Accountant and Bookkeeper Articles

While the country bemoans the current economic crisis, those with accounting experience need not be alarmed.  Inflation may rise, the housing market may flounder, and stocks may continue to fall, but accounting professionals can count on one thing: job security.

According to Robert Half International, the largest specialized financial recruitment service, the hiring of accounting professionals is intended to increase in the last quarter of 2008.  Max Messmer, chairman and CEO, says, “Businesses need a strong financial function to see them through all economic cycles.  This has created ongoing demand for accounting and finance staff with specialized abilities and expertise. In particular, firms seek staff and senior accountants, financial analysts, and internal auditors.”

The article goes on to state that most hiring will occur in the small business sector-those organizations with just 20 to 49 employees.  Thus, candidates with expertise in small-business accounting would fare best in the current job market.

Expertise in Small Business Accounting

Most universities and training programs prepare graduates for work in Fortune 500 companies.  This means that the majority of accountants are unfamiliar with the day-to-day accounting tasks required by small businesses.   This is an unfortunate situation considering that 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years, and much of that failure is attributed to poor financial management.  These businesses need an expert, a specialist trained to cater to their unique needs.

Over 25 years ago, Alf Bostrom recognized the lack of training available for accountants working with the small business sector; as a result, he established Universal Accounting Center.  UAC’s flagship course, the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program, is designed to prepare accounting professionals for the unique demands of small businesses.  Not only is this course taught by seasoned professionals, but it is based upon years of experience preparing bookkeeping professionals for this valuable niche market.

The course consists of the following four modules:

Module 1-Accounting Made Easy.  You will master the tools, procedures, and underlying principles that make up the bookkeeping processes of all businesses.  You will also understand the core building blocks of accounting and bookkeeping.

Module 2-Practical Small Business Applications.  You will apply your understanding of the core accounting principles to specific industries.  You will learn to set up books from scratch, do payroll like a seasoned pro, and much more.

Module 3-Advancing your “Account-Ability.” You will learn sure ways to set up complete bookkeeping systems and manage the books for a variety of more sophisticated industries.

Module 4-Building a Successful Accounting Service. You will learn the steps to finding paying clients.  Upon completion of this module you will be able to start and grow an accounting practice following a proven program tested and perfected since 1979.

Whether you’re interested in earning a promotion at work or if you would like to start your own bookkeeping service, this course will see that you accomplish your career goals.  And if you pass the final PB exam with a score of 90% or greater, you’ll earn the Professional Bookkeeper designation. Earning professional certification will enable you to best take advantage of these hiring increases.  It will give you both the expertise and confidence necessary to secure your next accounting position.

This is an amazing window of opportunity.  Don’t allow it to close on you!  Take advantage of current market trends and enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today!

References

“More Accounting Jobs Expected in Q4.” 4 Sept. 2008 SmartPros

Asking for a Promotion, Raise, or Additional Perks

In preparation for this article on career negotiations, last week we discussed the different perks you can request if a salary increase isn’t currently realistic.  This week we will help you prepare for that important meeting where you actually talk with your boss about that promotion, raise, or additional perks.

If you’ve reached the point in your career where you want to negotiate for better compensation, we’re guessing that in evaluating your contribution to your employer you’ve determined that you have indeed earned what you hope to request.  The last thing you should do is wake up one morning and decide to ask for a promotion simply because you’re in the mood for one.  You must first demonstrate that you have earned it.  Then, and only then, can you follow these seven steps:

1. Consider your employer’s needs

Your appeal for a promotion will go over better if you have considered your employer’s needs and how your contribution enables them to better accomplish their objectives.  The more integral you are to their mission, the more valuable you are as an employee, and the more likely you are to receive a promotion.  In communicating how much you’ve contributed to the company and how much more you’d like to contribute, your boss will be much more receptive to your requests.

2. Express yourself

Before that important sit-down meeting with your boss you want your employer to realize how valuable you are.  Take on additional assignments, express your enthusiasm for your position, and take the time to notify your boss when you have achieved anything notable.  This will enable management to recognize your contributions and how much you benefit the collaborative work environment.

3. Pick a good time.

Don’t go to your boss during the busiest time of the year.  Wait for a time when your boss is relaxed and ready to respond to you positively; this applies to the time of year and even the time of day.  It’s also a good idea to ride a wave of success into your boss’s office; it may be best to schedule “the talk” after you’ve made some significant contributions that are a good measure of your success.

4. Know what you want

Before you begin negotiations, share your achievements with your boss, measuring your success with tangible numbers.  When you do begin making requests, be sure you know what you want, and be specific.  How much of a raise are you expecting (be realistic)?  Or were you more interested in being promoted to a different position with more responsibility?  Perhaps, after last week’s article, you’ve decided to request different perks that would enable you to better enjoy your job.  Whatever you’re interested in, be sure to ask for it specifically.

5. Have a backup plan

This article is called “Creative Career Negotiations” for a reason.  When you talk with your boss about enhancing your employment, the discussion is likely to include give and take.  You probably won’t be handed your request on a silver platter.  In the case that you need to back off your request, be sure you come ready with a Plan B.  Try not to walk away empty-handed.  Is there something else you could request in the interim?  Perhaps permission to attend a high-profile conference or receive additional training may be more reasonable requests at this time.

