Accounting - Who gets hired?

Accountancy firms are increasingly orientating their business towards business services and consulting roles, so staff need great social and communication skills. The industry is evolving in the direction of enhancing its service, offering to include guidance and advice on solutions for business problems and challenges.

Like law and banking, accountancy is highly regulated and new entrants will take continuous exams, throughout their entire career. Initially, most graduates will be hired by a company for a period of three years. During this time they effectively enter into a three-way relationship: on-the-job training and studying for exams whilst trying to keep their new employer -- and their clients -- happy. There are quite a few plates to keep spinning and, be warned, there can be a great deal of pressure to absorb.

Be aware that accountancy firms increasingly stress the need for sound commercial judgment when hiring. You may be skilfully adept at making decisions that further your own goals, but the impact of your decisions on others -- legally and financially -- is a major issue for accountancy players. In other words, showing that you see the bigger picture, and always acting decisively in its interest, will make any potential hirer sit up and take notice.