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3 Ways To Increase Your Employability As An Accountant

Over two-thirds of employers say that their top challenge is a shortage of qualified accounting professionals who can handle versatile tasks.

Accounting is a fast-moving profession and as a professional, you need to keep up to increase your employability. While it is also a popular profession, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy job security, earn an attractive salary and access a huge number of employment opportunities (for those job searching).

Here are ways in how you can increase your employability as an accountant and enjoy the above benefits:

Stay Up-to-date

Are you conversant with the latest accounting software, new business systems, and regulatory changes? If not, you can read business news, research on technical developments, embrace new skills and join relevant industry associations. As such, you are well-informed about what is going on in the industry and this will make you stand out to employers.

Do what you can to keep up with the latest news.

Highlight All Your Experiences

Experience gained through internships, graduate programs, part-time jobs, or volunteering should be put in your CV. Work experience makes you stand out to potential employers because you learn skills that increase your overall employability.

For example, if your internship involved analyzing financial information and preparing final statements, then you become skilled in sound accounting and financial reporting practices. Highlight this experience in your CV and if you get invited to an interview elaborate on your ability to perform and succeed in this skill.

Be Alert Of Growth Opportunities

Embrace any challenges in your work environment and more importantly identify growth opportunities in the current market. As stated above, employers want accounting professionals who are all-rounded and forward-thinking.

Apart from basic accounting skills, can you correctly file all KRA tax returns or find your way around the latest QuickBooks software version?

Accountants who develop more skills in their current role can demonstrate specific illustrations of when they used these skills are more likely to be successful in securing jobs.

It’s clear that being an exemplary accountant requires a lot of effort, but also key personality traits that make up for a level-headed, creative, and detail-oriented individual – the kind of accountant every company wants to hire.

In summary, delivering your technical expertise with excellence adds value to your employer but you should also add soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Combined, these skills cumulatively shape you into a valuable accounting professional.