As seasoned CPAs we know a thing or two about getting started in the field. Here we share tips for accounting grads with insights that can help you succeed in your chosen career.
Keep Learning
Accounting graduates often feel equipped with all the knowledge needed to succeed coming out of school. However, the industry is constantly changing, which means you need to keep learning about trends and industry best practices so your knowledge remains relevant. This includes adapting to changing technologies and staying current on the most effective tools and software that make your job easier.
Consider The Industries That Interest You
A huge perk for us accountants is that all types of organizations and sectors need us! You can’t find that in every field, and we recommend you use this to your benefit. Instead of applying for every job out there, as a qualified accountant, you have an opportunity to find a job in your chosen industry. Graduates in accounting can set themselves on the right path by considering their interests to help find the most meaningful work for them and enjoy a worthwhile career.
Consider The Culture And Social Responsibility Of Your Employer
Every organization, whether they know it or not, has a culture that sets the tone for their work environment. It’s important to find a culture that suits your personality and views, whether you’re a go-getter intent on making your way up to that CFO position, a quiet sort who likes to work independently on your own, or a team player who wants to work alongside fellow accountants.
Look into companies before applying and get an understanding of their culture and sense of social responsibility to ensure they align with your values. This will avoid being stuck in a corporate machine working for a company with a less-than-respectable reputation where you feel undervalued and unheard.
Build Up Your Resume With Volunteer Work
While we’re talking about being picky about the jobs you choose, the truth is you can only afford to turn down work if you have a resume that shows you have experience. The easiest way to do that is to volunteer to work at your favourite local charities or organizations. Reach out to offer your accounting services to the charities you support or that interest you. This will add some legitimate experience to your resume. Volunteering also shows you are part of your community, and as a bonus, it is an excellent way to network and make connections that could lead to full-time work.
Build Those “Soft” Skills
What accounting grads should know about the accounting industry is that we accountants have a reputation for being boring nerds who lack social and communication skills. Today, employers respect soft skills and will appreciate an accountant who has worked on building those skills. Volunteering is a good way to do this, but you can also take some communication courses. Even if this stereotype doesn’t describe you, improving these skills will help in several ways, including:
- Preparing you for job interviews
- Beefing up your resume with relevant education that will benefit potential employers
- Understanding how corporations function
- Being able to contribute to accounting processes to improve efficiencies
- Building your confidence to become a more vocal and valuable member of the workforce
- Empowering you to seek out opportunities and advocate for yourself for things like raises, career building, mentoring, etc.
Watch Your Social Media Commentary And Activity
Essential tips for working in the accounting industry include considering your social media accounts and the online conversations you’ve had over the past several years. Inappropriate comments, posts and behaviour are out there for potential employers to see.
It’s time to take more responsibility for your online actions and start maintaining a more mature approach that will protect your reputation. Your social posts could lead to lost job opportunities based on bad decisions you’ve made in the past.
It helps if you switch your focus from platforms like TikTok and Instagram to creating an impressive presence on LinkedIn. Promote yourself as a trusted, knowledgeable professional. Boast about your volunteer work, your presence in the community, courses you are taking, and keep your resume up to date to make it easier for potential employers to find you.
Join Some Accounting Associations To Network
What accounting grads need to know when starting out is that networking is a big part of securing a good position that suits your career aspirations. It also helps hone those communication skills and bolster your confidence so you feel more comfortable interacting with people at all levels and across multiple industries.
Joining accounting associations in your area is the best way to interact with industry professionals who can help you find a position. This is part of the game, and you’ll be surprised how many experienced accountants are willing to help young grads like you find their way in the industry. And this includes both memberships in associations with in-person events as well as online communities. Online forums allow you to make meaningful connections and jump into discussions about life as an accountant, accounting challenges, and find answers to common questions to learn what it’s all about from insiders.
Be Ready To Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
This is difficult to do without hands-on experience, but it’s one of the most critical skills employers want. Some ideas to help in this area include:
- Find online forums where accountants are solving problems such as data analysis, case competitions, or solving complex business problems based on data
- Attend conferences
- Take courses to learn skills in areas like statistical analysis, data visualization, data mining, and data manipulation
- Up your skills using tools and technology such as SQL or specialized data analytics software
The goal is to improve your analysis and estimation skills to bring more value to your resume.
Find A Mentor
Networking and volunteering can help you find a mentor, such as a CFO, to help you gain from their valuable experience and insights. Once you’re employed, your mentor can also offer advice when you encounter obstacles.
We were new accounting grads once ourselves and understand the challenges of getting your career started. These tips will help you continue to hone your skills and find a career at a company that offers the best opportunities in an area that interests you. As the saying goes, do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
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