Emerging CPAs

Top 10 Ways to become a Successful Senior Accountant

By Jason A. Claudfelter, CPA

Coming out of college, the working world and focusing on your career are new experiences. You will hear many stories: some true, some not. One tall-tale is that to be a successful senior accountant, you have to come in early, leave late, and have no life. Luckily, this is a misconception, not a fact. There are better paths to success, and here are some hints to a fulfilling career.

1. Become a CPA: Passing the CPA Exam is one of the most important accomplishments you can achieve in your new career. The CPA credential will open up many doors as you move forward in your business life. Even though it may seem that there is a significant investment in taking the exam, the benefits truly outweigh the cost.

2. Mentors: One of the most important things you can do early in your career is to find a suitable mentor. You need to search for someone you look up to, and someone who can coach you through your career path. A good mentor will guide you through decision-making, help you develop leadership skills, and take your career to new levels.

3. Work-life balance: The ability to balance your personal life with the demands of a growing career is not easy. Employers in the accounting profession are more aware of the work-life issues that face their professionals, and many employers will work with you to strike a balance that suits both of your needs. Make a work-life balance one of your goals now and in the future.

4. Goals: One way that career advancement can stall is by not having short and long term goals. Create a timeline of goals you want to achieve this year and within the next five years. Formalize a plan to accomplish these goals, and stick with the plan. Monitor them periodically.

5. Stay current: Successful CPAs stay current with new technical issues as they develop. When faced with an issue you are not familiar with, put the extra effort in to performing your own research. You will impress your boss and gain a sense of accomplishment by researching new standards when they are issued and providing him or her with your conclusions on how to handle the accounting.

6. Networking: It is never too early to start networking. In fact, you’ve been networking since you started going to school. The more people you meet and talk to, the more resources, best practices, potential clients, and new ideas you will have to incorporate into your current work, which will help you grow. Every person you talk to, for whatever reason, represents a potential contact or resource.

7. Getting involved: Many organizations, like PICPA, are important aspects of a professional’s career. Getting involved with committees and attending seminars and events represent outstanding opportunities. Anywhere you can meet and speak with business professionals or CPAs is an opportunity to grow professionally. By getting involved, you also are providing yourself with the means to make a difference in your profession.

8. Efficiencies: Everyday, look for new ways to increase productivity. Habits like checking e-mail and voicemail frequently can consume valuable time. Try to limit your message checks to three times a day -- morning, lunch, and at the end of day.

9. Follow-up: CPAs often work on multiple engagements. Keep your boss up to date with the status of any open projects. This will show that you are the kind of professional that is willing to see a job through to the end, and that you are not just coming to work, but are a team player.

10. Training new staff: Look for ways to get involved with employees newer than you. Think back to when you started, and show new employees the things you were shown or things that you wish someone would have shown you. Making the investment now will pay dividends down the road.