Financial Careers: Pathways to Success in Accounting and Finance
Whether you’ve just earned your degree or have several years of experience under your belt, breaking into or moving up in the accounting and finance world takes more than a strong resume. In a competitive job market, the most successful professionals take proactive steps to expand their skills, build industry connections, and stay informed about trends and opportunities.
So—how can you stand out, grow your career, and land a role that aligns with your long-term goals?
Start by focusing on three key areas of professional development.
Keys to Career Development
Here are three areas of focus as you keep your plans on the fast track to success:
Certifications
Certifications help build your skillset and knowledge, as well as enhancing your value to prospective employers. There are numerous certifications to consider, depending on your specific goals. They include:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
- Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)
- Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)
- Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
- Enrolled Agent (AE)
- Financial Services for Internal Auditors Certificate (FSAC)
Experience
Experience helps improve your industry understanding, hone relevant skills, and strengthen your professional network. To build experience:
- Join accounting and finance organizations. These groups regularly host workshops, seminars, and other events. Participate in workshops, seminars, and other events.
- Volunteer. There is generally less competition for volunteer roles, as they’re unpaid, but still a good way to learn, meet people, and build experience. You may also receive mentorship and guidance from other professionals. Last but not least, if you volunteer for a non-profit organization, you’re providing a valuable community service—and one you can add to your resume.
- Seek out internship opportunities. Whether paid or unpaid, internships can be invaluable to your career. In many cases, they’re not only a source of experience, but also the foot in the door you need at a desired company.
Industry Knowledge
Certifications, organizations, and on-the-job experience are great for shoring up your industry knowledge, but there also are numerous other ways to accomplish this goal.
- Do research. Read trade publications, white papers, e-books, and blog posts. Conduct online searches and consider setting notifications to alert you of new industry content.
- Consider finding a mentor: an established industry professional who can provide guidance and support, as well as discuss various topics and ideas with you. Your mentor may be a colleague, an alumnus of your alma mater, or someone you meet while networking.
- Take notes. As you conduct research, attend meetings or events, or participate in seminars, workshops, or other forums, take notes on any unfamiliar information. This helps you effectively remember what you’ve learned so you can reference details later.
Reach Out to Modesto’s Experts
The expert recruiters at PrideStaff Modesto have vast industry contacts and can help you find the right career opportunity—whether you’re a new grad or an experienced accounting or finance veteran. The right job is closer than you think! Contact us so we can help you take the next step and realize your career and work/life goals, starting today.
