The real world starts once you graduate from college. Once you’re able to attain a degree, you have to start looking for a stable job, build your name in a specific industry, and ensure that you’re actually learning from it. These tasks might sound easy, but they can be rather challenging. Aside from the adjustment it’ll require from you, you also have to think about the competition you’ll be facing once you look for a job. Fortunately, a career in accounting can make things easier for you. An accounting career has been in demand for decades, making this one of the most indispensable degrees of all time.
The moment you graduate from college, you have to make yourself attractive in the eyes of the employers. Keep in mind that there are thousands of applicants who have graduated with the same degree, making it hard for you to stand out from the crowd. If you want to start your career in accounting in the best way possible, consider the tips below:
1. Do your homework and research on the possible companies you can work for.
Accounting is a very diverse field; it’s a degree that focuses on several niches. Before you can start your career in accounting, make sure that you actually know what you want. Do you have any idea what accounting career you will have after you graduate? Do you see yourself working in a public or private accounting firm? Are you interested in handling tax, audit or governmental accounting? You need to research on the companies you’d want to work for so you’ll have answers to these kinds of questions. The earlier you provide answers, the easier you’ll be able to plan your accounting career.
2. Take time to develop your skills in Microsoft Excel.
Microsoft Excel is an accountant’s best friend. This is one of the most powerful software you’ll use once you start working as an accountant. If you want to soar with an accounting career, take time to develop your skills in Microsoft Excel. There are a lot of resources online which can provide tips and tutorial videos on how you can master Microsoft Excel skills. New England College, for example, can be a great source for soft skills in accounting so make sure that you use this resource.
As an accountant, you should do more than just adding tables and graphs in the software; as much as possible, you should be able to familiarize yourself with all of the formulas and learn how you can sync this software with other software and applications. You should also be up-to-date with the software’s latest updates. You want to be the best in your profession and mastering the functionalities of Microsoft Excel is one way of doing it.
3. Take and pass the CPA examination as soon as possible.
Aside from the educational requirement, you need to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam before you can have a career in accounting. Opt to take the CPA exam as soon as possible. Once you take the exam earlier, you’ll have better chances of securing a job in the accounting industry. Passing the CPA exam earlier can become your edge against other applicants. You can try taking the CPA exam while you’re still a student; however, you have to be aware of the requirements each state has for taking the CPA exam.
4. Update your resume.
Your resume is important because this is where you’ll be assessed when you apply for a job. When an employer sees that your qualification fits the job opening, you’ll likely earn a spot in their company. However, you won’t be able to achieve this goal if your resume is outdated. Is your resume updated with the latest workshops and trainings you’ve attended? Does it reflect accurate details about your CPA exam? Go over your resume and make the necessary edits. You want your resume to be ready so you’ll have something to hand out whenever you want to apply for a job.
A Little Help Can Go A Long Way
Starting a career can become challenging because you won’t have any idea on the things you should and shouldn’t do. Every decision you make at this point in your life can make or break your future. These are just some of the reasons why you have to be careful about everything that you do once you step out of college. If you want to start on the right foot with your accounting career, use this article as your guide. These simple tips can go a long way for you to become a reputable and trustworthy accountant in the future.
