Once you have earned your accounting degree, you may be wondering just how to turn what you learned in college into a career. You are likely looking for a job where you feel secure and successful, with room for you to move up in the industry. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you move forward in your career and get the most out of your degree. With some patience, hard work and the right decisions, you can turn your degree into a successful accounting career. Below are a few tips to help get you started.
1. Become a CPA
While an accounting degree is essential to becoming an accountant, becoming a CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, will allow you to have a wide variety of jobs. There are many reasons to become a CPA. First, most businesses would prefer to hire a CPA as an accountant can make financial reports, but a CPA can make audited or reviewed financial reports. This is important for companies that must report their finances to the public. Additionally, a CPA will earn you more money. To become a CPA, you will have to pass a state test and taking continuing education courses in accounting.
2. Learn the Fundamentals
As an accountant, you may be thinking in different terms than your clients. You have to know the fundamentals of accounting well enough that you can communicate with clients, superiors and peers at work. You need to be able to give them information in a way that is easy to understand. It is important to completely understand how a company records its finances and to know the ins and outs of the software it uses. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to help you learn. You may want to take Xero courses to extend your knowledge base.
3. The Computer Isn’t Everything
As an accountant, you will need to use a computer to do your job. You will likely be using a particular accounting software to help you crunch the numbers. However, one of the biggest mistakes some accountants make is relying too much on the computer. There is always room for error. Don’t assume that just because you entered the information in that it is correct. You need to develop an intuition to know when something is not right and go back and make changes. Always double check your work to make sure you have inputted everything correctly and are following the protocol. It is common to make mistakes, but it is better if you catch your mistakes before someone else does. Part of setting yourself apart as an account is your attention to detail and your employer will appreciate your accuracy.
4. It’s More Than Just Numbers
While your primary focus at a company is your own accounting job, you also want to make sure that you show an interest in the company as a whole. It goes without saying that you will not be a success at the company if the company itself is not a success. If you are looking to move up in your job, then your superiors will be impressed if you seem to care about the entire company. Promotions tend to go to those who appear to be invested in the company and not just their own job.
By following these 4 simple steps, you will be on your way to landing a job you love and building your career in accounting. Once employers see how dedicated you are to your job and their company, they will be thrilled to hire you.
