With finance and accounting at the heart of every successful business, it’s no surprise that this field offers one of the most stable and rewarding career paths out there. From small startups to global businesses, skilled finance professionals are always in demand, making a finance and accounts career a smart and future-proof choice for anyone looking to build a long-term career that serves them well now and in the future. Not only is it a reliable industry, but it’s also one that offers plenty of room for growth.
Whether you aim to become a chartered accountant, financial analyst, or even a CFO one day, a finance and accounts career is one that is full of opportunities to climb the ladder, especially if you’re proactive, dedicated, and know the right steps to take toward a successful finance and accounting career.
If you’re someone who enjoys working with numbers, solving problems, and making sense of data, this could be the perfect career for you. And the best part? It’s accessible. With the right mindset, practical experience, and a little guidance, anyone can break into the industry and achieve their goals
Before pursuing a finance and accounting career, it’s important you understand the key principles of accounting, such as bookkeeping, journal entries, trial balances, and finance statements including balance sheets, cash flow statements, etc. To do this, there are many resources and courses out there that you can take advantage of, for example, Open Learn offers a free Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting course and Udemy offers an abundance of courses that you may want to take advantage of. YouTube is also a great resource, just search accounting basics for beginners to get started.
While some employers consider candidates who are “qualified by experience”, having a relevant degree or recognised can give you an edge, especially if you’re aiming for senior finance roles in the future. Earning a qualification not only deepens your overall understanding but also demonstrates your commitment and credibility to potential employers, and shows that you’re serious about your profession and career development. Popular and highly regarded qualifications include ACCA and CIMA – both respected globally and capable of opening doors to a wide range of roles. So, whether you pursue a university degree, enrol in a professional course, or work toward certification alongside your job, continuing your education will help you stand out and move forward in your finance and accounting career.
No matter which role you start with in your finance and accounting career, you’ll find that most accounts positions require a working knowledge of accounting software such as Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, and others. Strong Microsoft Excel skills are also highly valued, so make sure you’re confident with VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, and formulas. Demonstrating both an understanding of accounting software and practical experience with Excel will significantly boost your job readiness from day one.
Believe it or not, networking is as valuable in accounting as it is in sales! When starting out, get your name out there by attending as many networking events and webinars as possible to start building valuable connections with experts and potential mentors. Engaging with people in your desired field, will not only expand your finance knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it’s likely that you’ll be able to tap into hidden job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Creating a tailored CV is crucial when preparing to launch your finance and accounting career. It serves as a powerful tool to showcase your most relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences, and most importantly, it will significantly increase your chances of standing out and securing an interview. Be sure to include relevant training you’ve completed, keywords, and any hands-on experience you’ve gained to date. If you’re unsure where to begin, a full guide to tailoring your CV can be found here.
We’ve all heard it time and time again: employers want candidates with experience, yet often hesitate to give those with little or no experience a chance to prove themselves. That’s why gaining any kind of work experience can be incredibly valuable for your future. Ideally, this experience would be in the finance and accounting industry, but it doesn’t have to be. Any job, regardless of the field, demonstrates your work ethic, ability to collaborate with others, and understanding of professional environments. If you’re able to gain experience in a finance-related role, even on a voluntary basis, that’s a fantastic bonus and could really help set you apart.
Once you’re ready to begin your finance and accounting career, it’s time to start your job search! Start by reaching out to your network to tap into those hidden opportunities we mentioned earlier, explore job boards for jobs advertised by employers, and reach out to recruitment agencies – believe it or not, we may be able to help with that one! As you search, keep an eye out for roles such as Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Administrator, Finance Administrator, or Junior Accountant. These positions are great stepping stones to help you get started in the finance and accounting career you’re aiming for.
When you start interviewing, it’s always best to be prepared! Take the time to thoroughly research the company you’re meeting with and be ready to discuss your knowledge of accounting principles and software and your practical experience. Interviewers will also want to hear about your soft skills, so be prepared to answer questions about your attention to detail, organisation and timekeeping abilities, communication style, and more. Showing that you have a well-rounded skill set will make a good impression!
Breaking into a finance and accounting career doesn’t require a perfect CV or every box ticked – persistence, preparation, and a willingness to learn will go a long way. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll get there!
If you’re ready to step into the world of finance and accounting, get in touch with our team to learn how we can support you.
