Sell Yourself: Mid-career CPAs tackle job search challenges - Cover Story

California CPA, May, 2002 by Sharon Ross

Vince Chin, CalCPA associate director of member relations, says that networking is the first step to getting your name out. "The first thing to do is go to a chapter meeting," he says. "You can find out times and locations of chapter meetings in your chapter Bulletin. It's a real and tangible thing that CalCPA provides--a forum to meet your peers and potential employers."

Steel agrees. "CalCPA is a great source for networking events, which allow CPAs to get more involved from different levels and industries."

TALKING YOUR WAY IN

In a recent Robert Half survey of 1,400 CFOs, strong communication ability is the second-most important skill CFOs will look for in financial professionals. And for those looking for a job, communication can be the key to unlocking the door.

In many cases CPAs must first deal with the human resources department before they talk to the OFO. Learning how to relate to someone in human resources, who most likely doesn't have an accounting background, is a crucial step in the job-search process, says Eppler. "You may have to sell yourself to HR in a way that's different once you're in the interview."

She suggests CPAs attend seminars in communication and interviewing techniques. These skills can go a long way, from learning how to relate to human resources, to closing the deal during the interview and making lasting impressions on the job.

"Communication and people skills are more of what get you promoted today in accounting and finance, because the roles involve managing people, communicating with systems people and with other departments," Andrew Kaufman, a senior recruiter in the Bethesda, Md., office of Creative Financial Staffing, told the Los Angeles Times.

THE FUTURE

Although entry-level accountants, requiring two-to-three years' experience, are in the greatest demand, accountants with advanced degrees will have an advantage, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupation Outlook Handbook. "Applicants with a master's degree in accounting or business administration, with a concentration in accounting, also will have an advantage in the job market."

Proficiency in accounting and auditing software or expertise in international business, specific industries or current legislation, also may be helpful in landing a job, the report states.

But Bachrach thinks general experience is on the side of the mid-career CPA. "I'm much more of a generalist," he says. "There are experts out there, but that person may not know HR stuff. If you're strictly an auditor, where are you going to go? Most companies want to see someone with some breadth."

And Steel says, companies will pay for that experience.

"I don't think that most employers are going for lower salaries," she says. "If they have to pay a little more for a truly high-quality individual, they will."

RELATED ARTICLE: Resume Content Tips

* Be accurate and truthful.

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* Summarize the technologies, including hardware, software and databases that you have used in your career.