Using the Internet to Find Accounting / Bookkeeping Jobs

Looking for a job requires a lot of work. No one has to tell you what’s involved: searching job listings, networking, hunting down potential employers. It takes a lot of time and energy to get that one good interview. Using the Internet to enhance your efforts can speed up the process while presenting more opportunities than you would find in a regular job search. Here are three ways to webify your approach:

1. Search Listings

Many people look for job listings in the Sunday paper or other classifieds. Not only can you find those same listings online, but you can also use general search engines, job banks, and professional associations to look for jobs.

Classifieds
You’ve probably already discovered your local paper online. What about the paper two counties down? Or the newspaper in that big city you’ve always wanted to live? You have access to hundreds of classified if you just let your fingers do the walking, on your keyboard, that is.

Search Engines
Yahoo, Google, MetaCrawler, and AltaVista are just a few examples of search engines you can use to find jobs. And if you type in the right key words (see our next newsletter on good online searches), you can narrow the search and find your way to a potential employer’s inbox.

Job Banks
There are many job banks like monster.com, America’s Job Bank, and careerbuilder.com that allow you to post your resume and search their listings for jobs anywhere in the country. Usually membership is free and after joining a job bank service, some will notify you when a job description matching your interests is posted. Many job banks also offer tutorials that could help prepare you for even the most daunting job-search hurdle. And there are job banks that are designed for accountants and bookkeepers (see The Marketplace for Accounting and Financial Professionals).

Professional Associations
Joining professional associations can put you in contact with influential colleagues while keeping you current in your field. While you may have to pay membership fees, these associations can be a great resource for jobs and networking. The Tax and Accounting Sites Directory has a great list of places to check out.

2. Network

You’ve heard the adage, “It’s not >what you know, it’s who you know.” Your knowledge and skills will help you prove yourself, but sometimes knowing the right people will give you just that chance to show your stuff. When you make the right connections online, in addition to the networking you do face-to-face, you increase your opportunities to impress.

So where do you network online? There are many newsgroups, mailing lists, and professional forums you can join to meet new people. You never know where you might find that one person who will put you in touch with your future. UAC’s forums are a good place to start.

3. Find Potential Employers

Now is a good time to ask yourself where you’d like to work. Which companies appeal to you? Go to their websites and see what listings they post there. You can also find out what the organization is about and get a feeling for the type of work you might do for them.

But maybe you don’t know where you’d like to work yet. Searching the yellow pages online can help you find local companies you might like to work for. And the yellow pages you thumb through on the Internet give you access to more companies than you’d find in your local phone book; you can search in any city, in any state to find potential employers. Sometimes the listing includes a link to the company website where you might find openings.

Preparing for the Interview
Now don’t turn off the computer just yet. Once you’ve scheduled that interview you can use the Internet to study the company website and find out what’s important to them. Nothing impresses a potential employer more than knowing that you’ve done your homework and can ask intelligent questions about their aims.

Universal Accounting Center Can Help Increase Your Computer Skills
If you haven’t yet enhanced your bookkeeping or accounting skills by working with QuickBooks, Universal Accounting has the course for you. Whether you want to work as a small business accountant or as a freelance accountant or bookkeeper, QuickBooks does it all. Its streamlined workflow helps you get done sooner. And QuickBook skills are a great thing to include on a resume. Register for our QuickBooks training today!

If you’re an accountant or want to become one, you’ve picked the occupation of champions. Not too surprisingly, a large number of CFO’s were first accountants. And we’re finding that the number of CEO’s with an accounting background is increasing as well.

The workforce is kind to accountants. Largely due to the retirement of baby boomers, reputable accountants are in high demand. For the past few years the US Department of Labor has reported that by 2008 accounting jobs would increase by 20%. That great forecast has been extended to 2014!

In an article written for Insight Magazine, John Challenger, CEO of outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas in Chicago, said, “It’s a good time. You’re a free agent. It’s one of the hottest professions in the country. You’re always in demand.”

Some suspect that accountants are being considered for top executive positions due to Enron and other corporate scandals. Accountants are viewed as professionals who can exhibit more financial accountability then their MBA counterparts.

Kevin Dancey, CICA’s president and CEO, explains that accountants are not only trained in analyzing financial information, but the importance of ethics is also stressed throughout their training. “That’s very important to shareholders,” he says. “When you’re part of a profession like ours, having that strong code of values and ethics is very important, and that’s been ingrained in our training” (”Shortcut to the C-Suite . . . “).

