Accountant and Bookkeeper Articles

How Successful Managers Ensure Successful Communication with Employees

The problem with communication…is the illusion that it has been accomplished. - George Bernard Shaw.

Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. - Robert Greenleaf

We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. - Epictetus

Communication is extremely important for those accountants who want to excel and advance their careers. It’s so important, in fact, that we’ve dedicated a two-part series to developing effective communication skills. Last week we discussed the following four tips in accomplishing that:

1. Determine your message
2. Select the most appropriate communication method
3. Ask for feedback
4. Listen with intent

To become a manager you must have excellent soft skills. Communication is absolutely necessary if you are to manage well. Perhaps as an accountant you thought developing those skills would never be a priority. They’re not, if you are content being managed by someone else.

This week we will cover the final four tips in developing effective communication skills as an accounting manager:

5. Speak up!

In order to instill confidence in those you are speaking with, you must speak with confidence. This requires you to speak up and speak clearly. This might take practice and a little introspection as you determine how you can project a more confident image when speaking with others.

6. Tackle difficult topics

Often we avoid those topics that need the most attention. It may be difficult to talk with an employee about objectionable behavior or address a team about their questionable approach. But in order to manage successfully you are required to tackle the difficult topics, to speak about that which most would want to avoid. It may sound ugly, but that’s why you’re the manager. That’s why you get paid the big bucks.

7. Practice presentation skills

Managers give presentations. They deliver proposals, reports, and even announcements in staff meeting. If you plan on becoming a manager you must practice your presentation skills. Perhaps this will require you take a class or practice in front of the mirror. Regardless of the method you choose you must become comfortable, or at least appear comfortable, presenting messages before groups of people.

8. Allow everyone the opportunity to voice opinions

Good managers make an effort to become familiar with their coworkers’ opinions. Not necessarily their political views or their food preferences, but what they think about the climate at work and how the company is handling projects and work flow. The manager who doesn’t listen to his/her coworkers is missing out on valuable information.

An Accountant’s Role

There are three business functions that must work well together in order to increase a company’s profitability. And you guessed it; accounting is one of these three functions. Accounting, marketing, and production are the three functions that must work well together to ensure success. If you would like to learn how to improve communication among these different functions while increasing your employer’s profitability you must read In the Black by Allen Bostrom, President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center.

This book will enable you to become a more valuable employee and, if you’re not already, a prime candidate for a managerial position. For less than twenty dollars you could advance your career while strengthening your employability. Order your copy of In the Black now!

How Good Managers Ensure Successful Communication with Employees

Whether you’re a manager or would like to be one at some point in your career, you must practice effective communication. Without it your company will experience higher turnover rates, less productivity, and decreased customer satisfaction. Not to mention, your employability lessens when you don’t possess key soft skills like effective communication.

Unfortunately, communication doesn’t come naturally to many accountants. Known as introverted “bean counters,” we often have a bad reputation for practicing ineffective communication with customers and coworkers alike. If you find yourself struggling to get your message across, consider the first of 8 tips on developing effective workplace communication skills:

1. Determine your message

First you must determine exactly what your message is. As a manager you must always be aware of office dynamics and employee performance in order to work closely with those you supervise and facilitate improvement. Take note of areas that need attention and then determine what your intended message should be.

After you’ve determined your message, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by communicating this message? As you define your objectives and the intended audience, consider how to present the message so that it appeals to them. Your approach will greatly influence how the message is received.

2. Select the most appropriate communication method

Different communication methods include written correspondence like email and business letters and verbal correspondence like face-to-face meetings and group presentations. Each and every communication method can be effective if paired with the right message.

For example, if you need to place an employee on probation, email probably isn’t an appropriate communication method for that message. If you need to announce a departmental retreat, it probably wouldn’t be effective to schedule one-on-one meetings with each employee. Scrutinize your message and select the communication method that will most effectively communicate that message.

