It’s happened to the best of us. We launch our careers and then decide that we’re unsatisfied performing the tasks in our current occupations. Perhaps you began your accounting career with the idea that you would move up or switch to a job more compatible with your interests and goals.
Whether you’ve been in your current job for ages and need a change, or if you’re just interested in the opportunities available, accounting is a wide field that offers many options. From controller to tax manager, from senior accountant to senior analyst, from credit manager to bookkeeper, the job possibilities are endless, so there’s no reason to feel gridlocked in your accounting career. But as you consider a change, remember the following Do’s and Don’ts:
1. Don’t worry if the thought of changing careers makes you nervous. Change of any kind, especially in a career, makes most people nervous. It’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t scare you away from accomplishing what you desire. Taking it slow and creating a plan will help ward off any fear you might be experiencing.
2. Don’t get discouraged. It may take awhile to 1) discover what you really want, and 2) find that perfect job for you. Recognize that changing jobs will require time and patience.
3. Don’t rule out staffing agencies. Sometimes you have to date a few employers and jobs before you commit to just one. There are staffing agencies that specialize in accounting and by taking a few months to test drive employers and occupations you’ll get a good idea of which might be best for you while simultaneously getting your foot in the door.
4. Do take the time to research and consider all the possibilities. Take the time to consider your interests, your objectives, and your ultimate career goals. Do the research necessary to determine which job and employer will be right for you. While you’re at it, find a mentor in the same position who could give you valuable tips.
5. Do remember your transferable skills and networking contacts. Because you’re moving from one accounting job to another, recognize that your transferable skills are extremely valuable. Update your resume so that it targets your desired occupation while highlighting those transferable skills. Also refer to your contact list to 1) aid in helping you determine which occupation is for you, 2) discover job opportunities you may not have heard about otherwise and 3) win an advantage on a job you’re interested in.
6. Do get training that will help you advance. Often you’ll have a better shot at getting a job if you’ve had advanced training. For example, enrolling in UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program could give you the advantage in finding just the job you want. It will bolster your resume and give you a talking point in those crucial interviews.
Whichever occupation you choose in the accounting field, the important thing is that you find the right one for you. In following this list of Do’s and Don’ts you will have a better chance of doing just that.
Learn More about the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program
If you would like to see how the PB Program could benefit your career, watch our DVD “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program.” Just visit Universal’s website to watch the video for FREE! Take this one small step today, and learn how the PB Program could help you solidify your accounting career or launch your own bookkeeping practice.
