Making The Right Personal Choices When It Comes To Your Accountancy Career
A career in accountancy is hugely rewarding.
I spent 25 very happy years working at a number of different levels from Payments Clerk to Finance Director.
I struggled through the professional exams and was really pleased when I completed them.
These days the possibilities for accountants who are qualified are amazing.
There’s so many different industries and sectors.
Travel has become much easier meaning that working internationally is something that can be easily accessible.
There’s so much opportunity to learn new skills or improve existing skills in person and online.
Whenever I’m approached by someone considering working with me as their coach, one of the first questions I ask them is about their longer term career aspirations.
People sometimes fall into the trap of answering the question like they might in a job interview.
Feeling that they have to say they want to be an FD even when they might not.
It’s good to have some idea about how far you want to progress in your accountancy career
At the same time the choices you make are personal to you.
There’s nothing wrong with aspiring to be brilliant at a certain level.
Others may see that as lacking ambition.
In reality it’s just their perspective.
If everyone wanted to be an FD or CFO we would have big problems and also a lot of disappointed people.
Equally there is nothing wrong with choosing to prioritise family time over time at work.
Some might see it as lacking commitment.
Usually people who say these measure success based on being at their desk.
What actually matters is the results that you achieve.
Some are brilliant at getting things done efficiently, sorting out the important stuff from those things that fill time.
In truth you have the potential to build a great career in accountancy and be successful.
The question to ask yourself is what success means to you personally.
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.