3. Ask for feedback

In order to truly know how your message has been received and whether or not it has been understood, you must ask for feedback. Provide a forum in which feedback can be safely communicated and received. Some employees may not feel comfortable sharing feedback in a public environment; in that case you might consider requesting feedback via email.

4. Listen with intent

If your only objective in communicating is to get your message across then chances are you are not communicating effectively. The majority of effective communication comes in listening with intent. If you’re not listening, you’re not learning. And if you’re not learning then your work as a manager is probably misguided and ill-informed.

When you listen with intent you focus on the speaker and their message. Consider what motivates them and what they may be thinking and not saying. If you are too busy constructing a response or refuting their message in your mind, you are not paying close enough attention.

Without effective communication skills a manager will not be successful. And if you want to earn a promotion, chances are your boss will be watching to see whether or not you practice effective communication techniques.

Return next week when we will be discussing the final four tips on developing effective communication skills:

5. Speak up!

6. Tackle difficult topics

7. Practice presentation skills

8. Allow everyone the opportunity to voice opinions

If you would like to learn more about how accountants can increase profitability by communicating effectively, visit our website Are You in the Black today!

A Recession-Proof Startup

Gas prices are going up and with them are concerns over the economy and job security. Luckily, the accounting industry makes a showing in two of the five top ranking recession-proof jobs, according to Jobfox.com, an online job service backed by some of the most prestigious US investors.

Rob McGovern, CEO of Jobfox explained, “During this critical period of economic slowdown, these are the professionals who have been least affected by six consecutive months of job losses in the United States. Difficult times, unfortunately, are already here for many low-skilled workers. However, Jobfox continues to see aggressive hiring activity for many critical positions.”

Coming in at number four and five are 1) accounting & finance executive and 2) accounting staff. And it’s no wonder. Small to large businesses are all required by law to perform certain accounting functions. So regardless of how tough the economy gets, businesses still need accountants to manage their financials.

What Businesses Need

Nearly ever business responds to a recession by streamlining their budget which often means scrutinizing current positions to see how they might cut back and save some money. These same businesses would find the option of contracting a freelance accountant to manage their bookkeeping very appealing. Why?

How much more would a business have to pay you if you were on their payroll? Consider a yearly salary along with health and retirement benefits as well as the cost of your cubicle and everything in it. Don’t you think these same businesses would prefer working with a qualified contract accountant who would charge them a monthly fee to do everything an in-house accountant would do? It would save them a considerable amount while affording you the freedom to work for as many clients as you choose.

Small Business Accounting Services

While most large corporations already have accountants on their payroll, and prefer to keep it that way, small businesses are in dire need of a professional who will not only understand their unique needs but cater to them. A contract accountant specializing in small business accounting is just what they need.

The Professional Bookkeeper Program is specifically designed to help you master all those tasks required by the small business owner. Here’s a sampling of what you will accomplish:

• Master Accounting for Retail and Wholesale Businesses
• Establish the Accounting Method that Best Fits the Business
• Set up an Efficient System for a “Ma & Pa” Manufacturing Company
• Track Job Costs Simply and Efficiently for a Construction Company
• Effectively Handle Flooring for an Inventory Financed Business
• Consult on Key Business Issues with Confidence
• Enter Data Quickly and Accurately
• Prepare Payroll like a Seasoned Pro
• Avoid Costly IRS Penalties
• Spot and Avoid Dangerous Trends Before They Become Tragedies
• Save a Company Thousands of Dollars in Auditing Costs
• Start Your Own Bookkeeping and Accounting Business, Using a Step-by-step Approach
• Acquire clients Quickly and Cost-Effectively
• Work with Clients Skillfully
• Prepare a Loan Application Package
• Make Positive Change Happen!

You will learn everything you need to know to start your own accounting practice with confidence and ease.

Market Those Skills

Unfortunately some accounting practices struggle-not because they cannot perform the required tasks-but because they cannot secure the necessary clients to sustain their businesses.

