Choosing Between Two Accounting Job Offers
You’ve always been an overachiever, but landing more than one accounting job offer is exceptional even for you. The question is – which offer do you take? Both seem to have their pros and cons, and you feel torn between the two. Here’s how to know that you’re making the right choice for your career.
More Research
Although you likely did company research before your interview, the next step involves digging more deeply. If you didn’t search out answers to questions such as, “Is there a lot of turnover” or “Is the company in a period of growth,” now is the time to start. Reach out to your personal and professional network. While this stage of the process can be tedious, it can definitely unearth some red flags.
The Financial Picture
When you’re debating between two accounting job offers, one of the best things you can do is try and look at the big financial picture. Consider the following:
- Commuting costs
- Tuition reimbursement
- Bonuses
- Profit-sharing
- Extended health benefits
- Pension benefits
- Sick leave
The goal is to evaluate the entire compensation package of both companies so that you’re comparing apples to apples.
Career Goals
Where do you want to be in 5 years? Is this a company that you can grow with? Consider opportunities for advancement and the company’s culture. Evaluate what your daily schedule will look like (including commuting time) and decide realistically if that works for you. In the end, you need to select the company that best matches your lifestyle needs and overall goals.
Read this blog for tips on how to develop a plan for your accounting career.
Evaluate Your Future Manager
Since people typically quit their managers, not their jobs, any decision between two accounting job offers must evaluate managerial fit. Hopefully, you met your manager in your interview. If not, it’s important to reach out to your professional network and inquire about your potential leader’s management style. A great manager can inspire you to produce your best work, whereas poor leadership can make you want to exit stage left.
Resource: Read, “8 Ways to Tell If You Have a Good Boss” for insight into what makes a great leader.
Analysis
Assemble a list of factors that are important for your professional and personal satisfaction. Rank the factors in order from most important to least important (time to use your impressive spreadsheet skills here). Rate how each job measures up under each factor. Use a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being a poor fit and 5 being a great fit. You’ll be surprised at how clearly the right choice emerges once you create a spreadsheet.
Key Takeaways
It can be challenging to choose between two accounting job offers. Do some additional research. Determine if the company is in a period of decline or productivity. Evaluate the complete financial picture and don’t forget to take a close look at cultural fit. Contemplate where you want to be in 5 years, and ensure that the organization offers you opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Consider how you like to be managed and make sure your future leader’s management style connects with you. Doing the above will help you make a fully informed decision that will ultimately benefit your career.
Your Next Step
No one should walk the job search or hiring road alone. At Clarity Recruitment we help others realize their success through a process that marries proprietary technology with unwavering commitment. Contact us today to take control of your career, or to partner with us to hire well.
Clarity Recruitment, connecting exceptional people with remarkable companies.
