Accountant and Bookkeeper Articles

By Andrea Kay — Gannett News Service

It seems every job hunter has a “what-will-they-say” or “how-it-will-look” phobia.

The typical job hunter worries, for example about what “they” will say about the fact that he or she hasn’t worked for two years and wants to get back into a particular field. Or the worker frets about “how it will look” that he or she is older than the average person in this field.

We need to put this phobia to rest right now.

It’s pointless to put an ounce of energy into worrying about this. First, just who are the “they” you’re worried about? You could end up talking to most anyone in a job hunt - from former associates and vice presidents in your industry to neighbors and relatives. It’s impossible to pinpoint everyone you might have contact with.

And it’s impossible to predict what each person will say or how your goal will look to him or her. Some will think you’re over-the-hill or crazy. Others wouldn’t blink an eye. Your situation will look different to everyone.

Besides, who cares what they think? If you want to go into a particular field at your age or back to doing something you did five years ago, that’s your business.

Base your future on what you want, not what others might think. The only two questions to ask are: How do you want it to look? And what do you want them to say?

Here’s what I mean. Let’s say you’re a 55-year-old marketing professional. How do you want that to look to others? You want there to be no question that you’re quite the catch.

You want to be seen as a vibrant, knowledgeable, innovative, results-oriented marketer. You want to convey the impression that you are a mature leader with hands-on experience and a phenomenal track record in introducing new products or services to the market, a skilled professional who can propel a company into the global marketplace or turn around a low-performing product line.

And you’re going to give them plenty of evidence to prove it. Like the time you developed and implemented a marketing strategy for a new product at your last company that led to first year sales of $8 million, 75 percent over the projected goal.

What do you want them to say? When they’re through talking to you, you want them to be so wowed they say, “Now that’s someone I’d like to hire. She’s got the energy, skills, expertise, experience and mindset we need.” Or, “I need to tell so-and-so about her.”

I’m not suggesting you don’t anticipate objections. For instance, you may be worried someone will say, “But you’ve been away from this field for five years.” You do want to have a reply ready, or bring it up before they do.

But this is not the first thing to focus on nor the reason you don’t follow through on what you want. It’s just comes with the territory. So get over it and get on to what matters most: How you want to be seen and what you’re going to tell them so they do.

Career consultant Andrea Kay is the author of “Greener Pastures: How To Find a Job In Another Place,” “Interview Strategies That Will Get You the Job You Want,” and “Resumes That Will Get You the Job You Want.” Send questions to her at No. 133, 2692 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208; www.andreakay.com. She can be e-mailed at: andrea(AT)andreakay.com.

Focused Education Is Key to Getting Noticed

In the accounting and bookkeeping fields, you need a way to stand out from the crowd to move up to a better job. The training that is taught in the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) program gives you that edge over other applicants. The PB designation proves to employers that you have the real-world skills needed to get right to work with minimal training.

Learn More About the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program

Everyone wants to get on the boss’s good side. It not only makes your job experience more enjoyable, but when the boss likes you and your work, it’s more likely that you’ll be promoted. But building that relationship can be difficult when your manager isn’t the boss of your dreams. So first thing’s first, release those expectations. Unless you decide your boss is bad enough to quit your job or confront about the problem it’s time to make due. Here are 8 tips that will help you enjoy more positive interactions with your boss:

1. Speak the boss’s language

Listen to your boss. What words and phrases are prominent in his/her language? When you determine the work-speak your boss uses, you can begin to use it in your interactions with him/her. Whether or not your boss recognizes it, he/she will begin to feel that a connection has been established between the two of you.

2. Make it your business to know what’s on his/her mind

Again, listen to your boss, watch for prominent themes in his/her emails, topics of discussion in meetings, and assignments with priority status. You’ll quickly begin to recognize what’s important to him/her. Knowing that, you can focus your energy on doing what your boss feels is currently most important.

3. Make him/her look good

You’ll never make your boss happy by undermining his/her authority, talking behind his/her back, or ignoring his/her priorities. But when you make your boss look good, you win loyalty and, possibly, a brownie point or two.