Accountants, while skilled in numbers and calculations, are not necessarily comfortable marketing those services. In order for their practices to thrive, freelance accountants must break through that barrier, learning and using effective marketing strategies to target those small businesses owners most likely to retain their services. But how do you do that?

The Universal Practice Builder Program is designed to help accountants learn the art and science of getting and keeping clients. This DVD-based program will teach you 12-proven marketing techniques that will help you secure 15 to 25 qualified leads per month. Not only that, but you will hone your presentation skills and be trained in organizing valuable seminars through which you can retain even more clients. You’ll also have 3 months of free master coaching where UAC professionals will help you set and achieve your business goals.

This program also comes with a guarantee that you will earn $30,000 in increased annualized billings in just one year! Pair that with the specialized accounting skills you will learn in the Professional Bookkeeper Program and you have a recession-proof startup that will carry you and your family to a much-improved lifestyle.

Don’t wait for the economy to dictate when you can start living your dream. Take advantage of this time to start your recession-proof business and improve your financial standing while others stand around watching. Enroll in these two programs today!

References

“Jobfox Top 20 Most Recession-Proof Jobs.” 14 July 2008 Jobfox.com

In most cities, gas prices have topped four dollars per gallon which means it generally costs at least $50 to fill a tank- unless you’re driving an SUV, in which case you may be losing about $90 every time you refuel.  If you commute more than 15 miles to and from work in a car with a 15 gallon tank, you’re paying roughly $60 every week just to clock in.  And unfortunately it doesn’t look like those prices will go down anytime soon.

Many Americans are considering alternative work solutions that prevent them from spending money on long commutes.  Working from home has never been more appealing, especially when it just might save you upwards of $300 per month.

But that’s not the only perk in working from home.  Many contract accountants enjoy the following:

• The opportunity to offer a service in high demand
• A flexible work schedule
• The ability to earn at least $35/hour
• An enhanced standard of living
• A satisfying occupation
• The ability to call the shots
• A low-expense business

All these plus the ability to save a little gas money every week may be enough to thrust more contract accountants into the market.  How do you gain on the competition?

1. Get Trained in Small Business Accounting

All businesses are required, by law, to perform certain accounting functions.  That makes your potential client base huge.  And the majority of businesses in your area are defined as small which means they have less than 50 employees (and you can bet most of these small businesses do not have an accountant on their payroll).

Small businesses have unique accounting needs.  Those trained at most universities and tech schools have been prepared to work for large, corporate businesses which comprise less than 5% of accounting opportunities.  This means that many formally-trained accountants are not adequately prepared to manage a small business’s finances.

UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program was specifically designed to teach students the necessary day-to-day small business accounting functions.  In less than 60 hours you could gain the expertise necessary to cater your accounting firm to this large and lucrative niche market.  You will have the skill and confidence necessary to manage a small business’s books, from setup to year end!

2. Earn a Professional Designation

You increase your appeal when you demonstrate accounting expertise with professional certification.  A Professional Bookkeeper designation evidences your willingness to sacrifice the time and energy required to enhance your skills and better serve your clients.  You can add PB to your business cards and display the certification in your office.

3.    Learn Proven Marketing Techniques

Sometimes the most difficult task a contract accountant faces has nothing to do with accounting.  Your marketing efforts will determine your business’s success.  And unless you can market your valuable skills you will have no clients on your roster.

You can try to Google your way into some marketing know-how, but the truth is, finding marketing techniques that are proven to work with your demographic will be difficult unless you find someone who’s been there before.

UAC has been training students in small business accounting for over 25 years which means we know what does and doesn’t work when marketing those services to small businesses.  Why waste your time trying to find the right approach when you will be given more than 12 proven marketing strategies in our Universal Practice Builder Program.

In addition to that, you will develop a personalized marketing plan that will enable you to secure 15 to 25 qualified leads per month.  You will also be guaranteed to earn more than $30,000 in annualized billings in just one year!  Imagine, after starting your own accounting practice you can expect a $30,000 raise 12 months from now.  That guarantee alone more than pays for the enrollment fee.

