CAREER TRANSITIONING: A FOCUSED PATH OR A LEAP OF FAITH? By KATHLEEN HOFFELDER, NJCPA SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR
With a more agreeable environment to switch between career paths and shorter steps to achieve partner or CFO status, there has never been a more exciting time to be a CPA.
In most professions, an undergraduate degree opens doors, a master’s degree opens additional doors and having a specialized license or credential provides even more opportunities. While this is true in accounting, the profession also offers a plethora of choices for careers today that are increasingly varied and far removed from the traditional role of an accountant. STUDENT TO STAFF Students who have done internships will likely have an easier time making the transition to full-time employee, but those without that participation can also do well, given the right academic program and willingness to learn. Some obvious missteps can occur in this stage, but young professionals who communicate, get organized and have a desire to learn everything they can get their hands on will be ahead of the game.
David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, has some helpful tips for those just starting out in the industry. He says it’s best to “become the most curious person about the profession you are about to enter.” This includes listening to podcasts, watching videos, reading one book a month about the field and then making a list of the top 20 companies someone wants to work for. By reaching out and asking to interview them about what they think of the new workforce and the challenges they’re experiencing as an owner/ partner/leader, he says, it’s a proactive way to engage with them. “This ‘1-2’ approach helps you 1) quickly get up to speed on the industry and become a more insightful individual to connect with and 2) gets you in the door at the top companies.” Other skills, such as the ability to communicate well with staff, clients
CONTRIBUTORS In order of appearance
DAVID CRISTELLO Founder and CEO Jetpack Workflow
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COURTNEY McLAUGHLIN, CPA Senior Tax Accountant Withum
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 | NEW JERSEY CPA
JOSE BORBON, CPA Assistant Vice President/ Senior Auditor Kearny Bank
STEPHANIE S. DANOS, CPA Senior Forensic Associate Withum