6. Be graceful, whatever the response.

Remember that you shouldn’t end the discussion if your boss doesn’t offer you the promotion.  It is the perfect time to ask for feedback.  What more would you need to do to earn the promotion?  Is there a possibility of enhancing your compensation in the future?  Walking out of the office and slamming the door won’t do you or your boss any good.

7. Know when to leave

There are definitely times when you should stay in a job regardless of whether or not your employer is able and/or willing to enhance the compensation you receive for it.  But there may also come a time when you must evaluate your standing and determine how long you’re willing to work for your current pay and benefits.  There is such a thing as a dead-end job, and if you feel that describes your current position, there may come a time for you to leave and look for something better.

Enhance Your Promote-ability

You can increase your chances for receiving a promotion by enhancing your skills and earning professional certification.  The Professional Bookkeeper Program will teach you small-business accounting and train you to act as your employer’s Profit Expert, enabling you to help the company make informed business decisions that will increase profitability.  Does that sound like a skill that will increase your promote-ability?

When you enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program you learn the following:

• The key components of the accounting process including General Ledgers, Specialty Journals, and Subsidiary Ledgers.
• The various accounts used by specialty industries such as Flooring Payable, Contracts in Transit, and Bank Reserve Accounts.
• The assessment of a company’s financial position.
• The uses and methods of calculating depreciation and allowance for bad debts.
• Various collection techniques for slow-paying accounts that will improve success.
• How to master debits and credits through recording hundreds of daily and monthly transactions.

Once you pass the Professional Bookkeeper exam with a score of 90 percent of above, you will also be able to add the PB designation to your name and resume.  Don’t wait to enhance your chances of promotion.  Enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today and begin enhancing your promote-ability.

No Salary Increases?  Ask for Perks

With talk of a recession, negotiating a higher salary might be difficult.  But you don’t have to give up your hopes of earning a promotion just because the market seems to be slowing down.  One way to approach negotiations is by seeking job perks.  Depending on the perks you secure, they might be worth more than a raise would be.  Here are 5 things you might consider requesting:

Health benefits.  If you already have health benefits, this is non-negotiable.  But if you’ve been working without, this would be a good “perk” to ask for, especially if you’ve proven yourself valuable to an employer.

Increased vacation days. Paid time-off is a great perk.  While this does cost an employer, it’s considerably less than a substantial raise would be.  Consider asking for 10 to 14 additional vacation days per work year.

Flexible work schedule. This costs your employer nothing.  However, it can be difficult to ask for greater flexibility in your work schedule simply because your employer doesn’t want to allow every employee the same luxury.  But don’t let that stop you.  Depending on your personal situation and work history, you may have proven yourself trustworthy enough to earn an unconventional work schedule.

Permission to telecommute. Like a more flexible work schedule, this one may be avoided by some employers.  But for the past few years, many companies have come to realize that affording employees greater work flexibility makes for a more productive work environment-even if for some employees that environment is at home.  Before you approach an employee for this perk, have your ducks in a row.  Is your home a suitable work environment?  Do you have all the necessary equipment to function from home (internet connection, fax, and computer with all the necessary software)?  If you approach your employer requesting costly equipment for your telecommuting work space, you may find yourself at an instant disadvantage.

Training.  This perk is a win-win.  You receive the training necessary to boost your resume and your employability while your employer gains a more skilled employee.  Universal Accounting Center has a number of training programs you might consider.  All would increase your value to an employer; all would be a valuable personal investment as well.

Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program

The Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program is one of those courses that will increase your employability.  This course will teach you everything you need to know about accounting, and more specifically, small-business accounting because most organizations have less than 500 employees.  Most accounting professionals have been trained in corporate accounting which doesn’t address the unique needs of these small businesses.

Not only that, but in taking this course you could also receive professional certification, evidencing to current and prospective employees your newly acquired expertise and skills.  And if you approach your employer, you may find that they are more than willing to pay your tuition.  To learn more, watch our video “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program.”  Order the video today or watch it online for free.  This may be just the convincing your employer needs to enroll you in this valuable course.

Come back next week when we’ll share tips on negotiating for a promotion, a raise, or additional perks.

Advance Your Career This Season

The holidays are still two months away. That’s plenty of time to change the course of your future. Are you interested?

Perhaps you dream of earning a promotion or securing a more desirable position with another employer. Maybe you’d just like to make extra money on the side. Or perhaps you’d like to eventually start your own accounting practice. Whichever most interests you, we have the course that will help you accomplish your ambitions, and it’s called the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program.

One Course, Several Possibilities

The PB Program is designed to train students in small-business accounting. While others spend years in various training programs, this distance-learning course enables you to earn professional certification in 60 hours or less. Not only that, but those other training programs prepare students to work with big businesses which comprise less than 20% of accounting opportunities. It is the small business that needs your attention and will provide you with a roster full of clients. That or your new-found skills will enable you to earn a promotion or secure that job managing a small business’s books.

