The appeal of being promoted is about more than just higher compensation. A promotion also empowers ambitious professionals to take on more substantial and interesting responsibilities, and to gain traction and a reputation within their careers. If you’re eager to move into a senior accountant position, take this advice.
Start with the Basics
Beginning your career with the right foundation is essential. Of course you should have a CPA, but having an MBA is also beneficial. You will also want to have as many of the entry-level requirements as possible in any early job you choose to accept. You are more likely to thrive in positions that take advantage of all your strengths. Early success and consistency will quickly catch the attention of superiors.
Be Patient
No one becomes a senior accountant overnight, no matter how much they impress management at the start of their careers. This is a mission-critical position, and experience is highly valued. Vacancies are also rare. Be prepared to wait 5+ years before you’re seriously considered for a promotion. That means you should look carefully for entry-level positions in companies you feel comfortable committing to for the long term.
Develop Professionally
The education you’ve pursued and the experience you gain on the job are not enough. You need to also take proactive steps to improve the depth and breadth of your skill set, and to take on the character/personality traits sought after in executives. You should also work consistently to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the company you work for so that you can deliver the most impactful accounting services.
Partner Up
Charting a course for your career and then following it faithfully is a notoriously difficult proposition. You will inevitably face unexpected obstacles, and trying to balance your day to day responsibilities with your long-term goals is a lot to tackle at once. If you’re serious about becoming a senior accountant, partner with a recruiter specializing in accounting early in your career. That recruiter can help you identify the opportunities with the most advancement potential while helping you to develop the hard and soft skills you will need. They can also provide support and guidance when setbacks strike. If you have your sights set on the top, contact The Squires Group immediately.