Whether you’re motivated by swelling gas prices, greater flexibility, or the opportunity to make more money, register for UAC’s power package today!  For just a fraction of the cost of a university education and a year’s supply of gas, you will be prepared to start your own accounting practice from scratch.  You’ll complete these courses with the confidence and know-how to make your business successful.  Stop procrastinating your future!  Enroll now!

Visualization is a technique used by athletes, politicians, CEO’s, and bank tellers alike to achieve greater success in their lives. In fact, you currently practice visualization yourself, although you may not be aware that you’re actually doing it.

When you imagine yourself sitting in that corner office with your name on the door, you’re visualizing greater success. And when you imagine yourself getting fired for a series of mistakes, you’re visualizing failure. So as long as you’re visualizing, you might as well do it right.

The brain can’t tell the difference between reality and your imagination. If you imagine yourself earning a promotion or getting a stellar job, you’ve tricked the brain into believing you’ve done that already, paving the way for reality. And the more you visualize it, the more the subconscious begins thinking and doing those things that will prepare you to actually accomplish what you’re visualizing.

The truth is we’ve spent years convincing our brains of one thing or another. If you’re a highly optimistic, successful person, chances are you think many positive thoughts. On the other hand, if you’re a pessimistic, downtrodden person, chances are you think negative ones. The great thing about visualization, however, is that by changing your thoughts you can begin to change your experiences, immediately.

Visualization

Visualization can be a fabulous tool for enhancing your career. But it first requires you to determine what, specifically, you want. Is it a promotion? A bigger and better job? Your own accounting practice? Once you decide what you desire you can begin visualizing your way to success.

The important thing about visualization is that you produce a clear picture in your mind of you achieving your goals. What does it look like? What does it feel like? What are you saying and thinking throughout? The more clarity you bring to your “visions” the more real they appear to your brain which can begin helping you manifest that vision into a reality.

And while visualizing what you desire one time is a good start, it’s not enough to bring that vision to life. Remember, you’ve probably been processing negative, self-defeating thoughts for a long time. It will take daily and focused visualization in order to combat those thoughts and develop new and improved habits of the mind.

Schedule 20 to 30 minutes a day when you can relax and visualize your desires. Select a quiet and undisturbed location so you won’t be interrupted or distracted. And while it may feel silly at first, concentrate and imagine your desires becoming part of your life, filling in all the details to make your vision as specific as possible. Each day add to these details and try to conjure those feelings you would have realizing your dreams.

Affirmations

In addition to visualizations, practice positive affirmations. Affirmations also help bring more positive things into your life as you convince your brain that you are indeed a competent and successful person. These affirmations should be in present tense and only accentuate the positive. For example, if you want to lose weight, rather than say, “I am losing weight,” you should say, “I am healthy and slender.” The first statement focuses on the weight that you’re trying so hard to lose while the second only focuses on the end result you’re trying to achieve.

Make a list of affirmations you could repeat throughout your day. It’s not a bad idea to carry them around with you until you have memorized them and they become part of the audio track that entertains your brain. You’ll find that after a few days of repeating these affirmations you’re feeling more positive and confident.

Change Your Path Today!

Every day you can take steps that will bring you closer to the realization of your dream. Take one step today!

If you wish to enhance your skills or prepare yourself for self-employment as a contract accountant, you should consider UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program. Designed to train individuals in small business accounting, this course will enable you to boost your employability, your chances for promotion, all while preparing you to start your own bookkeeping service, if that’s what you desire.

Begin visualizing today. Order our DVD “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program” now and see just how much this course can enhance your career. Or watch it online and begin changing the course of your professional future.

Moving up the Corporate Ladder

Perhaps you’ve been working in your current position for awhile and are ready for a change including new challenges, an increase in responsibility and a higher salary. If so, it may be time for you to prepare for promotion.

