5 Tips That Can Help You Advance Your Accounting Career

Is there a way to boost my accounting career and land that promotion I’ve been hoping for? Ken, an accountant felt like he had hit a wall after working at his firm for several years. While he enjoyed the work he did and the company he worked for, he felt ready for more challenges and responsibilities.

He wanted to advance to that next level, but he was not sure exactly what he needed to do to stand out, what skills or experiences should he focus on developing or what are some proven strategies for moving up in an accounting career.

Luckily, he had a conversation with a career advisory coach and found out that there are some tried and true methods accounting professionals have used successfully to take their careers to new heights. Here are five top tips that helped him advance his path and can benefit you as a professional.

1. Earn Professional Certifications

Getting certified in your areas of expertise is a great way to distinguish yourself from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and skill development.

Maintaining active status through continuous training ensures you stay current on changing regulations, standards, and best practices. Also, Investing in an accounting credential gives your resume and skill set an immediate boost.

2. Develop Specialized Industry Knowledge

While a well-rounded accounting background is valuable, gaining deep expertise in a specific industry can make you incredibly valuable to potential employers. Focus on learning as much as you can about the intricacies of finance, reporting standards, and business challenges within your target field.

For example, if your goal is to work for a tech company, read industry publications, research industry leaders, and consider earning a certificate focused on tech accounting.

Taking on projects that allow you to provide specialized services based on your industry know-how shows initiative and problem-solving abilities that will accelerate your career gains.

3. Expand Your Technical Skills

Today’s accountants require diverse technical and technology skills beyond core accounting functions and laws. Things like data analytics, advanced Excel skills, financial modelling, tax preparation software, and accounting packages serve you—and your employer—well.

Demonstrating your ability to learn new technologies quickly prepares you to take on more senior roles requiring technical leadership. Make technical proficiency a continuing priority to stay relevant as the profession evolves.

4. Build Your Professional Network

The connections you develop throughout your career can wind up being invaluable resources for guidance, referrals, and opportunities down the line.

Take advantage of industry events, conferences, and online communities to meet and connect with other accounting professionals at all stages of their careers inside and outside your company.

Join relevant professional associations and get involved through committee work and leadership roles. Consider speaking engagements to share your knowledge and raise your profile. Stay active on LinkedIn to build your professional personal brand and follow industry leaders, influencers, and potential partners or employers.

5. Gain Leadership and Business Experience

While accounting skills get your foot in the door, demonstrating well-rounded business and leadership acumen separates top performers on the path to senior roles and management positions. Look for ways to broaden your experience outside daily compliance responsibilities.

Volunteer for project teams tasked with planning, budgeting, process improvement or special initiatives.

For example, mentoring junior staff, leading cross-functional committees, or participating in a management development program shows commitment to growing business perspectives as well as people skills like effective communication, critical thinking and decision-making – all highly sought attributes as your career advances.

In conclusion, while experience alone will naturally lead to career growth over time, being proactive and continuously developing new competencies, knowledge and leadership skills puts you strategically ahead of the curve.

By obtaining speciality credentials through accounting training, – you give yourself a competitive advantage for promotions, and new career doors stay aligned with the evolving needs of organizations.