How can you manage your accountancy career?

It is essential that all accountancy professionals understand how to manage, be in control of and shape the direction of your career to achieve your ultimate career objectives.

Your focus should not be just to go through the motions in anticipation of being promoted and ultimately ending up in a dream job.

It requires focus and consideration to really understand what you want from you professional career and then consider how you going to be in control of this process to put yourself in the best possible position to achieve your goals.

Take the time to think about what type of experience you need to acquire on your journey to achieving goals.

Here are a few areas for you to think about -

• Consider the nature and size of firm you need to experience working for at different stages of your career. Always start at your goal and work backwards, taking note of the journey that people in the current position your aiming for have been on. Is it important to work for Big 4 or a Top 10 firm, even a Boutique?

• Depending on the service line you want to work in, you may need to specialise early in your career or is better to get a blend of exposure to one or more service lines?

• What balance of soft and technical skills will set you in good stead for your ultimate role? Understand how are you going to build these skills is essential. What roles do you need to work towards to enable you to be in a position to broaden your skills?

• Exposure to clients across a variety sectors and sizes could be something that potential firms will find attractive. If so, where do you need to be in order to be presented with these opportunities?

• You can never underestimate the value and importance of your network when it comes to your career and plotting a route to your career goal. Thinking about the type of people you need to build your network around is one sure footed step to managing your career.

Plotting your career moves

All accountancy professionals should have a clear idea of the type of roles they need to gain experience in order to progress towards your goal.

Planning and working to a plan with two or three roles ahead will enable you to position yourself for the best chances of achieving your career ambitions.

“When do you need to make a move?” is one of the most popular questions.  This all dependant on you as an individual and the path you want to follow. Progressing at the right speed and momentum for your career should be centred on balancing gaining ample experience at each stage and seizing the opportunity.

An important point to consider is that it isn’t always best to make a move – you may be better off gaining a promotion with your current firm before looking to move up the career ladder.

Seizing opportunities which may be hidden could aid progression but if you aren’t not looking and talking to people you won’t know. Always keep your eyes and ears open, lean on your network and recruitment consultant as you may discover an opportunity that could help you.

Having a Plan B is essential to having a grip on where you are going and having alternative options. By taking the time to consider and manage your career, you have the ability to evolve and react to changing circumstances or shifts within a market.

Here are a few examples of scenarios when career management is key -

• Achieving targets but not being rewarded
• Responding to restructuring and changes in team / firm
• Understanding and knowledge of markets and other firms.
• Sticking to your plan whilst also being open to change and ideas
• Gaining promotion at current firm. Not to rush moving to another firm. Focus on the long term view of your career and don’t be distracted by short term gain.