Accounting Jobs: How To Set Yourself Up for a Successful Career in 2024
Admin 29 Dec, 2023 How To Set Yourself Up for a Successful Accounting Jobs
A successful career in accountancy is an engaging and exciting career option for students of all backgrounds. This can be a great choice for students who like to work with numbers, keep things organized, and are detail-oriented. If you are looking for a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career, then you may want to look into the world of accounting.
Why choose the Accounting field?
Accounting is one of the most stable and secure fields you can go into. Accounting may be on the verge of a major recession, but there will always be a demand for accountants. Few professions are as recession-proof as accounting. Even during the worst economic downturns, accountants are needed to help companies cut costs and keep track of their cash flow.
Accountants are more than just number-crunchers. They play an important role in financial planning, tax preparation, auditing, forensic accounting and consulting services. Accountants also work in government agencies, banks and other financial institutions.
In addition to working directly with clients and customers, many accountants work for businesses or nonprofits. They help prepare budgets, develop tax strategies and identify areas where the company can cut costs.
Why is an Accounting Certification or license essential?
The accounting industry has become increasingly complex in recent years, due to the constant updates of laws and regulations that businesses must adhere to. This complexity has indirectly contributed to the rise of the demand for people with strong financial backgrounds.
So if you're looking for a financially stable career, becoming an accountant can be a great choice for you. Most employers require accountants to have a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance or business administration.
But if you want to give your resume an edge, then consider getting an accounting certification or license like CMA or CPA. These credentials show that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. You can't go wrong with adding professional credentials to your name.
Here are three reasons why getting a certification will help you in the accounting field:
- Certifications prepare students for a variety of careers. Accounting professionals can find work in any industry, from banking and finance to government agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as consulting firms, insurance companies, private businesses, manufacturing firms, health care facilities, educational institutions and more.
- Choosing a career path can be challenging, especially in the accounting field. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or getting a public accounting certification is one of the best ways to ensure job security and personal satisfaction.
- If you're currently enrolled in an online Bachelors or Masters of Accounting degree program, you've made a wise decision. But if you really want to set yourself apart from the competition, you'll need more than just an education.
The following certifications will help you stand out in the professional world of accounting:
Certified Public Accountant
CPA license is mandatory for accountants who want to provide services directly to the public and requires rigorous training, education and testing. However, CPAs are highly sought-after because they have acquired specialized knowledge that allows them to perform complex tax preparation and auditing tasks.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA USA)
This credential is aimed at aspiring Finance analysts and Management accounting roles. Earning this certification requires passing two exams, meeting work experience requirements and agreeing to uphold the CMA USA (IMA) code of ethics.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
The CIA credential is intended for internal auditors who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to ethical practices. Candidates need to have a bachelor�s degree or master�s degree to appear for CIA exams with necessary experience requirements.
Build a Solid Network
Network. Network. Network.
If you're an accounting student, you've probably heard this advice before. But what does it actually mean? How do you network? And how does it help you with your career goals?
Networking is essentially about meeting people who can help you achieve your goals � in this case, a successful career in accounting. It's important to start building this network early so that by the time you're graduating, you have solid contacts at employers where you want to work � or at least know someone who knows someone who works there.
Build your network from day one
The most important thing is to start building your network as early as possible. While networking events may not be the top priority for a busy first-year student, they are the perfect opportunity to start meeting people who can help direct and guide your career path. Not only that, but it's a good time to gauge what kind of opportunities are out there and what employers are looking for in new hires.
The accounting industry is unique. While many professions rely on growth, technological advancement, and innovation to thrive, accounting is a bit different. Tax laws are always changing, but the core principles of accounting remain relatively constant. This makes it easy to become an expert in the field and get a job at one of the Big Four public accounting firms.
Diversify Your Experience
However, that also means a lot of people can become experts. As a result, the industry is extremely competitive and finding a job after college is difficult. The best way to set yourself apart from your peers and ensure you get the most out of your career is by diversifying your experience.
Have a Global Mindset
With the business world becoming more globalized, it's important for employers to hire employees with professional skills and international experience. Accounting firms are no exception.
A recent survey by International Accounting Bulletin revealed that nearly two-thirds of accounting firms believe that hiring employees with international experience will have a significant impact on their growth strategies. And while only 30 percent of respondents said they currently employ such personnel, that number is expected to rise in the future.
That means if you're interested in setting yourself up for a successful accounting career, you need to have a global mindset.
Be Dependable
You've probably heard the phrase "you get out of something what you put into it." This is true in all aspects of life, including accounting. If you want to have a rewarding career in accounting, your best chance of getting there is by being dependable.
What does being dependable mean? It means having a strong work ethic and always doing what you say you are going to do, in a timely manner. But it also means so much more than that. It means you are the person other people go to when they need a favor or they want to get something done right. You're the one they know they can count on because your word is as good as gold � perhaps even better?
Being dependable also means being responsible. When you are dependable and responsible, people notice. They know that when they give you a task or an assignment, it will get done. If you're looking for a successful career in accounting, start now by making your word mean something. If you say you'll do something, do it.
Why Northstar Academy for Accounting Courses?
At NorthStar Academy, we believe that our student�s success is our greatest achievement and we strive to ensure that each and every student of ours has the best possible chance of success.
We realize that each student has different learning needs and therefore we have a flexible system which ensures that you can study on your own time, at your own pace and in your own space.
Our programs are up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of accounting, thereby ensuring that you are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skill sets required to be successful in your chosen career path.
FAQs
1. What are 5 important qualities necessary for accounting careers?
Some of the top qualities for accountants are:
Organization skills Accountants must be good with numbers and details, keeping track of data and using it correctly. They also need to keep their own schedules organized so they meet deadlines and hand off tasks to others as needed.
Communication skills Accountants may have to communicate with people at all levels within a company or organization, from entry-level employees or clients to managers or executives. They also may need to explain financial information in understandable terms to clients or other stakeholders who aren't well-versed in accounting concepts.
Leadership ability Some accountants specialize in managing large teams within their companies. In this role, they need leadership skills such as motivating others and assigning tasks based on each team member's strengths.
Adaptability Accounting is an industry that is constantly changing due to new laws, regulations and technologies.
2. What are the skills required for accounting and finance?
People with accounting expertise are needed right across the business spectrum and in a wide range of sectors.
Entry-level jobs could involve any of the following:
Entry-level jobs could involve any of the following:
- financial analysis
- budgeting and forecasting
- management accounting and reporting
- business partnering
- trend analysis
- audit preparation and review
- compliance with financial regulations.
3. What are the best accounting courses to learn?
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA USA)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Conclusion
It's a good way to get ahead in the job market. In order to make yourself an attractive candidate for companies that are hiring, you might want to consider getting a professional designation such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Accounting certifications can also help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Credentials give employers confidence that you have attained a level of knowledge and experience that is relevant and useful to their business. This is especially important if you're looking to move up in your career or change jobs. Having credentials on your resume will show employers that you are serious about your career and are willing to put in the time and effort toward achieving higher levels of education and experience.