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It can be very difficult to get that first accounting job. Employers want a candidate with accounting experience, but you can't get hired to get the experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get Getting your first accounting job can be extremely difficult.
Employers prefer candidates with accounting experience, but you can't get hired just to gain that experience. Fortunately, there are several options for getting your foot in the door. It is entirely possible to enter the accounting field with no prior experience and build a rewarding and successful career from there.
You can persuade an employer to give you a chance with some creative thinking. To get started in the accounting industry, you'll need to acquire training and experience to get started in the accounting industry.
The accounting field has a great variety in the types of jobs and specializations available. Some accountants may focus more on taxes, while others may concentrate on bookkeeping and financial analysis. Some may specialize in payroll, accounts payable, or accounts receivable. Others may delve into auditing and forensic accounting or go the government and nonprofit route. It can help to examine your career goals before you seek out experience.
Regardless of specialization, though, there are some qualities common to every accounting position. You must be detail-oriented and organized. Your clients often might not be and will be looking to you to provide solutions. You'll need good math and analytical skills so you can detect issues in client records and provide solutions. Communication skills are also important in accounting.
Some general software skills will help you, and often there's free or low-cost training available. For example, you might want to learn QuickBooks or Sage 50 Accounting. Having demonstrable skills with these accounting programs, in addition to a solid foundation with Excel and Outlook, can enhance your appeal as a candidate.
There isn't just one single way to go or one single job in accounting in the world. But there are steps you can take to get started, and you should look for jobs that match the skills you need to be a good accountant. They don't have to be in the accounting field to do this job, though. If you want to show off skills that are important for accountants, you should pay attention to how you describe your job on a resume.
Most successful journeys begin with a sense of direction. Entering into a new industry, you could benefit from taking the time to become familiar with the different types of accounting businesses or the roles accountants can take. Begin a search of the different kinds of roles out there in the accounting field. Store your notes in a spreadsheet—a tool you'll likely be using a lot in accounting, anyway.
Many accounting firms and other companies offer training schemes. More and more organizations are starting to prefer training staff themselves, as this means they can shape them to meet the goals and values of the company. Look for roles with titles like Trainee Accounts Clerk and Trainee Accounting Assistant. Extended training may give you an advantage if you are applying for accounting jobs without previous experience in the field. When you have completed the necessary education, be aware of any additional training or certifications that might give you an advantage when applying for accounting jobs, even if they end up just something to keep in mind for future pursuits. Consider asking an industry mentor about the training they would suggest. You might also explore current listings for the accounting job you want, with attention to preferred certifications.
If you have the time to devote to it, unpaid experience is one way to go. Internships and volunteer opportunities can be a way to build your resume when you are starting your accounting career. Consider looking for these kinds of opportunities after or during your accounting education. Sometimes, unpaid positions can convert to paid positions upon program completion. Some internships may be paid as well.
Be sure to ask for a letter of recommendation once you have demonstrated your skills in your unpaid position.
Many job search websites allow you to filter the jobs by level of experience. Search for entry-level positions to increase your chances of being hired. When you are ready to apply for accounting jobs, look for entry-level openings first. Entry-level positions are usually intended for professionals who have the required education but might not yet have experience in the field. These listings sometimes also use the phrase "new graduate" to mean that they are specifically for people who have completed their education and don't have experience yet. Some examples of jobs that hire with only high school education include accounting clerk, tax clerk, bookkeeping assistant, and collections representative. These positions typically offer much lower pay than accounting jobs for more experienced candidates. They can be a great first rung on your career ladder. Don't disregard other paid positions at companies with accounting positions. Communicate your enthusiasm to learn more about the accounting jobs in the company, and pursue any opportunity to enhance your skills.
Another great way to break into the professional world of accounting is to gain experience in a closely related field that isn’t as competitive. For example, many administrative roles involve processing financial information, and commercial roles such as in sales and marketing allow you to work with financial targets and budgets. Roles like these can give you a foundation of relevant skills that will help you bag your first job in accounting.
Working in accounting can be rewarding in that it is an in-demand field that will likely afford you job security and potential for growth throughout your life. Beyond the above steps that go with planning this stable career journey, here are some additional tips for beginning your accounting career:
Stay positive
Keeping a positive outlook can be one of the most important elements of finding a job in accounting with no experience. You are more likely to encounter job openings that do require experience, so staying positive can help motivate you to continue searching for jobs at your education and experience level.
Apply above your level
If you have all of the other qualifications, consider applying for job listings that require more experience than you have. Sometimes employers are willing to consider applicants with other backgrounds if they show promise as a benefit to their organization.
Be perseverant
The best way to approach a job search is to submit a lot of applications. Entry-level work in accounting will probably present you with many choices—take advantage. Perseverance and broad outreach will often be rewarded.
Keep learning
Try viewing the search and application process as a learning experience. Try to determine what new understanding you can glean from each resume submission and interaction with a hiring manager. Reflecting on these experiences can support your growth, development, and confidence. Be sure to keep your technical skills current by pursuing practice and training, as well.
Stay flexible
It may also be useful to keep your goals flexible when beginning your accounting career. If you want to be a lead accountant, consider applying for an entry-level or even support role in an office that also employs accountants. You may have the opportunity to advance in the company if you do. You can also use your time in a support role to learn by watching and listening to those around you at work.
It's difficult to get your first accounting job. Job candidates with accounting experience are preferred but not required. Several paths lead to a career in accounting. Accounting is a broad field with many paths. Learn about the different types of accounting firms and their roles.
Volunteering and internships can boost your resume. Getting started in accounting is free. Experience is a popular filtering option on many job search sites. Entry-level positions are open to professionals with relevant education but no relevant experience. Accounting jobs pay more for experienced candidates.
Apply for jobs that don't require accounting experience.
You can get your foot in the door by enrolling with GettrainedGetHired, which will open up a world of new career opportunities for you. Reach out to GettrainedGetHired to book a free 30-minute career counseling meeting. At GettrainedGetHired we provide you with the necessary training to learn practical skills to become an accountant. Our training is based on practical, real-life cases. After the training, we work on your resume and try to place you in accounting firms through our network. You will also get access to like-minded individuals who are looking for jobs through our WhatsApp group. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Or call us at 647-275-7150.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not consider your situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from professionals. Salman Rundhawa and Gettrainedgethired.com will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.