4. Study his/her temperament and style

There’s no use rushing your boss when you know he/she works at a slow and steady pace. Recognizing your boss’s temperament and style will help you to interact more effectively.

5. Remember the rule of give and take

Don’t ask for any favors if you haven’t been willing to give some of your own. A needy employee is not appealing. But an employee willing to work overtime, take over a project, or go on that business trip is the employee more likely to get a little slack when needed.

6. Practice good communication

Keep your boss in the loop. Be sure to send updates on projects, share critical information, and respond to his/her requests in a timely matter. It’s not just good communication, but it good way to communicate your attentiveness as well.

7. Remember that your boss isn’t your babysitter, shrink, or buddy

Your boss doesn’t want to hear about your personal problems or listen to extensive complaints. When you have the chance to chat with your boss, use the time to build a stronger professional relationship.

8. Make your career goals clear

Don’t think you’re being too outspoken by expressing your career goals. Having strong ambition is seen as a positive characteristic in an employee. Clearly communicate you desire to learn, grow, and advance in your position with this employer. When your boss realizes your desire to take on more responsibility, you’ll be in the forefront of his/her mind when that opportunity becomes available.

You can get in the good graces of just about any boss, as long as you implement a few key strategies. The more conscientious you are of your boss, his/her wishes, and temperament, the more likely you are to enjoy a healthy interaction and, possibly, to earn that desired promotion.

Asking for a promotion is a daunting thing. It’s not something you train for. And it can be an awkward exchange for both you and your boss. So how do you make it as painless as possible while increasing your chance of success? Here are ten ways to make your quest for a promotion worthwhile.

1. Earn a Promotion

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 can’t ask for a promotion without first earning a promotion (reference last week’s Career Tips Article Part I). A promotion is something you should seriously evaluate and prepare for. Once you’ve decided a promotion is really what you’re interested in, and have demonstrated an ability to take on more responsibility, then you’re ready to approach your boss.

2. Prepare Your Boss

Depending on your boss, it might be a good idea to express your interest in

preparing for a promotion before you actually ask for one. This may be a chance for you to get feedback and advice on career advancement. And once you’ve mentioned your interest in a promotion, your increased effort in the workplace and the ultimate promotion conversation will not come as a surprise.

3. Pick a Good Time

Don’t go to your boss during the busiest time of 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; schedule “the talk” after you’ve made a significant contribution that is good measure of your success.

4. Pick a Method of Delivery

A face-to-face meeting is often the best method for discussing a promotion because it allows for an exchange where you can ask and answer questions. But you know your boss best and may feel an email or memo is the best approach. You want to make sure your message is clear, and that your boss knows you expect a timely response.

5. Do Your Homework

A promotion doesn’t always come with a raise, so you need to decide whether you want the responsibility without the pay increase. Write out a job description listing all your responsibilities, and then do some research to see what other are being paid for comparable work. Also see what title best matches your responsibilities. What more would you need to take on in order to move to a higher position?

6. Focus On How You Benefit The Company

Practice your approach. You don’t want to sound like you’re selfishly grubbing for more money without considering your employer’s needs. Plan out how you want the conversation to go. Get the bullet points you feel will make the case for your promotion. Stats, accomplishments on the job, goals reached, etc. would all play a part of how you deserve that promotion. Once you have that down then you can share with your boss how your promotion would benefit him/her and the company. By communicating how much you’ve contributed to the company and how much more you’d like to contribute, your boss will be more likely to grant you the promotion.

Another way to make it more certain you will get that promotion if you are able to do a cost analysis (how much you will be saving the company in that promotion) and how much money you will be making the company when you are promoted. If you are able to get solid, verifiable numbers to support this decision, your boss would be crazy to not give you that promotion you are asking for.

7. Be Specific

When you talk about the promotion be specific. How would you like to expand your current position and how much more would you like to be paid for it. When you clearly set the parameters of what you are proposing to your boss, he will know in turn exactly what he needs to make a decision on, and how it will benefit the company. If you leave it in an ambiguous mush then the decision made will reflect that. You want to give yourself the best chance for that promotion. be clear and concise.

