Accountant Key » Your Key To A Bright Financial Career

         The majority of accountants, upon graduation, will become part of an accounting firm or a multinational organization and subsequently built their career from there. Some may even establish their own accounting practice. This is the traditional route that many would follow in order to achieve success and prosperity. However, have you ever wondered if success is achievable through other routes which are in existence but less explored?

         Success is highly possible through other unexplored routes. As emphasized, discovering your passion and having a definite of purpose is the foundation of your career. Surely, many of you have talents such as writing, public-speaking and photography. Hence, why waste those skills just because your profession is all about numbers? Have you ever considered integrating your talents into your profession? By doing so, you are killing two birds with one stone. An abundance of success is definitely at your fingertips when you are enjoying your work simply because you are good at it. So, how can you combine your skills with your accounting profession?

         If you truly enjoy writing, then you should become an author. You could write books, articles and journals on various accounting issues. Choose a specific field that interests you and carry out extensive research on it so that you can produce your analysis and opinions in writing. In fact, if that field is your passion, then just focus on it and keep abreast with the latest developments so that you, in turn, can update your readers through your books/professional journals. Choosing this route certainly has its advantages over working in the corporate sector. Firstly, you are your own boss. You make all the decisions and are accountable to no one but your readers. Secondly, you pocket a larger amount of profit as there are fewer expenses to be paid.

         If you have a talent in public speaking, then you should consider conducting accounting seminars. Similarly, you should first identify an area which you are interested in so that you can build your knowledge and experience. You must remain persistent in achieving your objective as it takes time for you not only to become an expert but also to gain the trust and confidence of your audience. However, once you have established your expertise, you need not worry as the audience will queue and pay just to listen to you.

         If you enjoy teaching, then a career in lecturing is the perfect route for you. Interestingly, there is a high demand for accounting lecturers and this would be the perfect time for you to fill the shortage. Then again, it is necessary that you identify a particular subject which you are good at so that you can establish yourself as an expert in that area. The main challenge for lecturers is choosing the right style of presentation that would maximize the learning process of students. This is possible through experience, trial and error as well as regular feedback and advice from students. The advantage of working as a lecturer is that there is an element of flexibility in your daily schedule, which will permit you to do other activities such as manage a business or attend seminars to upgrade your knowledge.

         Lastly, if you are an avid photographer, you should be an accounting journalist. Develop your writing skills as well so that you can be a reporter on professional matters. You can participate in accounting conferences and submit your pictures as well as write-up to professional bodies such as the Malaysian Institute of Accountants so that it can be published in their monthly magazine.

 

v.    Alternative #5
         Besides that, if you have a profound interest in computer software and programming, then you should become an accounting systems consultant. This will allow you to combine both your knowledge in computer systems and programmes as well as accounting requirements of an organization. Thus, you can assist an organization in setting up the appropriate computerized accounting system based on their size, nature of their industry as well as risk factors. Furthermore, you could also write articles or conduct seminars to give professional advice to managers of other organizations. 

         It is clear that an integration of your talents with your profession is not a problem at all. In my opinion, these routes are less traveled by most accountants due to lack of exposure, guidance and courage. If all accountants are holding the same position and carrying out the same functions, then the chances of being successful is marginal as everyone is competing with one another. Success is only achievable when you move away from the competition and be different from the rest. Ultimately, you, like the others, are heading towards a common goal. Instead of taking the same route as them, why not create your own route?