Off the Ledger
Your days as a college student are almost numbered. The working world is calling. As you get ready to embark on your career, you have to be thinking, “What am I going to do when I graduate?” “Is a job in public accounting right for me?”
Where do you want to go?
You have so many options. Big firm or small? How do you decide? Where can you go to get the real, honest look at a career in public accounting? What is it REALLY like to be an intern? What will my life be like as a staff accountant?
See your future...
At Porter Keadle Moore, LLP (PKM) we’re here to help. We’ve created this blog site just for you! To help you find answers to these and other questions about working in a public accounting firm. Real interns and brand new staff accountants chronicle their experiences with our firm. Read what they have to say. Ask questions, share your opinions and we’ll respond.
Dorian Bafas - Audit Staff
You may be at the point in your life where you’re either finishing college and starting the job hunt, or well into your career and looking for a change - either way persistence pays off when you’re looking to land that job!
Following up with every potential employer is crucial when you are looking to be hired. Some may be fearful that being to persistent could cost you the job, but in at least two recent instances cited by career experts, those who did not persist would be the ones with the lost opportunity.
Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers To Tough Interview Questions states, “I actually think it’s a good thing if one or two people complain that you’re too tenacious, because it actually shows you’re doing a good job of searching for a job.” Oliver suggests that you use the phone, not just e-mail. She also suggests recording the time of day you make the call. This way if you have trouble reaching them at a certain time you will know to try another time of day.
For more tips, view the article When Following Up, Persistence Pays.
Kelly Newman - Tax Staff
To be successful in any career there are certain skills and talents that people should possess and this is no different in the world of accounting. Have you often wondered if you have what it takes to be successful in a career in accounting? We have the answer for you! Careers-In-Accounting.com has a page dedicated solely to the skills and talents required to be successful in your accounting career. Let’s take a look.
Accounting is very team-oriented and it is crucial that you enjoy working as a part of a team. This means you should take advantage of those group projects in school and learn all you can from them!
Keeping up with current advances in technology is also key to your success in accounting. Many firms are implementing new electronic systems for submitting and preparing financial statements as well as day-to-day office operations.
Networking skills are also very important to a career in accounting, it is important to have a good network of business contacts in consulting as you progress. Business development will become part of your job and a great way to start is to stay in touch with your classmates, as they may become your future clients!
Now that you have a general idea, for more information on skills required visit their website.
Doug Kant - Audit Staff
Do you ever find yourself wanting to just relax on a Sunday night, but all you can do is worry and stress about the upcoming workweek? Taking a few moments to plan for the week will help lower stress levels and help you take control of your life! Having a plan in place will help the week run more smoothly and ensure that you can relax with family and friends on the weekend. Here are some tips from Monster’s Career Advice to help you plan for your upcoming workweek:
Prepare to Be Happy: Happiness is a choice and you’ve got to take the choice back. Choose to be happy, passionate and organized, and what you want to accomplish will happen.
Know What You’ll Eat: Don’t sit at work worrying about what you’re going to make for dinner, have a plan for both lunch and dinner meals for the whole week before it even begins!
Get Up 15 Minutes Earlier: Use the extra time in the morning to have a relaxed breakfast, rather than grabbing a random fruit or cereal bar as you run out the door. Remember, Mom always said, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!”
Write It Down: Make a list of items you regularly take with you to work and put it somewhere visible in your car to make sure you don’t forget anything in the morning. A visual calendar made for the fridge is also a handy tool and it let’s everyone know where everyone else is and what he or she are doing.
Be Ready to Ask for What You Need and Also How You Can Help: Everyone needs something from work, whether it be the chance to be more creative, the opportunity to manage, etc. Make sure you also take the time to see how you can help your coworkers to make their lives a little easier too!
Nicole Knox - Tax Intern
Authenticity serves women executives well, according to Julie Wolf, Ph.D., managing director of RHR International. Wolf conducted interviews with 100 female executives ranging from vice presidents to chief executives on the topic of what it takes to be successful in an executive position, particularly from a psychological perspective.
The research found that successful women are both externally and internally authentic. Others view these women as being genuine and real as well as having a core confidence. They also have a sense of calm, empowerment and integrity, and are upfront about family and community commitments.
By being genuine and bringing your whole self to the table it will allow for greater employee communication and trust. This doesn’t just apply to women, but to everyone in the workforce. Bringing in your experiences on and off the job, liking yourself and just being yourself at work will help you be more authentic, which could open up many new doors in your job!