8. Don’t Use Ultimatums, UNLESS You’re Willing To Act On Them

How badly do you want the promotion? Is this career advancement necessary for you to get you where you would like to go? Budgetary constraints may limit your current employer’s ability to promote you. IN that case, you need to consider whether you’re willing to leave if you don’t get the promotion. Either wat, you shouldn’t throw around ultimatums in attempts to bully your boss into a promotion. It will leave your boss with a bad impression and may even prevent you from ever getting a promotion or a good reference later.

9. Lighten Up

Be calm, collected, and mature. A tense or desperate tone will make the discussion much more difficult. This can be an awkward meeting for you and your boss, and if you can lighten things up a bit, it will put you both at ease.

10. Be Graceful, Whatever The Response

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

Asking for a promotion can be one of the most difficult things you do in your career. But if you approach it in just the right way it can be a positive experience, illustrating your determination to advance and succeed while taking the necessary steps to move forward in your career.

Universal Accounting Center Can Help You Earn That Promotion

In an informal poll taken by the success coaches here at Universal Accounting, we contacted 100 graduates of our Professional Bookkeeper Program 12 months after their graduation; 74% are now working in the accounting field, have been promoted to a management position or own their own accounting business. Not bad. Would you like to have those statistics on your side? Come read what our graduates have to say about the program. Visit Universal Accounting and see how we can help you begin earning that promotion today.

Back in the day, Ward Cleaver got hired to a position that promised job security and frequent promotion on his chosen career path. Life was beautiful, and all was right in the cosmos. Boy have times changed! These days, if you want a promotion you need doggedly chase it down yourself. Here are eight ways to achieve the career advancement you have in your sights:

It’s hard to get what you want when you’re not even sure what it is. Sit down and figure out where you want to be in 5 to 10 years. Once you state your career goals, write them down frame them, laminate them, whatever it takes to keep them front and center in your mind. It becomes easier to see and concentrate on what it will take to achieve them.

2. Go the extra mile
Come to work 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes late. This gives your boss the impression that you’re more interested in doing your work than you are in watching the clock. Doubly important, is perform to your best abilities, give more than asked, quicker than asked for and more professionally then those in your department.

Remember the mantra: do more than what is expected of you. Ask for more responsibility, volunteer for different duties and tasks, and be a visible team player.

3. Be proactive
Create your own opportunities by seeing what needs to be done and doing it yourself. Many just like you have gotten the promotion or the pay increase by just being observant of the processes around them and offering cost effective solutions to the management. Make sure you do it in such a way that you are not only benefitting the company, but it can be seen coming from your efforts.

4. Network
Networking not only helps you to get the job, but it can also help you trade that job in for a better one. Get to know more people within your organization and, when possible, help others achieve their goals. This increases your value to coworkers and superiors who will be more likely to sing your praises when given the chance.

5. Document your achievements
Track your achievements, measuring results when possible. While it helps to say that your proposal saved the company a lot of money, it means more to your boss when you explain how your proposal reduced production costs by 30%; numbers always speak louder than words alone. One trick I have heard about, that you can keep a “score card” of the accomplishments you were directly responsible for, and at the very least you will be able to bring that out to reference at your yearly evaluation with your supervisor.

6. Communicate
At first it may feel awkward to sing your own praises, but unless your boss knows how valuable you are, it’s difficult for him/her to give you the promotion you deserve. You need to share your achievements with your boss, maybe in a monthly email that states your progress on certain projects and lists your recent achievements. It’s also a good idea to tell your boss you’re interested in a promotion. Who better to help you achieve your career goals?

7. Act professionally
Professional is as professional does; Imagine where you’d like to be in five or ten years and then dress the part, speak the part, and act the part. Avoid complaining, take responsibility for mistakes, and be a team player.

8. Increase your skills and expertise>
Nothing shows your willingness to advance like increasing your skills and expertise. Often employers will pay for programs designed to help employees learn new skills or stay current in their field. Seek out chances to expand your skill-sets, and be sure to share your new knowledge, abilities, and enthusiasm with your boss.

