How To Fast-Track Your Accounting Career

Accountancy is a great industry to be in. You can make a huge amount of money, and there will always be plenty of available work. However, if you’re serious about becoming successful, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and graft. In this article, you’ll learn how to fast-track your accounting career.

Become a CPA

Achieving membership of the Chartered Institute of Professional Accountants (CIPFA) is a prestigious and rewarding accomplishment. Not only does it help you to stand out from your peers, but many employers will look for this qualification when hiring new staff. In addition, a qualification like this is a trust signal that shows customers that you are a professional accountant.

Improve your networking skills

Networking with like-minded professionals is an absolute must. This could be at industry events, conferences, or CPA courses. Use social media networks to connect online too. The more you can do to establish yourself as a trusted name in the industry, the better.

If you’re dedicated to your career, then there are probably other accountants out there that share your desire for success. Find them and learn from them. Ask if they would be willing to mentor you – you’ll find that most are more than happy to help.

Gain expertise in a variety of areas

No two clients are the same. Remember this, and make sure you constantly strive to learn more about your industry and develop your skillset. If you want to become an irreplaceable part of any team, you need depth and breadth of knowledge – not just a niche specialism.

As an accountant, you might be tempted to think that your technical skills are the most important part of your CV. However, soft skills like communication and team-working are a vital part of succeeding in this industry.

Start your own practice

All hard work pays off eventually. If you’re serious about building a successful career, then one day, it may make sense to start your own practice. After all, if no one knows who you are, why should they pick you over another firm? Check out these accounting practices for sale to get you started.

Question your profession’s orthodoxies

As an accountant, you might be used to working within a certain framework. However, don’t let this stifle your individualism and creativity. For example, instead of following traditional accounting principles, perhaps you could experiment with double-entry bookkeeping.

Don’t just focus on the numbers

The job of auditing is often seen as exciting and lucrative. However, it pays to remember that there are many other roles in the industry. There are many different opportunities, including nontraditional areas like tax consulting, forensic accounting, and business advisory services.

Learn to think (and act) like an entrepreneur

As a business owner, you need to have a good idea of how your organization works. Remember that every decision affects the success or failure of your firm. You’ll need to make informed decisions and fully understand all of the implications. If you want to make serious money as an accountant, you need to think of yourself as an entrepreneur as well.

Learn new skills (fast)

Every accountant wants their career to progress quickly. However, it’s important not to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. So instead of developing lots of new skills, try to pick up the essentials as quickly as possible – then learn more about those areas that interest you most.

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