A career in accounting will have its challenges but also great rewards. Sydney has a competitive job market, so how can you stay ahead of the competition? Here are 5 tips from The Recruitment Alternative to help you along your accounting journey.
1. Have A Focus
With many different types of accounting jobs available you need to decide on your area of interest. Some employers offer experience across a range of disciplines within the field but having an idea of the type of career path you’d like to take can give you an edge. Being able to articulate the type of specialisation you think you’d like to do shows that you have drive and passion, have researched the industry, and are looking for a career, not just a job.
2. Get Certified
A great way to secure yourself a position or even enter the field is by standing out from the crowd with impressive certifications. Certificates like the CA (Chartered Accountant) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) are both not easy to acquire and do require additional courses, however, the long term results can be fruitful. You can also network with Professional Accounting Associations such as CPA Australia, Institute of Public Accountants etc.
3. Be Tech Savvy
In today’s digital age it’s important to keep up with the ever advancing trends within your industry. Experience with particular software or programs could be a deciding factor between you and the competition. Some common software to familiarise yourself with is:
- MYOB
- Xero
- QuickBooks
- NetSuite
Of course, some firms may have a different in house software but not being foreign to accounting software will only benefit you in the long run.
4. Expand Your Knowledge
Be proactive when it comes to your own learning and development. Research and keep up to date with the latest developments and qualifications within accounting and finance. You want to be able to remain competitive and current. As mentioned above networking can help you stay in the loop.
5. Gain Experience
It would be near impossible for you to jump straight from university to a top accounting firm with no experience in between. Starting to gain some experience during your degree will put you a step ahead. Having experience listed on your resume along with the recent completion of your university degree will surely impress! You can gain experience through internships, small accounting businesses, volunteering etc. This is also where networking can play a huge part, be sure to have an update LinkedIn profile to assist you.
Be sure to check out The Recruitment Alternative’s job board for new employment opportunities. Also, take a look at our job seeker help center for more tips and suggestions to assist you on your job seeking journey.
