Everyone has certain preconceived notions about accountants. In fact, we have them for just about everything such as the belief that all IT professionals are computer geeks. But these stereotypes are only true until they're not. Some of the biggest misconceptions about accountants and the accounting industry are not what people expect at all. Here are four of the prevailing myths and the truth abo...
There are many paths for a potential accounting professional so how do you know exactly which is right for you? Becoming a Certified Public Accountant is one of the most popular avenues for taking your career to the next level. Before you make a commitment, you should evaluate if the process is right for you. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a CPA. Recognition. There really is no argu...
There are many benefits of reading. Just the very act of reading makes us smarter. The more knowledge you can gain in your industry, the better prepared you'll be for the right job. Reading also reduces stress, improves our analytical thinking skills, increases our vocabulary, strengthens our memory, and makes us better writers and communicators. We often think of finance professionals as "numb...
Today's accountants have so much more technology at their fingertips than even those of a decade ago. Using online and digital tools to help with an accounting career can take some professionals to the next level quickly. Here is our list of the top 10 tools that should consider tapping into as you pursue your accounting career. Dropbox: This tool is becoming nearly essential for all businesses....
In 2011 The Move Project released a report about the future of accounting. The report indicated that young millennial women make up the majority of people entering the accounting field. Over 55% of the graduates with bachelor's degrees in accounting were women. 54% of individuals graduating from master's programs were also women at that time. In an era where the job market has been called grim and...
If you're considering entering the accounting arena you've probably come across some questions about the right certification for your career. You can choose a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) as well as a number of other certifications. How do you choose which one is right for you? Here is a closer look at these two options and what questions you need to...
A talent for understanding and planning finances is a great start for a number of potential careers. Before you leave school and leap into the unknown of corporate America or the world of independent finance planning and accounting there are a few things to consider. Do you have what it takes to work in finance? Let's look at a few things you should know before seeking your first job in the ind...
A few decades ago accountants may have had a nerdy reputation. They were bean counters sequestered in the dusty basement halls wearing coke-bottle glasses. They weren't the flashy, client-facing sales team or the trendy and fashionable executive secretaries. Today, the accounting industry is changing not only its image but the entire industry. Let's take a quick look at the evolving landscape of a...
Balancing the needs of your demanding finance career with the needs of your family can be a challenge. Committing to the requirements of the job is essential but most people agree that family comes first. How can you create the right work/life balance in your job? Here are some tips to keep in mind. Maintain a schedule. Even if deadlines are self-imposed they do help to keep us on track. Sched...
As an independent consultant, a CPA often has the opportunity to select their own client base. A CPA may work for a firm but they may also work for themselves. In either case, the accountant is the one making the decisions about the types of clients they work with and for. It is important to remember, if you are an independent contractor, that you are your own manager. You do want to provide them ...
As you probably know, there are two distinct branches of accounting: public and corporate. Depending on your interests, your abilities, and your talents you may be better suited as a candidate to one or the other. How do you know which works better for you. Let's take a closer look at both public and corporate accounting jobs to give you an idea of which path to choose. Corporate Accounting: ...
93% of recruiters and hiring managers turn to LinkedIn to find candidates for their open positions. This means that a strong LinkedIn presence is a must-have for a successful job search. If you're in the market for a new position in accounting, there are a few things that you may want to consider while you're building your LinkedIn profile. It is important to remember that it is all about branding...
Are you in the market for a new accounting job? Maybe you're finishing up your accounting degree and are wondering what the next step is for you in your career. What are the top accounting jobs in 2014? Here are three that you may want to consider if you're looking for a new position. Staff and Senior Accountants. Staff accountants are generally responsible for the accounting functions within ...
