It may be 2022, but women are still facing challenges in the workforce. There is no doubt that women have progressed significantly, but there is still much work needed to improve things. Between discrimination, lack of childcare assistance, workplace harassment and other challenges, women are constantly faced with obstacles while navigating their careers today. Continue reading
It’s the most organized time of the year – spring! As we kick into gear with a new season and plenty more daylight to enjoy our weeks, engaging in a little bit of spring cleaning might be the answer to boost productivity and fuel creativity – not to mention feel more organized at your workspace. Whether you’re working from home or at an office, you can always do with some spring cleaning tips for a fresh workspace. Continue reading
Some love the perks of free food or gym memberships, while others cherish their health care benefits and volunteer opportunities. There are different aspects of a job that make an employee happy. However, being happy with your job goes beyond the perks and benefits offered, it also stems from growth opportunities and motivation. As you focus on your career path, we know that ultimately, it’s your happiness that matters above all. Here are some easy ways you can be happier at work. Continue reading
We’re all starting to miss the occasional water-cooler talks and walking to lunch with our coworkers. As so many work in a remote or hybrid setting now, some might still prefer going into the office while others welcome the idea of working at home because they are able to better balance their priorities. The hybrid setting has become a popular working model, ideally bringing the “best of both worlds” of remote and in-office work, and offering flexibility, growth and productivity. Continue reading
You just graduated from college and you’re looking for your first finance job – don’t allow your worry to get the best of you. Searching for your first finance job might not be the easiest project to take on, but it is the first step in your career and a milestone that you will be proud of. Your first job might be the dream role you have always desired, or it might be a stepping stone to a growing career. Whatever the outcome, a little career advice on finding your first finance job will go a long way in helping you navigate the job market.
Like most industries, there are many departments and positions within a company. Your first step is to identify what interests you and where you ultimately see the potential to grow and develop professionally.
Follow along for some helpful advice when it comes to finding your first finance position in a competitive industry.
Networking and making connections (even if it’s virtual) is important. This is especially key when you don’t have a lot of experience. The more you network the more you will connect with professionals in the finance field who will help you with your career. When you build relationships, these connections will be able to vouch for you and could also open doors to future positions that you are interested in.
LinkedIn is a great way to find and join groups in your field. Additionally, some groups you can look into joining include, Accounting and Finance Women’s Alliance (AFWA), National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), ASCEND, Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
As you apply and get interviews, it’s important to do your homework on companies and see what they are all about. Try to understand their purpose, history and goals so you know if it feels like a good fit for your interests. Go on their social media pages, reviews and even connect with employees, if possible, to chat about the company and what their culture is like.
Having a mentor in the financial field will give you the support and advice you need to break into this industry. Find a mentor that is in your field and one that will guide you on the career path you choose. Your mentor will be able to recommend opportunities to you and help you connect with other peers in your field. Make sure to respect your mentor’s time by being prepared every time you have a meeting and stick to your scheduled meeting times.
When you don’t have a lot of experience, you need to apply for jobs that might be entry level to match your training and skills. Don’t let this bring you down, but instead, use this as an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and become a valuable asset to the company.
Internships are a great way to break into the industry, especially if you have little to no work experience. During your internship, you will be able to learn about the industry, sharpen your skills, build connections and grow in your sector. Make sure you treat every internship as a professional role so that when it comes time for you to apply to a full-time position, you will be ready to take it on successfully.
Many employers look for soft skills in candidates nowadays. You cannot teach someone communication skills, problem-solving and leadership – these are skills that are often natural abilities and developed with experience. Not everybody has these skills, therefore, you need to hone these skills and truly show your interviewer how you will leverage them to help the company.
As you figure out your career path, take some time to reflect and jot down your major career goals and objectives. This will help you have an outline as to how you are going to get where you want to be and what needs to be done for you to get there. You might need to sign up for extra courses or take on training opportunities in the future. By thinking about your goals, you will be more prepared for what is required for you to progress in the finance industry.