Whether you’ve spent years in the accounting industry or have yet to learn the difference between a debit and a credit, the Professional Bookkeeper Program will help catapult your professional life in a new and prosperous direction. Here are just a few things this program enables you to do:

• Master accounting for retail and wholesale businesses
• Determine and establish the accounting method that best fits any given 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
• Confidently consult with business owners on key business issues
• 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

Imagine enhancing your resume with all the above-listed skills. Or perhaps, consider how they might it look in a brochure for your new accounting practice. We’re confident that you recognize the value in acquiring this valuable expertise.

With over 25 year experience training professionals in small-business accounting, Universal Accounting Center understands your needs and your prospective clients and/or employer’s needs. That’s what makes this training program so valuable. And in addition to learning small-business accounting, you will also learn how to market your new-found skills, securing the clients necessary to sustain your new business venture!

Additional Services and Skills

The more complementary services you can master, the better, for your professional future or the longevity of your new business venture. More than 80% of small business use QuickBooks software to manage their books. Mastering QuickBooks will make you a QuickBooks authority, enabling you to offer QuickBooks seminars and attract more potential clients by demonstrating how they can use this product effectively. The Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide (PBG) to QuickBooks is designed to help you accomplish that.

Not only will the PBG enable you to manage your own books more efficiently, but it can increase your bottom line as you add QuickBooks consultation, help and setup services to your menu. With hands-on training you can earn a second professional designation as a QuickBooks Specialist that will give you the creditability you need to either advance your career or convince prospective clients that you are an outstanding bookkeeper!

After successfully completing this program you will be able to do the following:

• Enter, set up, and analyze books
• Choose or create a chart of accounts designed specifically for your business
• Write checks, collect payments, and make deposits
• Track progress invoicing, bank draws and retainage to control your cash flow
• Maintain, calculate and report payroll, including W2’s, 941’s and 940’s. Also create and track 1099’s for subcontractors
• Track, collect, and pay city, county and state taxes
• Track how much you or your clients are making or losing on each customer and/or job by assigning and tracking costs on specific jobs
• Create budgets for jobs, customers, departments, or for your whole company and/or your clients’ companies
• Create graphs that give you and your clients a whole new perspective on a company’s finances
• Produce statements and use data to help clients make informed business decisions

With two simple courses you could be well on your way to a more lucrative career and/or a profitable accounting practice. And in less time than your peers might spend in a training program you could be enjoying the profitability of your newfound skills and expertise.

Don’t wait to change the course of your future. Fall forward into a bright and lucrative future as an accounting professional. Enroll in the PB and PBG programs today!

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!

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!

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!

By Michael Crom

Question: I graduated from college last year and recently gained a job at a well-respected accounting company. I am a diligent worker and have never had a bad reference from any of my past employers. I do and always have done everything I am assigned to the best of my ability. My problem is, I don’t often take initiative to go beyond my job requirements. It’s not that I don’t want to or can’t, but simply that I don’t think about things until someone else has already done them. I am really happy with the company I work for and would like to have the opportunity to move up in the future. Do you have any suggestions for ways I could ensure a promotion?

Answer: Congratulations on realizing that you have some areas that you need help with. It’s great that your previous companies recognized you as a hard-working employee, however if you never push yourself, you’ll never exceed your own potential. Here are some things to look at in order to start climbing your way up the corporate ladder:

• See the bigger picture. Sometimes we get so caught up with the day-to-day tasks that we miss what the larger goal is. It is very easy for e-mail, memos and daily agendas to grow on your desk until you can no longer see what the company’s mission is, much less your own. Evaluate your company’s mission statement every month — even tape it in front of you. This way, you will be reminded every day that these short-term tasks are part of a long-term objective.
• See yourself in that picture. You said you like working for your company, and much of that reason probably has to do with the fact you respect what it does and why and how it does it. Now look at your own strengths and figure out what areas both you and the company could benefit from. Try to stop looking at the company and yourself as separate entities and see what you can contribute to the whole.
• Make others see you. While you said that you rarely see new opportunities before others do, it’s more likely that you just don’t voice your ideas when they appear. Start being more aware of yourself. Jot down that little thought that doesn’t seem like a big deal now. Noting key ideas, observations, or problems often amass to a revolutionary improvement later. Mention these ideas and solutions you came up with to your boss at a meeting, and he’ll definitely jot down good thoughts of you.

The major thing to remember is to just seize the moment. Every moment is a chance to succeed and move forward. Add this to your great work ethic and you’ll be climbing in no time.

Michael Crom is executive vice president of Dale Carnegie Training.

Are You Getting the Promotions You Deserve?

If you don’t feel like you get the recognition and promotions you should, ask yourself why others around you get the promotions while you get left behind. When you are just as competent, or more so, than those that rise above you, often the answer is simple. You just don’t get noticed. To get the best promotions where you work, you need to stand out from the crowd. If you work in accounting or bookkeeping, one of the quickest ways to get noticed is by getting additional training. Because the Professional Bookkeeper course is distance learning, you can fit in career accellerating training with the most hectic schedule. You owe it to yourself to learn how to get noticed and get promoted.

Learn How the Professional Bookkeeper Program Can Get Your Career In the Fast Lane