"Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work is the only way to accomplish results that last." —Hamilton Holt, American author
Starting a new job — let alone your first job in the accounting profession — can be overwhelming and nerve wracking, especially when all you've known is going to school, doing homework, studying and taking exams.
"It's important to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. Try to look at the big picture so you don't miss something important."
This transition in life can be difficult, but you can succeed through the following skills and actions: taking notes, asking questions, communicating, being organized, exhibiting teamwork and being proactive.
Let’s dive into each skill/action and how you can use them in your day-to-day work.
Take Notes
When being assigned to a task, jot down notes on what you're being asked to complete so you can easily reference it. Additionally, it's important to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. Try to look at the big picture so you don't miss something important.
Ask Questions
As you're working on an assignment, compile your questions and set aside time to discuss these questions with your manager. Asking questions shows initiative. However, first give yourself 10 to 15 minutes to figure out the issue independently. If you still can't resolve the issue, present what you've uncovered to your manager (e.g., Is it a formula issue? Did the client provide the wrong support for the wrong selection?).
Another important tip is self-review. Once you've completed a task, be sure to check your work. For example: Did you fill out every testing attribute within the workpaper? Are the formulas calculating properly? Does everything conceptually/analytically make sense?
Communicate Often & Be Organized
Communication and organization are imperative to the accounting profession, as you can be assigned to multiple engagements and work with several individuals at the same time. It’s important to get due dates from your managers so you can plan your schedule accordingly to complete the tasks in a timely manner. If there are conflicts, communicate with those you are working with so they can assist you in determining what should be prioritized.
"If there are conflicts, communicate with those you are working with so they can assist you in determining what should be prioritized."
Additionally, having a to-do list for each job, in OneNote or Excel for example, can help you stay organized and manage your time efficiently and effectively. Further, compiling an organized list of outstanding items for a client will help ensure everything is being addressed and resolved with the client.
Exhibit Teamwork & Be Proactive
Be proactive in following up on your assignments. Just because you worked on the testing doesn't mean it ends there. Check to see if any review comments were left on the work you performed and address those comments. If you had open items with a client, did you follow up with them periodically? Putting reminders on your calendar is another trick to help remind you to follow up with clients.
When you've completed a task, see what else can be done. Being proactive shows you are willing to learn and are a team player who sees projects through to the end. It will also help you stand out compared to your peers because the more experience and exposure you get, the more knowledge you'll gain.
All in all, it is your future and your career. Strive to be the best you can and flexible with the new or unexpected experiences that come your way. It's okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn and grow from them.
Reprinted with permission of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, njcpa.org.