While asking your boss to promote you is a great step, it shouldn’t be the first one you take to advance your career. Here are some things to consider before asking for that promotion:

1. Talk to your boss

It’s important that you know what your boss expects of you. Schedule a one-on-one meeting where you can ask him/her how you might improve your performance and prepare for new responsibilities. Not only will this provide you with valuable information, and from the individual who has the power to promote you, but it also demonstrates your interest in advancing your career while contributing more to your employer’s success.

2. Act professionally

Promotions are often lost around the water cooler. While you may be a fine candidate in your cubicle, your social behavior can cost you your career. Act professionally. This means you should avoid gossip, petty squabbles with coworkers, and loud, raucous behavior in the office.

Also be sure your attire complies with the office dress code and projects a promotion-worthy image. And never be late or develop a habit of leaving early. In fact, when possible you should arrive early and leave late-your boss will notice and attribute the long hours to a strong work ethic.

3. Go beyond the call of duty

Employees who fulfill their obligations, just barely, rarely receive promotions. Those who move quickly up the corporate ladder are proactive and do more than is required. Read through your job description and determine how you might excel at each of those requirements. Take the initiative and go beyond the call of duty.

4. Take on additional responsibilities

You’ll attract positive attention when you volunteer for additional responsibilities. This may be as simple as joining a committee, giving a short presentation at staff meeting, or acting as a liaison with another department. Whatever it is, volunteer wholeheartedly and fulfill the responsibility completely. Not only will this show your willingness to contribute to the company’s success but it will demonstrate your ability to manage additional responsibilities with ease.

5. Be a team-player

Never degrade a coworker. While you may view some as competition for certain positions, talking negatively about your peers will only make you look bad. Willingly join teams and contribute to the team’s success, even if that means praising a teammate for a job well done. Never try to commandeer a team, but when possible lead the team to success. Your positive role on a winning team will help you earn that promotion.

6. Acquire new skills

This is one tip where you can’t go wrong. Not only will acquiring new skills increase your value with a current employer, but it will make you more appealing to prospective employers. Acquiring new skills is a personal investment that will produce big returns in your career. It also displays a continual interest in self-improvement for yourself and your employer. What boss wouldn’t be impressed by the proactive employee improving his/her skill set?

If you’re interested in improving your skills and earning a professional certificate to go along with it, enroll in Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide to QuickBooks. Not only could you earn a QuickBooks Specialist designation, but you will master a software program used by more than 85% of small businesses today. Talk about a resume-enhancing skill! Add QuickBooks Specialist and see what a difference it makes in your career.

We teach you how to do the basic transactions, how to reconcile accounts, where the data goes, and a basic understanding of fundamental accounting principles. We have also included about 18 hours of bookkeeping instruction and a complete, detailed presentation of QuickBooks fundamentals. You may as well call it a lifesaver. The newly released 2008 version of the PBG beats out other QuickBooks training programs by offering the following:

• Training targeted for all user types
• 16 CDs with over 30 hours of training
• 4 full-color manuals with over 800 pages of instruction
• Six months of follow-up email support
• Accounting 101 Review
• 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in most states
• An iron-clad guarantee

A bright career is full of possibilities. Increase your possibilities now by enrolling in our PBG program!

Is there a company you would like to work for, however, every time you check they have no openings? Don’t let that discourage you. You can still court a prospective employer even when they haven’t hung a “help wanted” sign in their window. The following 5 tips will help.

1. Make connections

Career-minded individuals should always be networking. This can help you court a potential employer as well. Do you know anyone who works for the organization? If so, see if he/she might be able to introduce you to someone in the human resource or accounting department. If not, take measures to meet employees on your own. Sometimes businesses sponsor or frequent community events and participate in job fairs. The more you learn about an organization the more opportunities to interact with employees you will discover.

2. Write a letter of introduction

A letter of introduction is similar to the cover letter that accompanies a resume. However, a letter of introduction does not discuss a specific job opening but rather it’s an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to an organization and express interest in contributing to their success. As with a cover letter, you should briefly share your professional background and explain why you are a good fit for their business. And while the letter’s tone should be confident, it should not be pushy or overbearing.

