Professional Development

Soft skills, sometimes referred to as interpersonal communications skills, relate to how well a person interacts with others. Up to now, the majority of your professional educational efforts have probably been razor-focused on hard skill, fact-based learning.  For certain, mad-fast calculator skills and the ability to craft the perfect pivot table are awesome technical feats. However, employers want more than someone who has memorized the ... more

Talk to people who have, or had, your desired position. An advanced degree may not, in fact, be required to get to where they are. After all, professional experience and connections matter as much or more than any degree.  That being said, many who have a master’s in taxation (MST) find that it accelerates their career because it gave them access to new networks and skills. State and federal tax codes and regulations are complex; learning them ... more

“Learning the ropes” is an expression that goes back to the days of apprenticeship on a seafaring craft. While mastering the sails was probably not in your advanced accounting classes at college, neither were the countless practical nuances required to become a true professional in a CPA firm. However, whether you are just beginning your first job or have had a couple of years of experience, finding a mentor to help guide you is a smart ... more

Between co-workers, managers, projects and a different culture from your previous workplace, the transition to a new job can be difficult—even in the best of times. For employees who start a new job remotely, it can be a daunting task to get up to speed on processes, expectations and collaboration. By communicating and proactively showing interest, you can help streamline the onboarding process and team development in your new role. Try these ... more

Starting a new job is a big life change! It’s an exciting time in your life, but it can leave you feeling nervous and uncertain about what’s to come. This feeling of nervousness is normal when starting a new job—we’ve all experienced it. It can feel challenging, or maybe even overwhelming to face a new job when you’re feeling anxious. In this article we talk through ways to calm your nerves before starting a new position, and tips to begin your ... more

As we go through life, stressful situations happen. Starting a new job is one of the most stressful situations we will face, but there are ways to turn that stress or anxiety into productivity. Use these tips to turn this or any stressful situation into a positive one.   Find Balance There is a lot of change that comes with a new job. Suddenly you’re learning how to communicate with new coworkers and a new boss, navigating a new commute, ... more

When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile? It’s important to regularly update your profile and check-in with your followers, not just when you’re looking for a job. An up-to-date profile is a reflection of who you are and the organization you work for, and can also be used as an effective business development tool. Optimize your LinkedIn profile by making sure it’s up-to-date, by connecting with others in your industry and engaging ... more

Whether you’re applying for a new job, just starting off in your career or are an established professional, the way you communicate matters. Written communication can become sloppy and unprofessional if we aren’t careful. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re communicating professionally within the work place or when applying for a new position. Email Etiquette Professionals consistently communicate through email in the workplace. Emails can be ... more

A lack of organization can be a real problem in the workplace. It can affect your productivity levels, and hinders your professional appearance to colleagues and clients. It isn’t just about your professional reputation; implementing daily habits to remain organized can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. Feeling unorganized can produce unnecessary work-related stress which, as a result, sacrifices the quality of product ... more

Do Your Homework With an interview in place, it’s now time to learn as much about the firm and position as possible. Gathering background information allows you to tie your qualifications back to the firm during your interview. The employer will expect you to know a few things about the firm and if you will fit in well with their culture. Your research should help you answer questions like “Why do you want to work here?” and “What do you know ... more

Social media is a widely popular tool for employees and job seekers to post about professional accomplishments, accreditations and even volunteer activities. Unfortunately, an outdated social media account could cost you an interview or hinder your chances of getting a job. Are your social media channels outdated? If so, it’s a good idea to clean them up for your job search and for your professional career in general. Check out these tips to ... more

The skills a CPA needs at the beginning of their career shifts over the years and depends heavily on the path chosen. Let’s a take a look at that shift as a CPA career progresses. Early Stages of a CPA’s Career In the beginning of a CPA’s career, the skills and expertise are developing and growing. It can seem a bit intimidating when you’re just getting started but there’s no need to panic. Just set a few goals to achieve each year and in just ... more

Like anything in life, a career ebbs and flows. You go through stages where you feel invincible and ready to take on the world, but there are also those times where you may feel like you don’t have the same fire as when you started out. These are the times when being creative and proactive can add some fresh inspiration into your accounting career. Connect with a mentor or become a mentor No matter what stage you are at in your career, a mentor ... more