Accounting and finance careers don’t follow a singular path. There are many choices you’ll have to make along the way. You can select from numerous specialties and professional preferences.
Given the diverse ways your career can unfold, how do you make sure that you’re doing everything you can to advance? Here are six tips that will help you drive your career forward, whatever your dream destination:
Six Tips for Accounting and Finance Career Advancement
Set Career Goals
There are dozens of questions to keep in mind as you map out your ideal career. Here are a few examples:
- Do you want to work at a big firm or a boutique operation?
- Are you going to focus solely on your career or will you pursue outside personal goals as well?
- How will you manage your work/life balance?
- Do you want to move into management eventually?
- Should you earn professional certifications? If so, which ones?
These queries represent the tip of the iceberg. You don’t have to decide everything at once and you’re likely to change your answers over time. But having an idea of where you want to go will help you chart your career effectively and set goals.
Keep Learning
Don’t settle into a particular role. You’re bound to get stuck that way. Rather, seek out new experiences and fresh opportunities to expand your abilities.
This can include formal courses of learning, like advanced degrees and professional certifications. It can also include more casual approaches to adding knowledge. Read books. Listen to relevant podcasts. Make education an ongoing part of your professional development.
Build Your Soft Skills
Strong finance and accounting skills won’t be enough to secure your success. Of course, these will form the basis of your career. But you’ll need to supplement them with other capabilities.
As you progress through your professional development, don’t ignore the so-called soft skills. These general competencies can help you in almost any circumstance and at any employer. They include areas like:
- Organization
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Tech knowledge
By upgrading your abilities in subjects like these, you add market value and make yourself more attractive to potential employers.
Get Better at Networking
Everyone knows that networking provides a crucial part of the career development process. But most people are still surprised at central it can be to advancing your professional prospects.
One study suggested that 85% of all jobs get filled through networking. This can be especially true in financial professions, which are built on relationships.
Look for Mentors
One particular part of networking deserves special attention here. Mentors represent an amazing way to jumpstart your career. In addition, it doesn’t only help you in the short term. You also can learn lessons that will guide you throughout your career.
Choosing the right mentor can take time. Your company might have a formal mentoring program. If so, find out details and see if it’s right for you.
Otherwise, start by talking to veterans within your department. Get their feedback on your work and learn what you can from them. You might find the perfect person to help you unlock your talent.
Seek Out Help From a Staffing Firm
If you’re ready to accelerate your accounting and finance career, professional guidance will help you reach that next level. A recruiter can give you the support and advice you need to enhance your professional development.
A top staffing firm, like Elby Professional Services, can connect you with the perfect employer. You’ll develop your skills and build relationships that can accelerate your progress.
Contact Elby today to find the ideal accounting and finance position for you.
