Accounting has long been the focus of many since it has huge growth opportunities and a great job outlook accompanied by unmatched salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting field will witness a 10% increased demand for career opportunities until 2026. This means that millions of new job opportunities will be available and salaries will also be increased which is the reason why you should choose a career in accounting.

You chose the accounting field back then, got an accounting degree, got a job recently, and still you are unsure of your position in the future. As the world is advancing and new technologies are being introduced to accounting and every other field in the world, you should also advance your ways to secure your future. If in 10 years from now, you want to see yourself in a successful position, you have to put in a little effort to make that dream come true.

Here are a few tips on how to advance your career in accounting.

Tip 1: Get certified

You can go after many accounting certifications that have the potential to make an impact on your professional life. The most important of these accounting certifications are:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Chartered Global Management Accountant
• Chartered Certified Accountant
• Certified Management Accountant

Not only do these certifications provide you with knowledge, but employers also know how hard it is to become a Certified Public Accountant or a Chartered Certified Accountant. So, to advance your career in accounting, you have to put effort into it. Choose one of the many certifications and go after it and you will have both experience and certificates to show in the future. This will make you stand out from the pack and can land you any job that you choose.

Tip 2: Network, Network, Network

Have you ever heard of a job post that got filled and no one even knew about it? It was not posted anywhere and still, someone got it.

Well, it has something to do with networking. There are many job opportunities with an accounting degree. Some of them are advertised in newspapers and others are not.

Building a strong network and spending some time with people having a job in different companies will be a lot helpful to you. Not only can you turn to them for advice and guidance, but they can also help you get a great job. Referrals are the most important thing when it comes to landing a job that is perfect for you.

Tip 3: Work on your soft skills

Whether you are working as a team member or leading a team, interpersonal and people skills play a huge part in your success and project completion. When it comes to dealing with people, you need to be sensitive towards their feelings. You need to make sure that they understand what you are trying to convey. Soft skills such as communication skills, time management skills, empathy, decision making, conflict resolution, and others are needed for you to function as an active member of the team or a leader. While competence makes you good at your job, your soft skills make you good to people and in turn, you earn their respect.

Tip 4: Keep yourself up-to-date

Your learning process should not end with you getting a job. Even though you might think you know everything, you don’t. A lot is going on in the world with new technologies being introduced every day. Continuing your education and equipping yourself with tools to use and operate new technologies will open up doors to new possibilities. If you are a public accountant, to keep your certification, you have to keep meeting the requirements set by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). So, keep yourself up-to-date with education, technology, as well as technological advancements to be prepared for the challenges of the future.

Tip 5: Welcome new opportunities

While working as an accountant, you might come across some projects where you have to work with professionals from other departments such as finance. Expand your skill set by gaining a little knowledge of everything related to your field. This is how new opportunities find you and you should always be ready to embrace them if they bring career benefits and new ways of learning. Another option for you to advance your career in accounting is to look for opportunities abroad and you might find many that may look desirable to you. If for any reason, you cannot go abroad, you can always ask for a promotion where you are currently working. Of course, for that, you will have to display a positive attitude, build a reputation in the department, and work hard.