As you prepare to wrap up your college experience, one important consideration is whether you have the skills need to succeed in your first job! There won’t be a syllabus on the first day outlining the plan for the semester. Instead, you must determine what attributes employers consider critical to being successful and valued by the company.
This is such an exciting time to enter the accounting profession. There will be so many opportunities for new graduates to contribute to the future of the profession.
Evolution of Accounting
The accounting profession has evolved over the last decade. New graduates should expect even more change in the next decade. These anticipated changes are evidenced by the fact that the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) has proposed a new model for the CPA License. The model incorporates a diverse skill set to enable future CPAs to serve a broader group of clients. As the NASBA website (2019) states, the new model continues to focus on the importance of traditional core competencies:
- accounting
- auditing
- tax and technology
Yet, the website also notes that the new model allows candidates to choose an additional skill set to show in depth knowledge in a specialized area:
- tax compliance and planning
- business reporting and analysis
- information systems and controls
It appears this new model will allow CPAs to be valuable advisors in all aspects of a company’s business. In light of these proposed changes to the license model, focusing on the following three attributes can help you be successful. These traits will serve not only in your first job but throughout your career in the accounting profession.
Adaptability
Our economy is in constant change. From increased globalization to the use of emerging technologies and a changing workforce demographic, more companies use remote work arrangements. New graduates should be prepared to embrace these changes, learn new technology and be proactive in this dynamic environment. Supervisors appreciate employees who show positivity in the face of change and enthusiasm for new opportunities.
Communication
The changing workforce will create many challenges to ensure that work is delivered accurately per management’s expectations. If employees are in remote working environments, it may be more challenging to ensure that they understand what employers expect. Accordingly, new graduates must develop communication skills to ensure they are managing expectations. A quick reminder that communication isn’t just about talking, as listening to others, is vital in the learning process.
Accountability
Humans tend to blame others when we fail to meet expectations. The excuse might be that their boss did not provide adequate instructions in the workplace, or the employee may say they did not receive adequate training to perform the assigned task, etc. Now is the time to get out of the habit of making excuses and get into the habit of taking responsibility and ownership of your work. New graduates should take pride in the work they perform and be mindful of the fact that accountability gives a lot of credibility in building a good reputation.
This is such an exciting time to enter the accounting profession. There will be so many opportunities for new graduates to contribute to the future of the profession. Good Luck!
