Starting a career in the field of accounting is an exciting and at the same time challenging journey. For an undergraduate looking for your first professional job, applying for an accounting position requires proper planning and a strategic approach. The guide below will help you successfully go through the application process and set yourself up for success in your job search.
Accounting is just one field with many opportunities cutting across many sectors. Those opportunities include ensuring the proper and safe custody of all the financial documents in the entity, ensuring adherence to the set regulations, and offering insightful input into the performance of a business. Skills such as attention to detail and analytical thinking, and problem-solving, obtained during the study of accounting, can be transferred and are also in high demand in other industries.
The process of becoming an accountant begins with searching for the right opportunities and resources. The section below indicates how these could be effectively pursued.
First, start with ACCA Global, a directory site of chartered certified accountants in your locality including London. Their directory is very comprehensive and can be accessed at the ACCA Global Directory: https://ourstories.accaglobal.com/find-a-member/?sm=
Within this portal, you have all the profiles of members, consisting of a LinkedIn page of the members. You will be able to personally contact the individuals through these links and find out about job prospects.
This may prove helpful in job hunting as a networking tool. On LinkedIn, you may personally contact chartered accountants, broaden your network connections, and reach out to key people. Compose personalised messages where you introduce yourself and express interest in working with them. This will enable one to have a large network giving access to job opportunities and mentorship.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales is a reputable Source: As a leading institution in the accounting industry, ICAEW ensures the information and opportunities presented are reliable and respected.
Furthermore ICAEW offers resources and courses to enhance your skills and knowledge in the accounting field, as well as providing networking opportunities that enable you connect with industry professionals and potential employers through ICAEW's events and forums.
If you are looking for a greater range of job postings, use general, popular job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and Reed. Each of these services aggregates job listings from a variety of sources to give you an overview of the type of jobs that are out there. Refine your search to only show accounting jobs suited to your interests and qualifications.
Such key resources can assist you in the navigation of the job market to secure a job that suit your career aspirations.
In applying for any accountant job, what is very essential is that your application unmistakably conveys your qualification, experiences, and excitement about the position. What follows is a step-by-step process in making a standout application:
Know the company to which you are applying before you start your application. You should be aware of what they stand for, the services they deliver, and what is new. Furthermore, do not forget to check their website, keep up to date with news related to it, and network with some existing employees if possible or go to industry events where that company is represented.
Advice: Let them know why this company is the right fit for you, and more importantly, why you are an ideal candidate to work for them. Match which characteristics of the company best describe you and demonstrate how your skills correspond to their mission and values.
An important part of your application would be a good CV and a cover letter. In the resume, make sure to segregate them into sections that will outline your education information, work experience, and skills relevant for an accounting role. You must have relevant experience in working with financial documents, managing tax computations, and interacting with clients on your CV.
Tip: Use this cover letter as an opportunity to show them how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Include concrete examples from your past experiences which will exhibit abilities and enthusiasm for the position.
In case you have no direct experience in accounting, much focus must be on your readiness to learn and grow. Outline the fact that you are more than ready to learn new things and that you would like to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. Do not forget to mention some areas that you wish to get exposure in and how you believe the role will contribute positively towards the attainment of your professional growth.
Example: You could mention an interest in the working out of complex tax legislations or even practical experiences with accounting software. Demonstrate how the opportunity to work with experienced professionals would help build skills necessary for career advancement.
In your letter of application, please detail how your experiences match the key responsibilities stated in the job description. For example, if you have prepared year-end accounts before, describe exactly what was done and what outcome was achieved. Also, discuss any experience with VAT returns and accounting software.
Example: In case you have past experiences in positions where you have done financial statements, tax filings, or client meetings, describe those. Emphasise any challenges and what you may have learned from the experiences.
Do not exaggerate: Be honest about the experiences and achievements you have gathered. State what you did and what you achieved do not exaggerate your qualifications.
Avoid Cutting and Pasting: Customise application answers for the company and role. This will prevent inclusion of the types of generic answers or copies from other applications, which are sometimes quite easy for recruiters to reject.
Proofread your CV and cover letter carefully for any errors. An application riddled with mistakes is incredibly easy to dismiss, so be sure there are no flaws with either the documents' content or professional presentation. If possible, allow a friend or mentor to read it over for additional feedback.
Tip: If online applications have the save-and-return option, step away from your reviews to easily identify mistakes. Be sure to confirm your application is complete and accurate before submitting.
Apply Early: Small to mid-sized accounting firms, as well as many other firms, fill their open positions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applying early will give you a better chance of getting an interview.
Engage the firm: Express your interest in the firm through knowing the recent projects the firm handles, company culture, and deep knowledge about the firm's details, all of which set one miles ahead of other applications.
Choose the Right Scheme: If the firm has more than one scheme or role on offer, do pick the one most suitable for your career aspirations and qualifications. Tailor your application to indicate why this is the best scheme for you.
Attention to Detail: Every detail in your application should be accurate. Those details include the company name, job title, and even your own contact information. Attention to detail is a simulation of professionalism and dedication.
Advice from Industry Experts: Give the application sufficient time so that all the questions are answered thoughtfully, and all the information required from you is returned. This will then depict a well-thought-out application, indicative of your commitment to the role and seriousness in going through the application process.
This small to mid-sized accounting position is, therefore, the best opportunity towards advancing further up the career ladder. At Price and Accountants, we look for candidates who will be able to handle a variety of key responsibilities, notably: Preparing financial statements for accuracy and standards compliance Management of tax returns and computations with up-to-date knowledge of taxation Preparing management accounts which will monitor and direct business performance.
The role will involve attending client meetings, advising, and relationship building. The accountant will ensure there is an accurate bookkeeping record. The accountant will prepare VAT returns using accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks.
With Price and Accountants, you will be working on dynamic projects with other accomplished accountants in the community. We boast extensive experience working with technology companies and start-ups from seed funding through growth. We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the best of luck on your career journey.