A great way to increase your chances for that promotion is through Universal’s Professional Bookkeeper Program. If you want to increase your accounting skills and earn a professional designation, Universal Accounting Center has the program for you. UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program will teach you the day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping needs of small business, enabling you to become a Professional Bookkeeper (PB). The Professional Bookkeeper Program teaches you the skills that you need to skip over the entry level positions and get right to those job opportunities that might take someone with a traditional accounting training years. Your employer may be willing to pay for your tuition. Come visit Universal Accounting today.

Stay tuned for the next newsletter in two weeks for the next article,”Movin’ on up: How to Ask for That Promotion (Part II of II).”

These days it’s called an alternative work schedule, a compressed work week, or a flexible work arrangement. Regardless of what some may call it, many view these alternative work schedules as appealing options. It enables employees to better balance their work and personal lives. And it can also increase productivity and save employers money. But how does it work and can you get your boss to approve?

Flex-Time

First, let’s explain the differences. A flexible work schedule allows employees to work the traditional eight-hour workday but at a less traditional time. Many choose to start working their eight hours earlier in the day, for example, from six in the morning until three in the afternoon. Or perhaps they begin their work day later in order to end later, let’s say from ten in the morning until seven in the evening. Regardless of the schedule they choose, these employees are expected to be at work Monday through Friday at their predetermined times.

Compressed Work Schedule

A compressed work schedule allows employees to work longer hours each workday in order to shorten their work week. These employees are still expected to put in their full 40 hours but in a compressed work schedule. For example, a four-day work week requires employees to work 4 10-hour days. A three-day work week requires employees to put in 13 hours and 20 minutes for three days in order to enjoy a four-day weekend.

Getting Employer Approval

Obviously, your employer has final say in whether or not you can adopt one of these alternative work schedules. But there are ways to broach the subject in order to appeal to your employer and have a better chance at approval. Here are just a few do’s and don’ts:

DON’T get personal
Instead of approaching your boss with all the reasons a flexible work arrangement would benefit YOU (more time with your family, the opportunity to earn a degree, the chance to participate in hours of community service), identify how it would benefit your employer. Not only do alternative work schedules enable employers to better recruit and retain quality employees, but studies consistently show that employees with flexible work schedules are happier and more productive.

DON’T wing it
It’s important that you prepare your case in advance. Expecting to walk in and woo your boss without any forethought or study will not do yourself nor your boss any favors.

DO anticipate the employer’s concerns
Consider all the factors that might concern your boss. How will the altered work schedule affect your responsibilities, your performance, the coworkers who rely on your position, and your ability to interact with key constituents? Anticipate all his/her concerns and prepare your proposal accordingly.

DO prepare a coherent and persuasive proposal
Determine the schedule you would prefer and prepare your proposal as you would prepare a speech. Include key talking points that would appeal to your boss and iterate employer benefits. Emphasize your dedication to the company, and how that won’t change with an altered work schedule. Also remind your boss of your past work performance and how that has already benefited the company. Leave a hardcopy of your proposal so your boss can revisit your argument as a final decision is made.

If your boss is resistant, DO suggest a trial period
An employer may be uncomfortable with instituting an irreversible flex schedule without first seeing how well it may work. He/she may be more receptive if there’s a trial period; if the arrangement doesn’t prove beneficial to the company, you can resume your traditional work schedule. View this trial period as the opportunity to prove just how beneficial this can be, not just for you, but for the employer and other employees who may want to follow your lead.

In approaching your employer remember that you are part of a team, and your proposal is a genuine reflection on how an alternative work schedule benefits everyone involved. A happy employee is usually a productive one who, in turn, makes the employer more productive and more profitable.

References
“Flex Schedules Can Balance Work, Home Times,” by Tory Johnson, ABCnews.com
“Plan Your Negotiation Strategy,” WorkOptions.com

May Not Be As Scary As First Thought

We’ve all gotten stuck in rush hour traffic, gridlocked going in a direction that you decide, too late, isn’t the best way to go. You begin to feel that your exit is much too far away. The same exact thing can also happen to your career. You may get going in one direction, going along all nicely then suddenly realize that you’re gridlocked in the wrong accounting and bookkeeping track, seemingly with no exit in sight. But don’t panic. Here are five things you can do to switch lanes and find your way off the road you’re currently traveling and onto the road that’s a better match forwhat you want to do in the accounting field.

