As an accountant, your skills will always be in demand. Because every organization needs an accountant, you can look forward to job security, increasing employment options and attractive compensation. Of course, how you develop your career depends on your skills, knowledge, experience, promotions and other variables. Here are six tips for getting ahead in your accounting career.
Become a Certified Public Accountant
Earning the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation will boost your career. Because the credential is widely recognized in the United States, it gives you a clear advantage whether you work in public accounting or for a large company. Because you need to attain the education, pass the exams and gain years of experience, your CPA license shows strict adherence to high accounting standards, ethics and transparency in your work.
Find a Mentor
Ask a seasoned accountant to become your mentor. They most likely faced similar issues in their field and can share valuable insight into developing your career. You can turn to your mentor for career guidance, advice on workplace issues and help navigating office politics. Your mentor can help you learn from their mistakes, so you don’t make similar ones. Keep in mind you may have more than one mentor at a time for different needs. One may help with technical matters in accounting while another may provide input on career progression.
Network
Ask your connections for advice, ideas and guidance on business issues. They also can assist you with finding your next accounting position, increasing responsibility and receiving greater compensation.
Maintain Continuing Education
Stay current with continuing professional education (CPE) requirements. Remain updated on new laws and regulations in the accounting industry. Retain technical competence to provide relevant advice and input for your employer. Understand the latest technology in your field of work. Enhance your expertise in using Excel and accounting systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics and Oracle. Learn Cognos, Crystal Reports and other business intelligence tools.
Gain Expertise in Different Areas
Work in different fields of accounting. You may decide on bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, financial reporting, internal auditing or compliance. You could focus on auditing or taxation. Gaining experience in various fields offers additional career options.
Develop Soft Skills
Interpersonal skills help you effectively function as a team member or leader. Communication, empathy, decision making, time management and conflict resolution help you move forward in your accounting career.
Move Forward in Your Accounting Career
Take action to move ahead in your accounting career. Continue educating yourself in your field of accounting. Cultivate a reputation as a leader in your industry. Show why you should be promoted.