BlackLine Blog

September 10, 2014

Accounting Students & Accountants Take Action!

Leadership & Culture
1 Minute Read
SP

Susan Parcells

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It isn’t a secret that the accounting world is quite competitive, especially for college graduates trying to enter the field. Good grades and past jobs are no longer enough. So what does it take to be successful?

There are of course the usual factors such as computer, math, analytical and communication skills, the ability to work as a team, honesty, and integrity.

In addition to all of these, a successful accountant should also have good leadership skills. But how can one get all of these skills, keep up with their grades and manage to have some fun in school? A great way to acquire these skills is by becoming involved with some of the educational or even volunteer focused sororities or fraternities.

One of the best opportunities for accountants to gain these skills is through an organization called Beta Alpha Psi.

The various events from guest speakers, regional and annual meetings, and service projects teach students some of the valuable lessons that aren’t taught in school. It shows them how to be an effective team player, how to communicate professionally, how to be organized and qualities of a good leader.

Another side benefit is that it demonstrates the individual is able to juggle multiple activities. For those who are already working in the field, there are also good opportunities to continue to work on these skill sets.

Joining a local Society of CPA’s is a great way to network locally, keep up with continuing professional education and continue to refine those skills. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) are a few other options.

What do you do to give yourself that competitive advantage?

It isn’t a secret that the accounting world is quite competitive, especially for college graduates trying to enter the field. Good grades and past jobs are no longer enough. So what does it take to be successful?

There are of course the usual factors such as computer, math, analytical and communication skills, the ability to work as a team, honesty, and integrity.

In addition to all of these, a successful accountant should also have good leadership skills. But how can one get all of these skills, keep up with their grades and manage to have some fun in school? A great way to acquire these skills is by becoming involved with some of the educational or even volunteer focused sororities or fraternities.

One of the best opportunities for accountants to gain these skills is through an organization called Beta Alpha Psi.

The various events from guest speakers, regional and annual meetings, and service projects teach students some of the valuable lessons that aren’t taught in school. It shows them how to be an effective team player, how to communicate professionally, how to be organized and qualities of a good leader.

Another side benefit is that it demonstrates the individual is able to juggle multiple activities. For those who are already working in the field, there are also good opportunities to continue to work on these skill sets.

Joining a local Society of CPA’s is a great way to network locally, keep up with continuing professional education and continue to refine those skills. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) are a few other options.

What do you do to give yourself that competitive advantage?

About the Author

SP

Susan Parcells