a Job in Accounting and Ensure Professional Success

When there’s a business, there’s a need for an accountant. It’s nice to work in a field where you know you’re always wanted and needed, and rest assured, professional and experienced accountants will always be in high demand around the world. This creates a sense of security in knowing that you’ll always have ample opportunities to choose from no matter the socio-economic and market trends.

That said, it’s also important to know that this is a saturated and competitive field, so you need to differentiate yourself and appeal to the modern employers. Some employers will also invest in new accountants and create a learning path for you so that you can become a part of the company quickly.

With that in mind, becoming an accountant is not difficult, but becoming a successful and respected accountant is a challenge. Let’s take a look at what it takes to find a job in accounting and how you can ensure long-term professional success in this field.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Obtain the right skillset and license

First and foremost, you need to get the right education, degrees, and license to become a professional accountant. Now, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to go to college to be an accountant, but most future accountants are college graduates with a bachelor’s degree. The choice is up to you, and it will very much depend on your age, goals, and whether or not you’re currently in the process of changing career paths.

You can certainly take private lessons and certified courses and training to learn all about accounting, and you can get a diploma outside of the academic spectrum. That said, you will need to pass the official government exam, like the CPA exam in the US, to get certified and become an accountant, especially if you’re looking to get a job in a public accounting firm.

Know what the employers are looking for

The hiring game has changed considerably over the decades, and nowadays the hiring process looks a lot different than it was ten or twenty years ago. Employers are shifting their focus from academic achievements to real-world and practical experiences, and in many industries your soft skills and professional acuity is what will set you apart from your peers. This is currently happening in accounting.

If you want to stand out to employers, you need to know what they’re looking for. Yes, some will scrutinize your GPA and academic achievements, but those are mostly public accounting firms. In the private sector, business leaders will look at your strengths as an individual, the way you think and solve financial problems, how well you work in a team, and whether or not you’re a good fit for the company culture.

Keep this in mind, and don’t count solely on your accounting skills and certification to land you the job.

Take a personalized approach to your company

Personalization is a big trend in the modern business environment, and it works both ways. As much as companies need to take a personalized approach to workforce management or customer experience, you as an employee need to have a personalized approach towards your employer or your clients. This is something that the leading accounting firms focus on nowadays, especially in competitive markets.

If you research your peers and take a look at how the team at Verus Accountants and Advisors handle their clients, you will see that every strategy is tailored for the individual and the company. The best accountants aren’t using template strategies for their clients and employers, they are innovating personalized solutions to take the company forward.

Whether you decide to work with multiple clients or for a single employer, make sure to implement this practice yourself and win people over with your personalized approach.

Dazzle your interviewers

Again, it’s not just about having a great resume or the right skillset, it’s about winning people over with your personality and traits. When the time comes to have your interview, you want to dazzle the people in front of you and show them that you would be an amazing addition to the team, and that means offering more than accounting skills.

During the pandemic, you can expect employers to schedule online instead of in-person interviews, so it’s important to work on your virtual soft skills and your communication. Make sure to have a good camera and a stable internet connection, practice your smile and gesticulation, and don’t forget to speak more clearly and just a tad slower than you’re used to. Remember that this is an online conversation, so speaking at a slightly slower tempo will ensure everyone hears you, understands you, and has the opportunity to jump in.

Consider an internship position

Every accountant needs to start somewhere, and this will usually be an entry-level position. If you’re just getting started in this industry and are lacking in professional experience, then accepting an internship position is a great way to get your foot in the proverbial door.

Don’t worry, accountants can rise quickly through the ranks if they show commitment and deliver results, plus internships offer amazing learning opportunities. The right employer will invest in your professional development and secure you a job position when the internship is over.

Wrapping up

Accounting is a stable and prosperous field, so don’t hesitate to kick-start your journey if you’re considering becoming an accountant. There will always be ample work for skilled professionals in this field, but make sure to use these tips to set yourself up for continuous growth and success.

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