For those accountants who find themselves still working at their first accounting job, it may likely be time to consider the next step. The current job market is different from previous generations, where an employee would ideally stay with one company for the majority of their career. Today, the best advances you can make in your professional life may be with a different company.

The Value of Loyalty

It is often difficult to consider leaving a company if things are going well enough. There’s a certain loyalty that is often created for your first employer. They were willing to take a chance on a “green” candidate with limited experience in the real world of finance and accounting, and it’s possible that you may feel extremely loyal to them because of this. While that’s all well and good, it’s also important to remember that your first job is a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities and that working your way up the ladder with the same employer for the length of your career is often difficult.

These days, employers are more familiar with professionals who make changes in their career to further their professional development over time. It may not be ideal for them, but good managers often understand the motivation behind your decision. The trick is to provide current employers with enough advance notice to prepare for the change. Make the switch without burning any bridges, maintaining a good reputation, and nurturing a positive professional relationship.

Taking the Next Step

Knowing when the right time to take the next step in your career takes a certain sense of industry knowledge and strategic timing. It’s different for each candidate. It’s possible that you may be working at a level that is beyond your pay rate. Or perhaps you simply are no longer interested in the work that you do day-to-day and crave additional responsibility or different projects. Maybe you are just looking for a change of scenery. Regardless of the reason, you will generally know when you are ready to make your move to a new accounting job. The process from there may be less intuitive. You should evaluate what your ideal next step would be, and then determine what it will take to get you there. The key thing to remember is that you should always be on the lookout for new opportunities and professional connections to help you on your way to the top.

Helpful Resources

Taking the next step in an accounting career can particularly nerve-wracking if you don’t know where to start looking, or if your professional network is still a little green. In cases like these, working with a recruiter or staffing partner like the hiring professionals at Search Services is a great way to get an edge over the competition. They know who in the industry is hiring, and where a candidate like you is most likely to succeed.

If you are looking for your next opportunity in the accounting industry, talk with a career counselor at Search Services for helpful, one-on-one advice that will set you on the right path. Contact us today.