Why a Career in Accounting Could be For You

Working in a vibrant, varied industry can ensure that you’re inspired and looking forward to getting stuck in every day, and accounting could be the solution you need. Whether you’re already considering a career in accounting or you’re looking into the career options that may suit you, exploring the field of accounting will be very useful to you right now.

Accountants are always in demand, whether in the government, private or charitable sector, and this means that the prospects of a good position in the world of accounting are high. It’s a versatile and genuinely useful profession that can give you great career satisfaction and a good quality of life, so make sure that you give it careful consideration if it’s an area you think you may be interested in.

Five Reasons to Explore an Accounting Career:

1.    It’s a growing industry. There are many career options within the accounting industry and with the explosion in self-employment, accountants are more in demand than ever. There are plenty of opportunities to climb the ladder of success if that’s what you’re aiming for, and if you’re interested in more creative opportunities, there are positions involving expertise in strategic planning and analysis across all industries.

2.    It’s versatile. In accounting, you won’t be limited to one type of work throughout your career and you’ll find many options available to you. For example, there are openings within local, national and international operations, commercial and not-for-profit organisations and even in educational institutions and governmental roles. The sky is the limit, and you may find yourself exploring several areas of accounting before deciding where or if you wish to specialise.

3.    It’s important. Accounting is a field that is very important across all levels of business and calls for innovative thinkers with creative approaches to problem-solving. Being an accountant comes with a level of responsibility that reflects the importance of this decision-making ability and integrity, and it’s a real bonus to feel that your work is highly valued.

4.    It’s reliable. In the current financial climate, while many professions are plagued by inconsistency and frustration, accounting is a stable and dependable option which can offer a good salary with the potential to increase, benefits, incentives and regular hours.

5.    It brings exciting opportunities. Because accounting is such a versatile profession, you’ll be able to meet people and discover opportunities across a wide range of positions and industries. Vital experience as an accountant can give you the groundwork you need to progress into management or leadership, or even into starting a business of your own.

Would Accounting suit you?

When you’re considering a move into any new career, you should take time to think about whether you are well suited to the job you have identified as your goal. This requires being honest with yourself and taking some time to self-reflect. Consider your existing skills and interests and think about how you can build on these to develop a new career you love. It can also help to talk with your friends and relatives about your potential career plans, as they know you well and can give you a different perspective on your existing skills and experience.

For instance, if you are considering a career in accounting, you will need to have and develop the following skills and interests to ensure that this is a good fit for you:

• Attention to detail. If you are not interested in precise or meticulous detail, accounting may not be the career for you. Accounting requires a great deal of attention to detail to ensure accuracy in reports, transactions and financial records, so having this approach is an essential skill if you wish to pursue this path.
• Enjoy working with numbers. It’s fair to say that if you don’t enjoy working with numbers, accounting will not be a good fit for you. However, if this is something you enjoy and find satisfaction in, this is a good sign. You will need to achieve relevant qualifications and experience for the type of accounting you wish to pursue, but an appreciation of numbers and an enjoyment of working with them is a very positive prerequisite.
• Versatility. If you enjoy a varied and flexible working life, you may find that accounting is an ideal option for you to consider. You can follow a wide range of career paths and specialise in areas such as auditing, taxes or forensic accounting, so you can build a career that gives you flexibility and versatility without compromising on job security and career advancement.
• Analytical skills. Your analytical skills will be required daily when you are working as an accountant so these should be a core part of your skillset. You will be working with financial data, looking for patterns and trends and analysing information to make the best decisions, so a clear head for problem-solving and good analytical skills will be invaluable to you.
• Problem solving. Being interested, engaged and committed to solving a problem is crucial to an accounting role, and it could work well for you if you like to play the detective. Accounting often involves finding answers and digging out the facts behind the figures, and if you have an inquisitive mind and a nose for the truth, this could be a great match for you.
• Ambition. This is not essential, since you will never be forced to climb the career ladder in any job role. However, accounting offers a great deal of potential for those who wish to move into higher-level positions and there are many different pathways to progress into management and leadership roles should you wish to do so.
• Commitment. Accounting can make a real difference in the world, enabling businesses to make well-informed decisions, and ensuring legal compliance and visibility. This is a great benefit to those who are committed to making a positive contribution through their work, and there is scope to develop skills that are highly transferable to global career opportunities.

If accounting is right for you, your interests, skills and personal career goals may look similar to our shortlist. It is important to highlight the varied nature of accounting once again, however, as there are so many different opportunities within the field and any of these can offer fulfilling and rewarding career development.

Are You Looking For an Accounting Job in Cork?

Make CareerWise your first port of call when you’re seeking accounting jobs in Cork, Limerick or Galway. We’re a leading recruitment agency with expertise in the accounting field and we’re on hand to help you today. Contact us online, or call +353 (0) 61 365972 for a consultation to find the ideal position for you.

Ray Brennan

Manager Accountancy and Finance- Cork Office

Ray joined CareerWise with a strong understanding of the Accounting & Finance market having worked closely on temp, contract and perm roles with different clients from varying industries over the past 6 years.

He also gained valuable experience in the Accounting & Finance sector previous to recruitment, having worked with leading fund administrations companies such as Hedgeserv and Alter Domus.

Ray holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Cork and also completed a Masters in Corporate finance in the same college in 2016. Ray manages the Accounting & Finance desk in Cork and the Munster area primarily.

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