GRADEMPIRE

Accounting 

 

Accountants have a valuable role within a company or organisation to review and analyse the financial information for various purposes and give advice on business circumstances and strategies. Even in an economic recession, accountants are still an indispensable part of an organisation for auditing purposes, bookkeeping and financial management.

 

 Accounting is a stable career where one can expect to work a standard Monday to Friday work week in an office setting, working late hours during audit times and busy periods. Accountants learn how businesses work and develop an understanding of the factors that drive businesses and profits, giving them an advantageous position to work into management positions.

 

According to Job Outlook the rate of unemployment for accountants compared to other professions is below average, there is an expected"strong growth" for likely future employment over the next 3 years and the level offuture job openings remains "high".

 

Standing Out

There are many Accounting graduates each year and it is important to stand out from the crowd for prospective employers. 

 

1. Experience. 

Many accountants begin their careers with internships while in college. Public accounting firms hire many recent grads, which allow them the opportunity to gain critical experience in the field, or they may choose to work within the accounting department of specific companies and organisations, as well as private accounting firms. Many accountants may choose to start out in public accounting firms and move on to private practices or government positions once they have more experience. With a career in accounting, there are many viable options.

 

2.Numerical Skills

Accountants should be good with numbers, able to calculate and interpret large amounts of numbers and figures. Accountants engage in a wide variety of activities for clients or companies, which may include preparing financial statements and maintaining business transactions, quality management, using information systems to track financial performance and tax strategy, and they may partake in plans for mergers and acquisitions.

 

3. Audit and compliance skills
Accountants specialising in audit and compliance will see increased opportunities as companies take steps to ensure they remain in line with enhanced regulatory requirements. Phil Sheridan, managing director for Robert Half UK, confirms: 'In a recent global survey, we found 25% of UK finance leaders reported difficulty in filling audit positions, while 14% were having trouble securing compliance skills'.

 

4. Communication skills
Companies of all sizes and sectors are looking for finance and accounting staff with strong communication skills. 'As accountants are increasingly working on project teams with various departments, the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial audiences has become a highly valued skill set', reports Phil Sheridan.