Did you know that accountants who possess leadership skills are more highly sought after than their more timid counterparts? It may not occur to you that interpersonal skills and leadership qualities are as important for someone who works with numbers all day, but there are reasons why leadership skills are desirable. Here are some things that can help you develop the right skills to advance your career.
Mentorships
One way to develop your leadership skills is to talk to mentors who can help you grow in your career. A mentor can help you be accountable, give you advice, and talk you through challenges that you may have. A good leader always has resources to help them make better decisions.
Reading
To gain or demonstrate leadership skills, reading is always a great idea. Find books from leaders you admire, self-improvement books, or books that can help you enhance your skills. Reading is the hallmark of a strong desire to learn and be better. It’s a great way to develop and demonstrate leadership skills.
Talk to Your Manager
Leaders are also people who take initiative. If you want to be recognized as a leader in your accounting firm or corporation, talk to your manager about taking the lead on a project or with a team. They will see that you have a desire and can work with you to ensure you have the resources you need to succeed.
Take Classes
Finally, make sure you’re keeping up with your continued education. And, it’s also a good idea, to go above and beyond. Take classes in accounting, but also take classes in other business aspects, leadership, or just classes to help you improve as an individual and as an accountant.
Find Career Advancement
If you’re not finding the satisfaction you want in your current role, you may want to consider making a change. Not every accounting firm or corporate job will be a fit for your values, skills, and personality. If you’re finding that the position you’re in today is not a match for you, it may be worth your time to begin a new job search.
Interested in finding a new career in accounting?
Contact the team at NRI Staffing Agency in DC and speak to one of our accounting recruiters today.
