If you’re an accounting professional considering new opportunities, should you consider a contract position? For many accounting professionals, it can be a great career move. Contracting gives you more flexibility than conventional positions, access to a wide range of projects at many different employers, and hands-on experience in a range of specialties that can increase your skills and make you more marketable.
Here are three reasons to consider contract accounting:
Career Flexibility
There are several reasons to take advantage of the flexibility of contract positions. Are you working on an advanced degree, or studying for your CPA? A contract position makes it easier to work around study demands. Do you have family obligations that make it difficult to work a nine-to-five job? Contract accounting positions can free you to get children off the bus or parents to the doctor, while still remaining active in your career. Maybe you just want to work summer hours or three-day weekends. It’s up to you. Contract employment gives you those options.
Interesting Project Work
Many employers staff up for specific requirements of varying lengths. This gives professionals like you an opportunity to work on a project basis, then move on to the next employer or position — no need to get bored. Contract work is also a great way to get your foot in the door with a target employer. Some organizations are just tough to get into, but if you can show off your skills on a project basis, you can impress them on the job and possibly get hired for a permanent spot.
Skill Building
Contract work can help you learn or improve skills on the job. Try out different industries or specific areas of concentration. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about M&A or Sarbanes-Oxley for example, seek out opportunities to work with other professionals who know more than you in these areas or choose projects that will allow you to learn on the job.
The best way to find the right contract opportunities for you is to work with a recruiting firm that specializes in placing people with your skills and experience into contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire jobs. At The Squires Group, we help accounting professionals find the right job quickly, whether they are looking for flexibility or career advancement (or both!). Contact us today to learn more.
