Great jobs in accounting don’t just fall from the sky; as a candidate, you have to actively and strategically seek them out. Here are some tips to help you find your dream gig.
Not all jobs are created equal. Some offer a steady paycheque (especially if you’re smart about asking for a raise), and a certain degree of stability, even if they don’t necessarily feed our passions. Others allow us to grow personally and professionally, in environments and for organizations that mesh with our own core values.
Regardless of why you show up to work every morning or how you go about finding fulfillment in your job in accounting, every one of us would love to have our cakes and eat them, too. Who wouldn’t want to have a job that has it all – that offers room for growth and professional development, as well as a decent salary and job security?
A great job in accounting won’t just fall into your lap, however. To land that opportunity, there are four key things you need to do to be successful – and they are…
Understand your passion
In order to land a great job in accounting, you first need to establish an alignment between what you want to do, and the industry that will offer you an opportunity to do what you want to do. Knowing yourself – being conscious of your passions and skills – and knowing what kind of employer you want to work for – one with a culture and vision that mesh with your own – will fuel your desire and enthusiasm in your job search. You’ll hunt longer and push harder to produce the outcome you want.
Of course, time isn’t always on our side: after all, we have bills to pay, mouths to feed, etc. If you need a job in accounting right away, you may be forced to settle for a position that’s not exactly your dream gig. The key, however, is to be aware of your personal deal-breakers – the things you’re simply unwilling to compromise when you’re considering a position. With this self-awareness in hand, it will be a much easier pill to swallow, if you have to take a job that falls a bit short of your ideal. You can be sure that it ticks off at least some of the boxes on your wish list.
A great job in accounting won’t just fall into your lap…
Find the right type of organization
To secure a quality job in accounting, you need to identify the type of organization you want to work for. Consider the company’s trajectory. Are you interested in an accounting job at a fast-paced start-up? Or do you like the idea of a company that is embracing slow-but-steady growth? Perhaps you want to find a job in accounting overseas; in that case, a large multinational may better suit your interests.
Each company trajectory brings with it specific challenges and opportunities. Ask yourself which challenges spark your interest, engage your intellect, and match your core values.
Scout the key players
Once you’ve defined your passions and selected the kind of organization you want to work for, it’s time for you to map the key players in your industry of choice. In order to land a great job in accounting, you have to identify which companies are the big movers and shakers in the industry, and who the decision-makers are within those companies.
Again, look for companies and people who are good fits with your core values. In particular, keep an eye out for companies that are growing in a direction that makes sense for your career goals. Focus on your geographical region and use LinkedIn as a tool to help narrow your search. Once you’ve compiled a short list of the companies you can envision yourself working for, you’ll be able to streamline your search.
Are you interested in an accounting job at a fast-paced start-up? Or do you like the idea of a company that is embracing slow-but-steady growth?
Mine your network and find a recruiter
Finding a great job in accounting requires that you leverage your internal and external network. Networking – and networking smartly – is always important for advancing your career, of course. But you can also help your cause by locating a recruiter who specializes in the industry you want to work in. Search the job boards to see which recruiters are offering a job in accounting that interests you. Connect with these recruiters; get them to invest in you (partly by avoiding the common mistakes candidates make in their dealings with recruiters). Establishing a quality relationship with a recruiter will give you access to their extensive network of employer contacts and improve your chances of landing the job in accounting you’re dying to find.
Every job in accounting comes with its specific challenges. But when you’re in the right position and with the right employer, those challenges will feel more like opportunities. Landing a great job in accounting is as much about self-awareness as it is about skill set. When you understand who you are and where you want to be, you’ll have a much easier time narrowing your search to companies that match your personal career trajectory – putting you that much closer to your dream job.
Let us know what you think! At Clarity Recruitment, we’re always interested in hearing from accounting and finance professionals like yourselves, who are ready for new, exciting opportunities that can take their careers to the next level. And be sure to follow us on Twitter (@clarityrecruits) and connect with us on Facebook for more great tips and advice!