Research
First, do your research! A change should only follow much thought and reflection, and a little internet research wouldn’t hurt. It’s important that you take the time to study out the new accounting track you want to enter. Know what’s required for those employed in those type of positions, the experience and expertise needed, whether or not you would be able to move up, and where you might find those types of jobs.

And don’t leave your current position on a whim because you’ve heard collections specialists or credit managers are all the rage. Switching jobs simply because it’s trendy or a friend thinks it’s the most lucrative job around are not good reasons to risk the security of your current position. Change careers because it’s something you really feel strongly about.

Take Inventory
Because you are in the bookkeeping and accounting profession already, many of your skills and experience are transferable. Take inventory of what you now do and, following the research encouraged above, see how it might apply to the position you would like to get. Remember, a lot relies on how you present your skills and experience. If you know what a job requires you can often communicate your ability to do it by showing how your expertise can be properly applied.

A lot of your experience has nothing to do with accounting or bookkeeping but is still seen as valuable by potential employees. Do you have any experience with startups? Small businesses? Big businesses? Large projects? Unsupervised projects? High-pressure work environments? Difficult clients and/or coworkers? Remember these experiences when selling yourself to a potential employer.

Network
Look at your contacts to see if there’s anyone with connections to the type of position you’re looking for. Make an effort to meet people in this new field of interest. You can learn more about general job satisfaction and requirements by talking to others. And once you make solid contacts, they can keep you informed of any openings they become aware of.

Moonlight
Some of the experience that may be required could be obtained after your day job, either in the form of a part-time job or through freelancing work. Not only will this added effort look great on a resume, but it will also show how willing you are to extend yourself in order to break into a new field. That speaks volumes to potential employers of your dedication.

Get Some Training
Increasing your skillset is always a plus. And some of that required experience and expertise can be obtained through a training program. Again, that looks great on your resume and reminds employees of your dedication.

Getting noticed often spells the difference between success and failure.

Jonathan Winters once said, “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it!”

It isn’t enough to be a great employee or business owner, and it doesn’t matter if you own your own Accounting and Tax Service or you work in the corporate world, getting noticed is crucial to your clients, your supervisor, and your career.

When I was sixteen, I drove the delivery truck for my dad’s industrial business. For many of our customers, I was the face of the company. I was the one they worked with. I tried to keep the truck and myself clean and polished. I wanted to put forward the best image I could. Before long, I was taking orders and making sales… and I was the delivery boy!

Even if you don’t have the opportunity to be in front of your company’s clients, when your company’s clients are talking about your company, they are often talking about you.

Do you put your best foot forward?

Do you complete your assignments on time? Do you give your clients or supervisor the information they need in a timely and concise manner? Do you look the part? Believe it or not, the answers to these questions are a key factor in the image that others develop of you and your company. They can make the difference between getting the promotion you’re looking for or the big client for your company.

Take a minute to print this page out and rate yourself on the following few items. From (1) I really need to work on that, to (5) I’ve got this nailed!

“There’s always room at the top!” -Zig Ziglar

Earl Nightingale use to say, “Every industry has the man on the white horse.” He is the guy who can always be counted on. It doesn’t matter what happens to the industry or individuals within the company, the man on the white horse is always in demand. He always has the best job. He always makes the most pay. He’s always the first considered for promotion. And he can be you!

Once you are on your white steed, you’ll be noticed by your co-workers, your supervisor and your clients. They will all be talking about you!
Learn more about how to get your employer, co-workers and clients talking about you.

How do I become the Man on the White Horse?

A great place to start is the Universal Accounting Professional Bookkeeper Program! You’ll learn the ins and outs of current accounting practices that will directly impact the bottom-line of your company or that of your clients. Whether you own your own Accounting and Tax Preparation Business or not, this will be the first step for you to become the “Man on the White Horse” in your company.