Great Strategies for Accounting Career Transitioning

Take Stock of Your Skillset

If you’re considering transitioning to a career in accounting, the first step is to take a critical look at your current skillset. You might have some knowledge that could help you in the accounting field, such as data management, analytics experience, a good eye for detail and understanding of business planning. Make a tally of all the transferable skills you already have as this will greatly reduce the learning curve for your new career. It might be worth taking a short online course to gain more insight into accounting terminology, accountability standards and to keep your financial terminology up-to-date.

If you’ve been in the corporate world for a long time and have years of experience in different functions, you’re already well-prepared for a career switch. Don’t let yourself feel limited and stay positive as you transition. Use the skills you already have, plus any new ones you’ve added, to try something new.

Network and Market Yourself

Now that you’ve recognised your transferable skills and have taken steps to enhance or update your knowledge, the next step is to get yourself known. Networking can be key to both getting the right opportunities and building connections. Enrol in professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and join LinkedIn groups relevant to accounting. This can open up the right doors for you in the industry, and landing a job through connections is sometimes easier than applying online.

It’s also important to market yourself through your profile and research the field you’re applying to. Make sure any papers you’ve authored are include in your profile, and list any certifications you might have. Highlight areas you’re an expert in and create connections where you can. Make sure to create a professional tone and tailor your resume for each job application.

Find the Right Job Role

Once you’ve got a good understanding of the field and have started marketing yourself, you can now focus on finding the right job. Research postings that look interesting and see what qualifications they ask for, then try to fill any gaps you may have. Even if you don’t meet all the prerequisites, apply anyway if your experience is just as relevant.

It might be a good idea to also look at smaller companies that are hiring for entry-level positions in accounting. Applying for roles such as this can still allow you to use your knowledge and experience, while giving you the opportunity to demonstrate that you can handle the job.

Take Actionable Steps

To make a successful transition to an accounting career, use the following actionable steps:

• Research the accounting industry;
• Take stock of transferable skills;
• Enrol in professional networking sites;
• Market yourself and highlight areas of expertise;
• Research job postings and fill any gaps;
• Make job applications tailored to the positions;
• Look for entry-level roles at smaller companies;
• Participate in trade/industry events.

Conclusion

Switching to a career in accounting can be a challenge, but with the right set of skills and strategy, you can make the transition possible. Take stock of your current skill-set and look at the accounting industry, try to build connections and market yourself professionally, then find the right job role and take actionable steps to make it happen. With a bit of effort and looking in the right places, you can make a successful transition to a rewarding career in accounting.