Smart moves for hard times:
How to recession proof your career!

Even in the challenging economy, we found that accounting remains one of the highest in demand professions in the country. Companies will likely be focusing on their top talent through this time of slower economic growth and so the need for accounting talent will only continue to grow in the coming years. The AICPA projects that by 2020 – three-quarters of the accounting profession will retire. While there may be a mass exodus of people, there won't be a decrease in work, so employers will need to aggressively recruit and retain their accounting talent and demand for your skills and experience will only grow over time.

Read below for some practical ways to recession proof your career in accounting and make yourself more valuable to the organization to help cope during slow economic growth.

10 tips to manage your career during challenging economic times:

1. Be a senior counselor and strategist :
   accountants of the past were merely focused on acting as a “number cruncher”, mining through data and delivering complex financial statements and analyses. More and more, companies are leaning on their finance teams for strategic counsel and guidance not only on financials, but also in relation to management and growth initiatives. This is abundantly clear when we look at how many CFOs are now taking the CEO spot. Whereas in the past oftentimes sales professionals would ascend to these roles, today boards are looking for leaders with financial expertise to lead their organizations.
2. Think about the big picture :
   during times like these, cost cutting is a big pressure for finance teams as employers will need to do more with less. The best accounting and finance professionals will be those who think creatively with their internal teams/clients. Rather than just saying no when investment opportunities arise for the company, it's important to think about the big picture and how slower economic periods can be a good time to make a short term investment for long term corporate improvements. Many companies will consider looking at their technology or marketing spend or investing in restructure – these sorts of strategic spends will often pay off in the long run.
3. Keep to high standards :
   ethics is simply non-negotiable for accountants. While companies will look for ways to streamline processes and drive efficiency, the most successful finance professionals will always keep quality and compliance top of mind. Accounting professionals who do not act ethically and with the right level of quality, will simply not succeed in today's job market - keeping high standards must always be high priority!
4. Be open to new opportunities:
   employers want people on their team who have a positive, can-do attitude and strong work ethic. As companies consolidate roles and hire less, accounting professionals may be forced to operate in areas where they may not be familiar, but those who can do this effectively will be the most successful.
5. Develop strong soft skills:
   employers are looking for individuals with strong soft skills that effectively compliment their quantitative skill set. Accounting staff are increasingly being given a seat around the table as executives discuss strategy, goals and growth objectives. Face-time in front of senior executives is great, but with that added level of visibility comes the need for stronger interpersonal, communications and presentation skills.
6. Stay ahead of the curve:
   keep a close eye on what's happening the industry. Stay engaged by reading trade publications like Strategic Finance, Journal of Accountancy, CFO magazine and others. If you're looking for CPEs, turn to professional associations like national and regional chapters of IMA and CPA who regularly offer courses. And don't leave out the online learning opportunities and information.
7. Stay in sync with your boss
   effectively managing your relationship with your boss is especially important for two key reasons: 1- They will be one of the most important people in determining your advancement and job security. 2- They will be an important indicator and source of information as to what's happening in the organization, and your job stability. Constantly try to strengthen your relationship with them and make their job easier by adjusting your priorities to best match theirs. Consistently ask for feedback.
8. Network
   whether you're looking for a new job or happy in your current position, having a strong network is equivalent to having a team of recruiters always on the look out for you should the right opportunity arise – speaking your praises and connecting you to right people.
9. Update your job search tools and skills
   the job search process has changed over the past decade and increasingly the recruiting process is occurring online. Social networking sites like Facebook and Linkedin have revolutionized the way companies interact with job candidates and how candidates search for jobs. By creating an online profile and showcasing your experience in a professional manner, oftentimes employers and recruiters will find you, rather than you having to do all the work.
10. Look to recruiters to help
    According to the Department of Labor, people will change jobs on average 8-10 times in their career. While their company may not be consistent, more and more, recruiters will become the common link helping workers to go from opportunity to opportunity. Recruiters are a great source not only for jobs but also for interview coaching, resume writing tips and serve as an effective third party between the job seeker and potential employer when it comes to awkward conversations around salary negotiations and start dates.