3. Consider temp work

Often the best way into an organization is through temp work. This provides the perfect opportunity to wow an employer and is a chance for you to test drive the organization to see if it measures up to your expectations. You may find that upon closer examination it’s not quite what you had hoped. On the hand, you may determine that it’s just the place you want to rest your briefcase, long-term.

4. Ask that your resume be placed on file

You’ve sent your letter of introduction and some time has passed. Go in and ask human resources to place your resume on file. Chances are your letter of introduction was cause to create a file for you. Your resume will draw attention to that file and evidence your genuine interest in this organization. It’s good to present your resume in person; take advantage of every opportunity to become more familiar with the staff. And always be cordial and courteous. These individuals will likely be asked what they thought of you-you want those impressions to be favorable.

5. Follow up

It’s important that you not be pesky. Follow-up frequently enough to remind the organization of your existence, but not enough to irritate or annoy. You may choose to call or email in order to keep your correspondence subtle and unobtrusive.

Regardless of whether or not a company has posted the right job for you, there are things you can do to court an employer and make yourself a prime candidate as soon as a position does open. It may require patience and determination; but it can be done.

Often the best advice you can receive regarding job hunting is from peers who are experiencing the same struggles and achievements you are. For this purpose, Universal Accounting Center has created an accounting and tax forum where you can interact and network with peers both near and far. Join the forum today. They’re free and provide you with the perfect opportunity to widen your network.

So Can You!

You’re not the only one with a dream to start and manage your own accounting practice.  And as far as dreams go it’s not a bad one to have.  The US Department of Labor has long toted accounting as a lucrative career choice, predicting that the, “Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. As the economy grows, the number of business establishments will increase, requiring more accountants and auditors to set up books, prepare taxes, and provide management advice.”  In addition, Brent Inman of PricewaterhouseCoopers said, “It’s clearly one of the hottest markets (for accountants) that I’ve seen.”

Perhaps you’re currently working in the accounting industry but have yet to decide that starting your own bookkeeping practice is viable and profitable, all while being startup-friendly.  Authors of The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century, Paul and Sarah Edwards, have rated a bookkeeping service as the “Best of the Best” home-based businesses.   With little to no equipment, inventory, and software costs, and the ability to work from your home, an accounting practice is a business you can start easily.  Not to mention, you can moonlight as a freelance accountant until you gather enough clients to take your practice full-time.

Success Stories

Often it helps to hear from people who, like you, wanted to start their own practices but were uncertain whether or not they could be successful.  Listen to what they have to say about their experiences and how UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program provided them with everything they needed to know to build a thriving accounting practice.

It’s Quick

Scott spent a number of years working in corporate America, and after two company shut-downs he decided that he was ready to start his own business as a full-time accountant.  Because he lacked formal training he did something unusual; he went to a local university to get an associate’s degree in accounting and he took Universal Accounting Center’s 4 week Professional Bookkeeper course.

Scott explained, “…from the get-go with Universal Accounting Center, their training was fast and simple. In looking at both, it was actually more comprehensive than the 18 month class. We had to do the entire extra general education thing, and they broke the training up into little pieces, where in Universal Accounting Center you got the whole picture and you got to do it all in four weeks. It was great.”

It’s Realistic

Victoria was looking for a position that would afford her great flexibility.  She had two young children and needed to arrange her schedule around their needs.  She also needed to make at least $60,000.  And because traditional employers weren’t interested in meeting her unique demands, she decided to take a serious look at starting her own accounting practice.  And when she found Universal Accounting Center’s website she was surprised at the wealth of information about starting and managing her own bookkeeping service.

Victoria said, “…It made me realize that this was something that was an achievable goal.  …So that was very, very encouraging for me. And the other thing that I had walked away from that with is this incredible realization that not only did you provide this incredible gamut of information on how to run your own business, but you also had the programs so that I could continue my education.  …The gem of all of that was the confidence that I had at the end.”

