How to Get a Job in Accountancy

A career in accounting can be a rewarding yet demanding career path for professionals to pursue. Choosing a career in accountancy requires a level of practical experience and competency in financial management, as well as interpersonal skills that make a professional likely to succeed.

Whether you’re a graduate seeking your first role in accounting or a professional seeking a career change, it’s crucial to show employers that you are capable and willing to develop.

Discover ways to improve your chances of getting a job in accountancy by impressing employers and important skills you can develop as a professional to prepare you for the world of accountancy.

Starting a New Career in Accountancy

Some people know they want to get into accounting or finance from an early age, during the initial or later stages of their school years. This means that they have a good opportunity to begin their development and pursuit of a career in accounting from further education in the discipline.

When looking to employ people in the field, employers often look for individuals who have gained qualifications or displayed knowledge of accounting throughout their years in education.

Tips for starting a new career in accountancy 

Starting a new career in accountancy requires years of preparation and personal development to show employers that you want to be in the field for the long-term. Developing the relevant skills, gaining qualifications and finding a graduate role are each ways for someone to gain a job in accountancy and kick-start their professional career.

Learn and develop vital accounting skills   

Accounting isn’t just about numbers; a career in accounting requires a larger skillset that is important to have to succeed in the field. As well as requiring a strong technical knowledge of accounting, it’s important to develop interpersonal skills that will help on the job:

·      Budget management

·               Data analysis

·               Financial reporting

·               Organisation skills

·               Analytical thinking

·               Time management

·               Problem-solving

·               Communication and teamwork skills

Gain qualifications in accountancy

Gaining qualifications in any field is the most successful way to show employers your level of knowledge.

Achieving a qualification or level of academic certification can show employers your knowledge of a subject. Furthermore, achieving extra-curricular qualifications can show dedication to your development as a professional.

Various qualifications can help you gain a job in accounting, including:

·      Degree in accounting or finance: bachelor’s honors in accounting or finance is typically required for most employers

·      Certifications: professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certfified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can give you an increased chance of employment in accounting

Changing Careers to Accountancy

Changing career paths is common in people who are no longer fulfilled by their current career or enjoy working in their role.

Changing career paths to accountancy can be difficult for people that have worked in a different industry for a long time, or do not show any previous experience or knowledge in the field.  

However, there are ways that you can help increase your chances of switching to a career in accounting by showing your experiences in the field and a genuine interest in learning and developing.

Tips for changing career to accountancy 

Changing career to accountancy requires showing employers transferrable skills from other disciplines and showing signs of genuine interest. Employers can be sceptical about candidates changing career paths and want to speak to people who are passionate about a long-term career in the field.

 Identify transferrable skills 

Despite not gaining direct experience in accounting, you likely have gained transferrable skills in previous roles that can make you a good candidate for a role in accounting. Job roles in other industries often require similar skills employers look for in accounting. Industries that require similar transferrable skills to accounting include:  

·               Retail

·               Healthcare

·               Education

·               Manufacturing

·               Education 

Highlighting these skills in your CV to employers can help with application progression and potentially gaining a job in accounting.

Gain valuable work experience  

Gaining valuable work experience at an accountancy firm temporarily shows employers a level of effort and genuine interest in accounting, as well as showing a basic understanding of how an accountancy firm works daily.

Candidates with work experience are likely to have an increased chance of gaining a new job in accounting as employers value it highly during the application process.

Attempt to achieve an entry-level role 

Entry-level roles are an ideal route when looking to change careers to accounting, with no prior employment experience in the field.  

These types of roles are typically advertised by employers with an expectation that candidates have no prior employment experience in accounting. Instead, they are looking for other transferrable skills and relevant work experience to pique their interest and progress your application.