Regardless of how you cut it, accounting is a great occupation: the occupation of champions. “It’s a career that offers a good route to the CEO or CFO spot,” says Challenger. “It’s a great place right now to build a career.”

Universal’s Professional Bookkeeper Program Can Provide the Training Your Need

Whether or not you have a degree, practical training in accounting could be just the thing you need to climb that professional ladder and reach the level to which you aspire. Whether that’s account manager, auditor, CFO or CEO, Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper Program can help you skip a rung or two.

In less than 60 hours you could complete practical training in accounting that will give you the confidence and skills you need to move ahead in one of the brightest occupations around. Not only that, but you’ll find the program inexpensive and convenient, allowing you to study at your own time and pace.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Changing Jobs in the Accounting Field

Perhaps you began your accounting career with the idea that you would move up or quickly switch to a job more compatible with your interests and goals. Whether you’ve been in your current job for ages and need a change, or if you’re just interested in the opportunities available, accounting is a wide field that offers many options. From controller to tax manager, from senior accountant to senior analyst, from credit manager to bookkeeper, the job possibilities are endless, so there’s no reason to feel gridlocked in your accounting career. But as you consider a change in occupation, remember the following Do’s and Don’ts:

Don’t be rash simply because you’re unsatisfied with your current employer. Sometimes we want a change because the current situation is undesirable. If this is the case, take the time to consider whether it’s the employer or current work environment that’s unappealing rather than the job itself. In this case you may consider switching employers rather than switching occupations.

Don’t worry if the thought of changing careers makes you nervous. Change of any kind, especially in a career, makes most people nervous. It’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t scare you away from accomplishing what you desire. Taking it slow and creating a plan will help ward off any fear you might be experiencing.

Don’t get discouraged. It may take awhile to 1) discover what you really want, and 2) find that perfect job for you. Recognize that changing jobs will take time and require patience.

Don’t rule out staffing agencies. Sometimes you have to date a few employers and jobs before you commit to just one. There are staffing agencies that specialize in accounting and by taking a few months to test drive a few employers and occupations you’ll get a good idea of which might be best for you while getting your foot in the door.

Don’t begin applying for jobs before you’ve considered exactly what you want. Again, you don’t want to be rash. Switching from one job to the next without careful reflection will do you no good.

Do take the time to research and consider all the possibilities. Take the time to consider your interests, your objectives, and your ultimate career goals. Do the research necessary to determine which job and employer will be right for you.

Do take advantage of all your networking contacts. This is where your contact list will come in handy. Call around and talk with your contacts. This can accomplish three things: one, it will aid in your research to determine which accounting occupation could be right for you; two, it can help you discover job opportunities you may not heard about otherwise; and three, you might win an advantage on a job you’re interested in.

Do find a mentor. Once you determine the occupation for you, find a mentor who can help you move through a job search most effectively. A good mentor will provide encouragement, advice, and networking opportunities.

Do remember your transferable skills. Because you’re moving from one accounting job to another, recognize that your transferable skills are invaluable. Update your resume so that it targets your desired occupation while highlighting those transferable skills.

Do get training that will help you advance. Often you’ll have a better shot at getting a job if you’ve had advanced training. For example, enrolling in UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program could give you the advantage in finding just the job you want. It will bolster your resume and give you a talking point in those crucial interviews.

Whichever occupation you choose in the accounting field, the important thing is that you find the right one for you. In following this list of Do’s and Don’ts you will have a better chance of doing just that.

Learn More about the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program

If you would like to see how the PB Program could benefit your career, order our DVD “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program.” For less than $10 you can advance your career and open yourself to more accounting possibilities than you may have otherwise imagined. Don’t delay professional success. Order your copy now!

Serving Subscribers with Our Free Newsletters

We enjoy sending you information that we hope improves your efforts to advance your accounting career. Our three newsletters, AB Tips, Tax Tips, and Career Tips, are intended to help professionals like you advance in whatever their current position in the financial field. The AB Tips Newsletter is designed to share accounting and bookkeeping tips with subscribers. Intended for individuals with their own accounting practice or for those who would like to start their own practice, we specifically include tips on how to market your services, how to streamline tasks, how to organize your office space, etc. Our Tax Tips Newsletter is for tax preparers or those interested in tax preparation. We provide tax news, information on starting your own business, tips on building your clientele, etc. And finally, we have our Career Tips newsletter, for those of you who work or would like to work in the accounting field. In this newsletter we include information on getting the right job, advancing in your field, moving into management positions, etc.