It’s Profitable

One of the most important things entrepreneurs hope to discover is that their venture is profitable.  Rebecca The became frustrated when she realized that her dream of moving up the corporate ladder wasn’t being realized.  She was working long hours and not making the money she desired.  Rebecca finally decided it was time to quit and start her own accounting practice.  After graduating from the Professional Bookkeeping Program she started her own business and has seen fabulous results.

Rebecca boasts, “March 2005 was a banner month for me - I recorded over $10,000 in billings. I never would have imagined doing that well and that soon. I was never compensated that well by a corporation.  I am finally living the life I envisioned for myself. With the increased earnings and flexibility of being my own boss, so far this year I have been able to take 2 trips to Maui. I have planned additional trips to Las Vegas, New England, and Singapore throughout the year. I have already booked a 50^th wedding anniversary vacation with my parents to Maui next year on April 17. Universal Accounting gave me the practical skills to successfully reach my goals.”

Many more like Scott, Victoria, and Rebecca have started their own practices and are enjoying the results.  You can become one of them and have everything you need to know to start your own practice in just 60 hours.  Krista Farmer, a Professional Bookkeeper, says, “Since I am not a risk taker by nature, I eased my way into my bookkeeping and accounting practice. Fortunately, the marketing tips provided in the program are so adjustable that I could use them to help build my business as slowly or as aggressively as I wanted…  I would never have attempted to start a business had I not completed the PB course. It provided me with the knowledge and confidence to actually start my business.”

The Professional Bookkeeper Program

With 4 instructional manuals and 16 DVDs you will have access to training that you can review again and again until you feel you have adequately mastered the concepts.  You will learn how to perform small business accounting tasks and market those skills to a valuable niche market: local small businesses.  Not only will you gain expertise but the confidence to make your practice successful.  Follow those who have gone before and succeeded.  We’re confident that you’ll soon be adding your testimonial to those of countless UAC graduates.  Take your professional future into your own hands and enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today.

When searching for a job it’s important to have everything you need to succeed, like a toolkit with all those items prepared that will enable you to secure the perfect position. That way, you’re never taken off-guard and required to throw something together for a potential employee. And everything from your resume to your email address communicates a level of professionalism and dedication. So you can’t wait until the opportunity presents itself to get your toolkit together. Now is the time to gather your job search gear.

1. Resume

It’s important that you update your resume periodically. If you wait too long, you will forget significant achievements and responsibilities that will appeal to potential employers. And while you should revise your resume to cater to the position for which you are applying, it helps to have current information to work with.

2. Application-at-the-ready

While filling out a job application isn’t rocket science, it does take a certain amount of time, energy, and recall ability to complete successfully. Depending on the application, this may require you to sort through old documents listing previous addresses, employers and their corresponding contact information, as well as starting and ending salaries. Save yourself some time by making copies of old applications to keep on file. That way completing an application becomes a matter of copying information from one form to another.

3. Cover letter template

Most jobs require you to submit an application package which requires a thoughtful cover letter stating your intentions. While each cover letter you write should be unique to the job for which you are applying, having a standard template will help you compose the letter more quickly.

4. Elevator speech

An elevator speech is like a quick infomercial about you and your abilities that can be delivered in the time it takes an elevator to carry its occupants to their floor. An elevator speech is something you hone and practice so that at opportune moments you can network effectively, explaining what you do and why you do it so well that everyone deserves to hear about it.

5. Portfolio

Most professionals can demonstrate their expertise with samples of their work or specialized certification. All these things should be collected in one place for easy access. Then you have a portfolio prepared should a potential employer ask to see it.

6. Professional email address

While you may think smartdude28@email.com is a great email address, it doesn’t say much for your professionalism. When selecting an email address for the purpose of a job search it’s important the you choose one that will project a positive, professional image.

7. Power suit

When interacting with significant contacts and potential employers it’s important that you dress the part. You should have at least one power outfit to wear for interviews and networking occasions.

