4 Things Every Business Accountant Should Know
Image via Flickr by Rosa MenkmanAn accounting career is one of the most lucrative in the professional world. The average salary for the profession is $53,300. In addition, the industry
An accounting career is one of the most lucrative in the professional world. The average salary for the profession is $53,300. In addition, the industry forecasts 3.5 percent growth year after year. It’s a great time to work in this field. Here are four things every business accountant should know to guarantee a long and productive career.
Automate Everything
More accurately, automate as much you can. Regardless of your job skills and the reliability of your team, you’re all human and therefore prone to error. Software and bookkeeping apps are much more efficient for performing the same tasks. Whether you’re a zealot about spreadsheets or prefer using a total accounting solution, like Sage, you can leverage accounting programs into a more efficient career.
Get Organized
One of the worst time burglars in the professional world is disorganization. If you waste a great deal of time searching for the appropriate documents and files, you’re effectively throwing money away. You have a responsibility to the people signing your checks, and one of the finest ways to maximize your workday is through superior structure.
Create a system that helps you locate things in a timely matter. Prioritize those items that you access most frequently by keeping them closest. It’s a similar tactic to the accounting principle of FIFO (first-in, first-out). You choose to focus on certain documents above all others. In this case, it’s your most important items rather than the first or last ones. By organizing thusly, you’ll become a much more efficient employee, thereby enhancing your value to the company.
Find a Routine
One size never fits all when it comes to performing daily tasks. Everyone has a specific style that increases productivity. Discovering yours is the key to differentiating yourself from your peers. Are you an early riser? Consider scheduling your most important assignments first thing in the morning before your co-workers get going. That way, they won’t interrupt your flow.
Consider using a planning app for your smartphone to create a more structured routine. Apps like Planner Plus help you identify necessary tasks and keep a more organized schedule.
Follow the Money
As an accountant, you are the gatekeeper. You determine whether bills are valid, and you also know sooner than anyone else how much money the company is making. Perform your daily, weekly, monthly and annual tasks to ensure that every balance sheet points toward a better tomorrow for your business.
There are many details to this wide-ranging goal, but they’re easy to divide into manageable assignments. Record all transactions, document and file receipts, pay all vendors and send out invoices in a timely manner, evaluate company cash flow, and anticipate future revenue and expenses in an orderly fashion. All of these tasks are crucial to the betterment of the business.
Working as a business accountant is a wonderful career choice. You’ll always have job opportunities, and you’ll have the confidence that your job matters. All you need is to follow these steps to excel in the workplace.
