If you can cruise through over a hundred hours of classes and manage to pass your Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exams, then you stand a good chance of joining the well-paying accounting sector. The accounting industry is broad and competitive, and employers only seek the top candidates. If you are aspiring to become an accountant, these tips are a great starting point.
1. Enroll in an accountancy course
If you are yet to join a university and are looking for an option that will lead you into accounting, a BS degree in accounting degree gives you the chance to study accounting alongside other business subjects. Top universities and business colleges offer accredited accounting degrees and diplomas, and all you need is to select one that suits you.
2. Hone your data analysis skills
Accounting involves processing raw data and interpreting it into useful information that the company can quickly implement. As an accountant, you play a significant role in conducting a strategic analysis of data and coming up with relevant plans that influence the firm’s future plans.
Data analysis skills go hand in hand with critical thinking as you have to creatively interpret a bunch of numbers on a spreadsheet to tell its story. Thanks to technology, there are dozens of software that have made accounting more comfortable and efficient. As an accountant, there is no escaping from these technological advancements. You have to familiarise yourself with accounting software such as Hyperion and Xero.
3. Work on your communication skills
After analyzing the data, you have to present it to team members. Excellent communication skills are necessary when making presentations and when working in a team environment. Communication skills are not limited to speech; they also cover written communication. Remember, at times, your audience will not be familiar with accounting jargon, and you have to find the right terms to help them understand.
4. Take some leadership classes.
Leadership is one of the most sought after soft skills in all industries. Can you manage yourself or a team? In today’s accounting, leadership has evolved into collaborations and working with remote teams. Poor leadership skills amount to a lack of productivity, while firm leadership is an evergreen skill. There are dozens of soft leadership courses online that can help you to improve your leadership skills. You may also seek a mentor to give you the necessary guidance.
5. Pick on a niche early enough
There are two main fields in accounting, the industry path or the client service field. If you opt for industry accounting, it means that you will be working with companies such as Pepsi or McDonald’s as part of their accounting teams. On the other hand, client services accounting involves subjects such as assurance audit, taxation, or consulting, and you will work with firms such as KPMG and Deloitte.
Endnote
Accounting is a good career path with endless opportunities. Your accounting journey will not be without challenges, and you require a strong commitment and resilience. The above tips are a good place to start for aspiring accountants.
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