Add Universal’s DVD 4-Pack to Your Toolkit

Included in your toolkit should be strategies to increase your skills and expertise. Universal’s DVD 4-Pack is designed to introduce you to all the valuable programs we offer, each and every one of them intended to enhance your accounting career. This power pack includes:

Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program

Learn how becoming a Professional Bookkeeper will improve your accounting skills, enabling you to expand your business and become a full-service financial provider.

Introduction to the Professional Tax Preparer Program

Learn how becoming a Professional Tax Preparer will improve your tax skills and help you earn a professional designation that will evidence your expertise.

Start Today and Have Your Own Bookkeeping Service

Learn how to make over $80,000 per year working from home while getting more clients than you can handle. Know how to charge your client so you can afford to take that next vacation while they get such a great deal they will be telling all their friends about you.

The Art and Science of Getting Clients

Learn how to get more clients by using our proven methods.

Not only will these programs enable you to bolster your resume and enhance your career, but if you’ve ever considered starting your own accounting and tax practice, these DVD’s will help you get started. Order now and complete your job search toolkit!

6 Tips in Taking Charge of Your Professional Future

How many individuals lose sight of their career goals because they became “stuck” in a position they don’t enjoy, working for an employer they don’t like. Many take jobs they view as a transitional position, a placeholder that will pay the bills while they get their real career on track. Some anticipate working up the ladder to greater success, responsibility, and fulfillment. Others expect to gain education or skills that will help them find a better job elsewhere. While others still aren’t exactly sure where they’d like to end up ultimately and take positions that will buy them some time while they sort things out.

Unfortunately, too many individuals find that these transitional positions become their permanent positions, and the thought of finding something new becomes overwhelming and tiresome. Don’t let that happen to you. As stuck as you may feel, you can always devise a strategy that will enable you to get where you would really like to be. Here are 6 tips that may help:

1. Fulfill your position

Regardless of how much you may dislike your current job, the truth is it may determine whether or not you get a better one. Nothing looks worse than getting fired, but the runner up gets a poor review from a former employer. If you apply for other jobs you want your current supervisor to have nothing but good things to say about you. With this said, it might be a good idea to approach your employer and ask if you’re fulfilling the position as intended. Once you discover what your employer expects, you can prepare to receive glowing reviews by meeting those expectations.

2. Learn as much as possible

You may not realize it, but your current position is a training ground for the next one. Learning as much as possible from this job will only help you become a better applicant. So look at your current challenges and determine how you can grow from them. If you’re experiencing problems with your coworkers, how might you approach that challenge so that you grow and become a better employee for your next job? If you’re struggling with the workload, what can you do in order to better manage that workload so you can proudly share what you’ve learned from the experience in a future job interview?

3. Identify your “dream job”

In Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Through the Looking Glass, the Cheshire Cat informs Alice, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” The same applies to your career. If you’re uncertain where you want to go, you can pick any path. There’s just no guarantee that you’ll like the final destination. That’s why it’s important that you decide exactly what it is you would like to do. That will enable you to take the path that get you there.

4. Advance your skills and knowledge

Just because you want to do something, doesn’t mean you’re qualified to do it. Once you have identified your “dream job,” take action to become the most qualified person available. If that means furthering your education, attending conferences and workshops, or earning certification, the best time to do those things is now.

5. Build your network

The best opportunities will most likely present themselves through your professional network. The larger your network, the greater the possibilities. And building a network will take time and attention; join professional organizations, attend community events, and frequent other businesses.

6. Research the possibilities

As you work to advance your career you must always research your options in order to discover new and exciting opportunities. When you become too absorbed in your “transitional” job, your career will quickly stall.

It’s important for every career-minded professional to know what their options are and how they might achieve true success. If you’ve been wondering what steps you might take to reach your goals, visit Universal Accounting Center and take our tour to see how we can help. From gaining professional certification to providing valuable training, Universal Accounting Center is interested in helping you succeed. Visit UAC today!