As we learn more about your needs, we alter our approach in order to better serve you. We’re adding a few things to the newsletter that we hope you enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and how we hope it helps you.

Two articles

Since we began running our free ezines over two years ago, we have included two articles every issue that offer accounting and tax information, tips on running and marketing a small business, career guidelines and promotional pieces. The newsletters provide us with the opportunity to share our products and services with those we believe they best serve. Universal’s programs are top of the line and life-changing; we promote them because we know they help people like you achieve career goals and realize your business dreams.

We also use the newsletter as an opportunity to expose you to our many free resources, including personalized information from our President and CEO, Allen Bostrom in Allen’s Blog, UAC’s accounting and tax forums, the newsletters, and the Universal video tour.

Recently we’ve responded to requests for purely informational pieces as well. Last summer we asked newsletter subscribers to tell us what you wanted to read about. For the past six months we’ve tried to include articles on all suggested topics. Each newsletter contains one, if not two, informational pieces. We continue to welcome your feedback as we write articles intended to help you improve your accounting career. Please visit our forums for a chance to give us feedback on past articles and suggestions for future articles.

Press Releases and New Products

We want you to be in the know about everything Universal, so we include all press releases, enrollment offers, and information about new products in our newsletters. From our new interactive testing center to our customized Professional Bookkeeper Program for Canadian residents, we want you to be the first to know what’s happening at Universal Accounting Center.

Quotable Quote

Everyone could use a little inspiration now and then, so we like to include a quotable quote in each issue of our newsletters. Funny quotes, somber quotes, quotes that make you want to get up and accomplish something, we try to include a variety that inspire and uplift.

“The Bottom Line”

And last but certainly not least is an upcoming addition to our newsletters: a video clip we call “The Bottom Line.” In the serious world of financial statements, taxes, and projected profits, the bottom line is that we like what we do and can enjoy a good laugh about our profession. The humorous clip is intended to help lighten your load and improve your day. We hope you look forward to this new feature and share it frequently with coworkers, family, and friends.

We want our newsletter to help you move forward in your goals as a financial professional.So stay tuned as we continue to improve our newsletters so that they can better serve your needs. We appreciate your support.

Avoid 8 Common Newbie Mistakes

(Part One of a Two-Part Series)

Being the new kid in the cubicle can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression and fit in all at the same time. Annie Fisher, senior editor at Fortune Magazine, reported that according to research performed by the Employment Policy Foundation, one-quarter of new employees don’t last a year in their new jobs. 46%, nearly half, don’t last 18 months. Statistics don’t favor the newbie, but that doesn’t mean you won’t last in your new position. One way to increase your longevity with a new employer is to avoid common newbie mistakes. Take care to avoid the following four of eight common missteps:

1. Disrespecting corporate culture
The saying goes, “Curiosity was framed. Ignorance killed the cat.” Every company has its own culture and often a new employee’s inability to recognize and appreciate that culture can get him/her into trouble. An article run by CollegeRecruiter.com discussed an Office Team survey revealing that 17% of employers named ignorance of corporate culture as the most damning new employee mistake. From talking too loudly on the phone to addressing colleagues inappropriately, if you’re not careful the little things you do can draw negative attention you way. The best way to avoid this mistake is to step lightly those first few weeks; watch and listen to get a good feel for that corporate culture so that you can respect its subtle nuances.

2. Not asking enough questions
A Chinese proverb says “He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.” You’re new; people expect you to ask questions. You may want to shine by being a quick study, but blindly going about your job may jeopardize your standing. When you try to tackle new tasks and projects without getting the guidance and direction you need, you risk doing things incorrectly, causing more harm than good.

3. Lacking integrity
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “A little integrity is better than any career.” And it looks like you’d be hard pressed to succeed in your career without it. A lack of integrity is a character flaw that quickly becomes an employability issue when a boss recognizes that a new employee isn’t trustworthy. There’s no need to employ individuals if their honesty and ethics are questionable. In the words of Alan Simpson: “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

4. Not following the rules
Mavericks make good movie fodder. They don’t usually make good employees, especially when they’re new. You may not agree with certain rules and believe the company would be better off without them, but until you’ve proven yourself as a stellar employee you have no place exhibiting rebellion in order to make a point or stand out.

Regardless of the statistics, you can make a positive impression at your new place of employment. And if you’re paying attention you can ensure that you avoid common pitfalls that could put your job in jeopardy. Come back next week to read the final four mistakes new employees often make.

References
—. “Rookie Mistakes Lead to Most Common New Hire Slip-ups.” CollegeRecruiter.com
Accountemps. “Top Five Mistakes When Starting a New Job.” July 2007. SmartPros.com
Fisher, Anne. “Fatal Mistakes When Starting a New Job.” 2 June 2006. Fortune. CNNMoney.com.

Self Employment:
A New Career In Four Short Weeks

As seen in The Salt Lake Tribune

Most students who attend the unique training courses offered by Universal Accounting Center are looking for a change. Perhaps they want to move u in their current job and take on new responsibilities. Possibly they are unemployed and want to enter a new career, or find better employment with a higher earning potential.

Or, perhaps they’ve decided the time has come to start their own business at home - and they need training and encouragement to take that first step toward greater independence and security. If you fall into one of these categories, in less than a month you’ll find the accounting and bookkeeping training and confidence you need at Universal.

For nearly 20 years, graduates of Universal have been thrilled as their income improved and their career opportunities increased. In fact, Universal’s exclusive courses have developed a nationwide reputation for providing an effective, fast-track education in accounting and bookkeeping.

What does it take to be a good bookkeeper? According to Allen Bostrom, CPA and president of Universal, it takes someone who likes to work with numbers, and who has a good mind for details. Bookkeepers and accountants should be people with high ethics - they’re the people who record and handle the finances for businesses.

Good bookkeepers always look for ways to help their companies improve financially, and are a great asset. Bookkeepers should like to help people, because they are the ones upon which everyone else in the company depends.

“Accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll are the areas that seem to be in particularly high demand in the Salt Lake area. We receive lots of calls and requests for employees with these skills,” says Bostrom. “All a person needs to do is look under the accounting and bookkeeping sections of the classified ads to see the multitude of jobs from which to choose.”

How much may one expect to earn? Accounts receivable and accounts payable clerks’ salaries will generally range between $16,500 to $26,000 per year. Payroll clerks will range between $20,000 to $26,000 per year, according to the Robert Half 1998 Salary Guide.

There’s a great need for “full-charge” bookkeepers as well - those who can manage the entire bookkeeping process, including preparation of financial statements at month’s end. These highly skilled employees can make between $26,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on background, training and experience. No college degree is generally required for these great positions.

People who have decided it’s time to open their own bookkeeping and accounting business can make between $20 and $50 per hour, when doing the work on a contract (self-employed) basis. Since they usually work out of their own home, the start-up costs are low - often not much more than the price of acquiring a business license, calculator, business cards, stationary and sometimes a computer - although a computer isn’t mandatory. Bookkeeping can be done quite well by hand.

They can start their business while still employed at their “day job”, and do the bookkeeping on their time off, or they can jump into their new business full time and build it as quickly as they choose.

One of Universal’s students who opened her office at home had all the clients she and her husband could handle working full-time, within two months. In fact, many students have their first clients before even finishing the four-week class. This often happens when the students are excited about their new direction. Students who choose to start their own accounting and bookkeeping business are thrilled with the independence, freedom and income that working at home provides.

Universal has new classes starting soon that can prepare you to take charge of your life and find a new, rewarding career. You’ll find the classes are small and offer a lot of personal attention. Also, they consist of a variety of people: those with non experience: those with years of on-the-job experience: and those with various degrees of professional designations. Even CPA’s are enrolled in the classes almost every time they are offered.

No matter what your experience level, you’ll gain much from the classes. The information would take you years to acquire on your own. From debits and credits, to dealer financing, to construction, manufacturing and retail operations - you’ll gain hands-on, practical experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Students’ satisfaction is guaranteed, or their tuition refunded in its entirety.

Get Started!

Building a Support Group for Your Career

You know what they say: “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” While that’s not always true, building your professional connections can come in handy. Whether it gets you a job, helps you earn a promotion, or launches your new business, having a strong network of supporters can sometimes make or break a career. So how do you network effectively? Here are ten easy tips to building a substantial list of contacts.

1. Talk to everyone

Be willing to start a conversation with anyone. At first you may feel awkward. And you may encounter a few dead ends before you find a good contact, but you’ll improve with experience. Feel free to connect with acquaintances and complete strangers. That businesswoman sitting next to you on the plane may be a great addition to your contact list.

2. Hand out business cards

As you begin talking with more people you’ll find the business card is a great way to share contact information. Keep all your contacts’ business cards and place them to a file. In order to better remember your contacts later, it also helps to jot down a few notes about them on their cards (However, not in front of them. You don’t want them to think you view their business card as a piece of scrap paper.).

3. Join accounting and bookkeeping associations

While you can try to pick an accountant from a crowd, it’s not as effective as joining groups and associations that are specific to your field and where you can meet countless accounting peers.

4. Frequent conferences and workshops

This is another way to effectively connect with professionals you have a lot in common with. By attending accounting, bookkeeping, tax, and other conferences specializing in financial services, you’ll be able to meet many individuals who are your peers and superiors (note: it’s good to vary your contact list with a wide range of individuals who are on and above your current job level).

5. Have your elevator speech ready

Now that you’re talking to people, you should prepare an elevator speech so you always have something to say. An elevator speech is a quick infomercial about you 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. It shouldn’t be pushy or long. We recommend practicing a 30-second and a 60-second version, so you can pick the best match for any given situation.

6. Listen attentively

When you network, you talk a lot. But you’ll leave a bad impression if you do all the talking. Effective networkers also listen to contacts, learning more about them in order to strengthen the connection. Networking is a mutually beneficial activity. You need to look for ways you can benefit your contacts so that you can build a healthy give-and-take relationship.

7. Stay in touch

You should maintain contact with key individuals on your list. Send emails or call periodically.

8. Develop key relationships

Once you build a list of contacts, you’ll notice that some connections are more profitable, or more comfortable, or even more enjoyable, than others. You should start building stronger relationships with these people. Take a contact to lunch or go play golf.

9. Lend a hand

When a contact is in need, you should offer to help. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” That’s how networking works. And once you’ve extended yourself to help a contact, chances are they’ll be more willing to help when you need a hand.

10. Don’t obsess

And last but not least, don’t obsess about networking. If you worry about it too much, you’ll come across as pushy or, worst yet, needy. Take it slow. Be genuine as you make connections and enjoy it.

UAC’s Accounting and Tax Forums Can Help You Connect

What cannot be achieved in one lifetime will happen when one lifetime is joined to another. -Harold Kushner

It can be difficult to find a group of accountants and/or bookkeepers with whom you can ask questions, share insights, offer advice, and network. Universal Accounting Center has developed a forum for accountants and tax preparers to provide just that community environment you may have been searching for. Please join us and make our community stronger. And if you have any suggestions for our newsletters, please post them there.

Introducing an easy way to bridge the gap between knowing what networking is . . . and how to do it.

My oldest son is a College Senior and Communications Major this year. He is looking down the road at a career in Public Relations, and I think he’ll be pretty good at it. He’s a great example of how anyone can effectively network, and I’d like to share with you some of the things he does to make networking easy.

Since he was old enough to introduce himself to people, he has been a natural “networker.” If you ever have the chance to meet him, he’ll unashamedly shake your hand, ask you questions about what you do, catalogue the appropriate information, and depending on the need, you could hear back from him again. I know it sounds kind of calculating, but he does it in such a charming and genuine way, that even though you know you are being “networked,” you don’t mind. And what’s more, part of the relationship means that you will be able to “network” him.

Not only has he been able to obtain the appropriate scholarships to attend school, but he’s been able to do all kinds of fun and exciting things by working with his “network”. In fact, I wouldn’t mind having his “network”.

Each of us is surrounded by potentially helpful contacts.

One of the things I’ve learned from my son is that we all are surrounded by people who are not only able, but willing to help us. Peter Vogt, a MonsterTRAK Career Coach conducted an interesting exercise in just how powerful your “network” is. In a room of 12 average students and a few college counselors at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, there were some pretty interesting potential network contacts.

• One student’s family was friends with Casey FitzRandolf, the 2002 Olympic gold medalist in 500-meter speedskating. This same student had worked for the Chamber of Commerce for several years, where he’d met dozens of people in a variety of diverse fields.
• Another student’s family knew former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson - who is also the former US Secretary of Health and Human Services. In fact, the student pointed out, “[Thompson] told me that if I ever needed any help in my job or internship search, I should let him know.”
• One of the two UWRF career counselors in the room knew someone who reviews the resumes of college students who apply for an internship with the US Department of State.
• Another student had an aunt who works in sales and travels throughout Europe as part of her work.
• Still another student was going to travel to Belize with one of his archaeology professors, who had considerable connections in that field and related fields.
• If you can find these kinds of contacts in a room with only 12 college students and a couple of counselors, what kind of contacts can you find within your “network”? Mr. Vogt goes on to say, “You’ll be amazed at who the people in your everyday life know-and by the additional people those people know. But you’ll never discover any of them until you abandon the “I don’t know anyone good’ mentality and replace it with the “I’ll start with the people around me and go from there’ philosophy . . . “

What’s the first step to creating an effective network?

Use a formal and systematic approach to working your network. You’ll need to be organized and have a plan for keeping track of your network and information. Don’t forget, networking is all about relationships. A good networking relationship will be mutually beneficial to both parties.

Allen Bostrom, President of Universal Accounting and Marketing & Networking Guru to hundreds of our graduates in his book, In the Black, says, “A deal is only good when it is good for both parties.”

I have helped my son, or one of his “network” friends, on a number of occasions with my field of expertise and I have to admit, his “network” has had an occasion or two to help me. In a word, “his network” is sometimes “my network”.

Follow the link to a Microsoft Word document that might help you organize your networking contacts and your communications with them. Remember, you can use any format to help you organize your networking contacts; you don’t have to use mine.

Click Here for a Free Networking Contact Organization Sheet

In the time it’s taken to read this article, you’ve improved your networking ability by 150%

Okay, I admit it, 150% is a purely arbitrary number, but creating an effective network is such a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal, that if used correctly, you may find it’s the only one you’ll need.

Allen Bostrom councils his students, “Your own network is the final outcome of all your networking activities and… forms a vital part of your total marketing effort. With this in mind, it is something that should always be [foremost in our thoughts].”

Universal Accounting offers an excellent curriculum on not only how to improve your career with a Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation Business, but also offers training on how to best market your business to amplify your profits. With just a click or two of your mouse you can find out just how profitable a career in Bookkeeping and Accounting can be for you.

Follow this link to more information on a profitable career in Bookkeeping & Accounting

Why You Should Always Negotiate a Better Wage

While women have advanced considerably in the workplace, there still exists a significant difference in salaries when compared with their male counterparts. While gender discrimination may be one cause of this disparity, a lack of salary negotiation may be another.

In his article entitled “For Women, a Failure to Negotiate,” Pallavi Gogoi reports that while women represent nearly 50% of full-time professionals, including executives and managers, they only make 72% of what their male counterparts make. And while many may assume that’s gender discrimination residue, executive coach Lee E. Miller argues it may simply be the result of a lack of negotiation. “Most women hardly negotiate when they get a job offer,” says Miller, co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Successful Negotiating. “That’s because they look at the offer as the goal, not the beginning of a relationship.”

That 28% represents a significant difference that adds up over a career-time. Joann Lublin discusses this in her Wall Street Journal article “Paying the Nice Price.” She references Linda Babcock, a Carnegie Mellon University economic professor who calls it “the accumulation of disadvantage.” Babcock explains that a 22-year old professional who fails to get her first job offer of $25,000 increased by $5,000 will lose more than $568,000 by the time she reaches retirement.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, you don’t want to loose half a million dollars by failing to negotiate. It’s important that you acquire this valuable skill. Here are five things to remember when negotiating for a better salary:

Avoid desperation. No matter how badly you want the job, curb your enthusiasm. Employers can smell desperation and will use it to their advantage by offering you a lower salary. The more confident and self-assured you are, the more appealing you will be to potential employers. When they sense that you won’t settle for less, chances are they won’t offer it.

Be enthusiastic. When purchasing something, like a car or home, experts tell you to act like you don’t want it; you’ll get a better deal that way. This concept doesn’t apply to the job hunt. If an organization senses apathy on your part, they’ll choose someone else. So it’s important that you be enthusiastic and show your interest in the employer and their position.

Show them why you’re the best fit. To get the best salary you should illustrate why you’re the best candidate. When you shine above and beyond the other applicants you become the best person for the job, and as such, the person deserving the best wage.

Wait until you know they want you. Don’t start talking about salary before they’ve made it clear that you’re the candidate they want. Once they make an offer you can be assured that you’re their best pick and now that the ball is in your court, you can begin negotiations.

Keep looking. It’s important that you don’t become emotionally invested in one job. Regardless of how much you want a particular position, don’t stop searching. In fact, one good way to negotiate a better salary is when you’ve received competing job offers.

All professionals, men and women, need to be able to negotiate a better salary. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but we promise that it will pay off in the end. Literally.

References
Gogoi, Pallavi. “For Women, a Failure to Negotiate.” 22 April 2005. BusinessWeek.com
Lublin, Joann S. “Paying the Nice Price.” The Wall Street Journal

The 8 P’s of an Effective Accounting Manager:

Do You Have What It Takes?

Being promoted to accounting manager is quite a feat. This means you’ve proven to your boss that you are a competent and responsible accountant who can be trusted to manage other accountants. Unfortunately, like most accounting managers, you’ve been trained as an accountant, and not as a manager. So how do you rise to the position? Experience will provide you with the best schooling, but to avoid major obstacles and find success more quickly, here’s a crash course in managing that will put you on the right track.

1. Permit others to do their jobs
Because you’re a good accountant, it’s tempting to look over shoulders and micromanage a time or two. But remember, your new job is more about managing than it is about accounting. You can best promote success by enabling your team to succeed. This means that rather than telling them how to do their job (which you might occasionally have to do), you enable them to do the best job they can. Be sure they have the resources they need, eliminate unrealistic deadlines, and, if possible, provide them with proper training. You need to change your mindset and see yourself as a facilitator.

2. Provide vision and support
Good managers inspire success with clear vision. In essence you are the sage for your department, they will look to you to get the long range vision as well as the details in the minutae of each task. It is your job to look to the future and envision positive changes within your department. Once you’ve shared this vision, you need to provide your team with the necessary support to accomplish the vision.

3. Practice good communication
Without good communication skills, you’ll find it difficult to lead your team anywhere, because without clear direction they won’t know where to go. You must clearly communicate your vision, your objectives, and your expectations. Facilitate the communication with your team. Don’t become the “preacher” but the “teacher” or your team will quickly tune you out. Communication runs both ways; you must listen well and engage in productive discussions with your team.

4. Pilot< your team
It is the Captain of the ship that has the wheel, and your department is no different. Someone has to steer the department, and as the accounting manager, that would be you. The first requirement in becoming a good leader, is in having the confidence to lead your team. Recognize that you were promoted to this job for a reason, and if you don’t have confidence in yourself right now, at least trust that your boss does. If you see yourself as “one of the accountants,” working shoulder to shoulder with everyone else, the team you manage will see you that way as well. You must take charge and lead your other team members along to the goals set for the department.

5. Plan for success
Who set’s the goals for the department? Sure, sometimes the goals come down from above you, but most of the time you and your team will have the discretion to set goals that you can not only meet, but stretch your abilities as a group. It’s cliché because it’s true: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Managers look ahead, anticipating difficulties, critical events, and opportunities to move forward. If you want to succeed, you must take the time to evaluate the department’s current standing and make plans for improvement.

6. Pose questions
How could we change this procedure to save time? What about the current system is/isn’t working? What can we do this year to increase the company’s tax deductions? Asking questions is a good way to boost success. Don’t be afraid to question the way things have been done, or even the changes you have made upon becoming a manager. If you give yourself permission to question, you’re giving yourself permission to improve.

7. Problem-solve
Much of your job as accounting manager will be dedicated to putting out fires. Learn to problem-solve and resolve conflict with as little smoke as possible. If necessary, read up on critical thinking skills and negotiation. Always search to hear before you seek to be heard. Many times a difficult situation is mitigated just by the composure the manager has in the situation.

8. Protect your employees
You provide a buffer between your team and the BOSS. I remember being cornered by my boss for the approach I took on an important project. I was relieved when my manager stepped forward in my defense. We talked about this project extensively, he explained, and I made it clear that I trusted him to complete this project using this approach. Imagine how my loyalty for this manager increased when I realized he was on my side. Obviously, there may be times when a member of your team makes bad choices and needs to be held accountable. But you should see yourself as an advocate for those you manage.

Becoming a manager can certainly be daunting, but give yourself the time to learn how to manage, realizing that this new position is very different from your role as accountant. With a little time, and the 8 P’s of managing success, you’ll find that maybe you’re more of a natural than you first thought.

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