Five top tips to boost your finance career

Are you just starting out in your finance career? Are you at a career crossroads, looking at making your next move? 

Whatever stage you’re at, improving your career in finance should always be at the forefront of your mind.  In a competitive job market, it’s crucial to look forward and make sure that you make the best career decisions possible to achieve your own personal aspirations.

The value of career planning

Of course, it’s unrealistic to expect ourselves to map out our entire careers.  But there is huge value in looking ahead, setting career goals and having broad ideas about where you want to go and what you want to achieve.

Without an evaluation of career ambitions or setting goals for the future, it’s easy to approach your career in a reactive way, which could mean missing out on potential opportunities.

Boosting your finance career

There are a number of steps you can take to propel your finance career forward.  Here are a few actions that can make a difference.

1. Keep on top of the market

To plan for your career, it’s essential to understand the market.  Take the time throughout your career to keep up to date with the job market, companies that are hiring, businesses that are growing, salaries available and information on the market rate for your skills and experience.

Through doing this you’ll have a broad overview of the finance market and the opportunities available.  You’ll be able to understand when a prospect is potentially right for you, evaluate potential career moves and be confident in your career decisions.

2. Build networks

Strengthening your own personal network can really help in boosting your career as the more relationships you cultivate the more exposure you will have to the wider market and new opportunities that may exist.

Plus, by building strong relationships across the industry you are able to strengthen your own personal reputation within the sector, leading to references, recommendations and supporters in the industry.

3.  Enhance your skills

Every industry is evolving and keeping up to date with new skills is key to success.  Enhancing your accountancy skills will keep you at the top of your field.  As you progress, it’s important to make sure your qualifications match your level of experience.

However, it’s not only accountancy skills that need to be refreshed.  Improving your soft skills and techniques in other business areas is equally valuable.  If there are additional qualifications or training available to you in your role, taking up these opportunities can strengthen your skills set and make you more marketable in the future.

4. Take on new opportunities

It’s important to think outside the box when pushing forward with your career and a great idea to take on new opportunities when they come up at work.  Don’t shy away from a project that’s out of your comfort zone or not something you’d traditionally work on, but think of it as a way to learn new skills.  Projects such as joining a cross-functional committee, leading a forum or mentoring a junior team member are all chances to discover and grow.

5. Build relationships with consultants

A good consultant can be your long-term career ambassador and provide so much more than a transactional relationship.  They can offer a partnership approach to your career and work with you to achieve your goals.

Building relationships with consultants should be a key angle in your approach to future career development.  Use your consultant’s knowledge of the finance market and their insights into the industry to shape your own ideas of the future.

A professional consultant will be able to advise and guide you as well as represent you for interviews.

Planning for the future

Taking on board this advice can make a positive difference to the shape of your future finance career.  It is crucial to be in the driving seat and take charge of your career so that you can achieve what it is important to you.

If you are interested in new career opportunities in accountancy and finance, get in touch with the financial recruitment specialists at Accountancy Recruit.  Contact us to discuss current opportunities that could be the next step for you.