Good luck in your career endeavors! If you are currently looking for a new position, contact one of our Ledgent Finance and Accounting recruiters today!
Stress. We all feel it at some point or the other. In fact, stress is so common in the US that 55% of Americans are stressed during the day, 20% higher than the world average of 35%! Whether it’s the pressure of completing a project within a tight deadline or dealing with a challenging manager, workplace stress is inevitable. Certain industries are more stressful than others, but the key to being able to keep up with your demanding career is to learn how to manage the stress that comes with it. The last thing you want is for stress to affect your physical and mental health.
Since stress in the workplace is inevitable, the best way to handle it is not to give up but to learn how to effectively manage it. Luckily, there are many coping strategies for you to help take on those hard days with confidence and keep the stress at bay.
Take a deep breath before you feel antsy. Here are simple ways of managing the effects of stress in the workplace.
Understanding what causes you stress is the first step to help you manage it. One of the best ways to do this is to journal or simply take note of what goes on in your day and how you reacted in that moment. When you look over your day and see your reactions, you will eventually be able to point out patterns and things that seem to be affecting you in a negative way. Once you identify those stressors, you can take control of how you manage the situation and reduce your stress.
Boundaries are important to help you establish a balance between your work and personal life. You need to be able to switch off from your work day, especially if you are working from home. This could mean having a set schedule, unplugging from your email when you’re finished for the day, and even taking time to exercise and participate in social activities that bring joy to your life.
If you have important deadlines coming up, try to stay on top of your projects and organize your work ahead of time. Being organized will help you avoid rushing and feeling pressure with deadlines looming. Try to keep a clean desk while you work to avoid clutter and other distractions. Being organized will help increase the efficiency with which you do your work, which further keeps you calm and positive as you work on completing important projects.
No one expects you to be at your desk 24/7. In fact, sitting for long periods of time has proven to be unhealthy for your body. Allow yourself to take a walk during lunch or simply a little relaxing break from the screen every now and then. Additionally, use your vacation days and do something enjoyable on your weekends or while you’re off work.
Having a good support system that you trust is extremely beneficial during stressful times. Reach out to coworkers, friends, and family members and let them in on how you’re feeling. Talking to a loved one can help make you feel better and come out with some advice that can help you manage your work stress. Additionally, take advantage of company programs that provide assistance regarding work stress. If things get really rough, it could also be a good idea to reach out to a professional who can guide you through tough times.
If things are getting tough at work, try talking to your mentor or supervisor. Your supervisor is there to help and wants you to succeed and may have insight or be able to help you come up with ways to manage your workload and navigate the situation. Make sure the conversation is productive and void of too many complaints as you are there to understand how you can manage your stress at work.
Whether it’s yoga, cardio, meditation or boxing, finding a healthy way to release your stress will truly boost your mood and help you relax after a stressful day. Avoid running towards unhealthy responses like alcohol and junk food that can often be a temporary distraction. Instead, focus on healthy ways that will calm you down and help your mood in the long run.
It’s normal to feel pressured or stressed every once in a while. However, it’s important to be able to manage these stressors and focus on how you can relax and manage your stress so that it doesn’t start to impact your life in a negative way.
Looking for your next financial and accounting hire? Contact one of our Ledgent Finance and Accounting recruiters today!
Looking for a job is not an easy task. It takes time to write up the perfect resume, prep for interviews and pursue the career you want. As a finance professional, your resume must stand out as one that shows how you will help the company’s bottom line and how you can help the business either save money or make more money. Continue reading
It’s safe to say that the only thing consistent in the job market is change. As jobs evolve and the climate of the market continues to shift, employers and employees need to adapt to keep up with business. Continue reading
The beginning of a new year brings a lot of promises, changes, and new opportunities. As we kick off 2022 with fresh eyes, it’s time to reflect on what we want to achieve and what our professional goals might be this year. Continue reading
Ready to ace your next accounting interview? The interview process – in any industry – can be daunting for the best of us. The accounting and finance industry is competitive, and the interview round is your chance to shine. Continue reading
