First off – we’re glad you’re here! Managing your career is not always easy. And if you’re newly graduated and thinking that accounting could be for you, let’s talk! But, even those of you with years of experience in other fields are welcome to apply for accounting jobs, too. Here’s why.
To tell you the truth, our industry has had a bad rap for boring processes and too much time at a computer, but with the advent of AI, we can now automate more processes and really explore strategic consulting and business solutions. Accountants spend a lot more time with people if they want to… or they can choose to stay on the technical side of analysis, forecasting and tax planning.
Some of our professionals now work a hybrid schedule, with a couple of days in the office and the rest of the week at home. Some professionals are fully remote.
Other people work internationally for US-based firms. Have you ever thought about living abroad?
The point is to feel good about your career. You can do a lot of good in accounting by helping your clients maintain financial health and plan for their futures.
So, how do you change your mindset, your schedule – your life – from being a dental hygienist, school administrator or banker to being an accountant? Here are some high-level steps you may want to consider on your path to self-actualization.
1 – Research stage
This is the fun part. Look at salary.com, and choose your location. Do some research on average pay for the role or title you’re interested in. Here’s where you can find out what you want to do, and what kind of training you’ll need for the career change ahead.
Take notes!
2- Decision-making
Pick a few different titles, positions or locations you are interested in pursuing. Do your research regarding skill sets and credentials. Talk to people who are already in accounting or in the role you want to pursue. Find out which of your skills cross over and which ones you’ll need to add for success.
Consider relocation if the company you want to work for only offers hybrid or in-office positions. Bookmark positions or any other roles you find interesting and contact their HR department for an informational interview. These interviews will help you lay out a career plan and find out how your favorite companies hire people.
3- Managing Change
When switching careers, some things are bound to change. Maybe you’ll have more days at home with the new job, or you’ll accrue vacation time faster at the new gig. Depending on your goals for the immediate future, and/or long-term, you’ll want to get used to the idea of the new routine and work culture.
Will you be commuting? Telecommuting? Taking the bus or subway? Or is this a good way to convince yourself, yes you do need that new car? This is an exciting time, but think about how you will manage change and handle each new career goal.
Even if you have been in the workforce for many years, changing careers requires commitment and energy to succeed. Take care of your health along the way to stay on track.
4- Managing Expectations
Get ready to learn; there may be a lot of training involved. You may need to go back to school, but some CPA and advisory firms reimburse their staff for training or tuition, so check into that.
If you already have these skills or qualifications, don’t hesitate to apply!
- Degree in Accounting or Business
- 2-5 years’ experience in accounting or related field
- QuickBooks & Excel experience
- Strict attention to detail
- Highly organized
- Strong analytical skills
- Shows initiative
- Dependable, punctual and discreet
5- Share the News
Accounting careers are getting a glow-up. Tell your friends you’re changing careers, if that is where your heart is leading you. You can be a marathon runner or maybe you used to work for the fire department. You could be the 15th person in your family line to ‘work in the business’ and become an accountant – or this is your own original idea and you would do anything to make your dreams a reality. And P.S. you also don’t need to be a CPA to become an accountant. Send us your resume if you have what it takes!
No matter what, we’re here for you. We are always open to hearing your story and determining if we’re a good fit for the next step in your career journey.
Otherwise, if you’re just passing through and curious about it – no sweat!
Here are some other articles that may assist you in deepening your knowledge of the accounting field before you run off and tell your friends you’re switching careers:
