5 Things That Will Help You Stand Out In Accountancy
You decided to get a professional qualification. You knew that it would help you to move up the career ladder.
But maybe you’re not progressing as well as you had hoped.
On the other hand are you doing enough to stand out from the run of the mill accountant?
Here are 5 things that will help you stand out as an accountant working in industry, commerce or the public sector.
Focus
I’ve yet to come across many accountants who find that they have too much time and too little to do.
Of course there is a huge difference between being busy doing activities and focusing on what really matters.
Ask yourself frequently whether you are focusing on the things that really make a difference to the success of your organisation.
Feedback
I’m sure like a lot of accountants you have an appraisal a few times during the year.
While better than having no appraisal what you tend to find is that the feedback you get tends to be fairly generic.
If on the other hand you go out of your way to actively ask for feedback, listen to it and take action, the quicker you will make improvements.
Commercial Nous
Prudence is a fundamental accounting concept.
Trouble is no business or organisation makes progress by being overly risk averse.
While you have to play devil’s advocate and make sure that decision are being thought through, you have to be able to strike a balance.
It’s your commercial nous that allows you to look at the bigger picture.
Tech Savvy
Just about every business is making use of technology these days and if the predictions are right this is going to increase dramatically in the next 10-20.
What this means is that being tech savvy isn’t an option but a necessity going forward.
Interpersonal Skills
You can be brilliant technically. You might well have great knowledge.
While all of this is useful your ability to build relationships, gain trust, respect and work as a partner with a diverse range of people will set you apart from others.
So what steps are you going to take to stand out as an accountant and achieve the success you want in your career?
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.