![]() ![]() There are so many different career paths for CPAs, and very few of them involve advanced mathematics-at least, not many that Excel can’t handle! Spring 2012 Not Just Another Bean Counter: Many Career Paths in AccountingĮvery time I tell someone that I am a CPA, they say, “Oh, I hate math, I could never be a CPA.” Even though I’ve heard this response dozens of times, it always surprises me how little most people understand what it is that CPAs do. Armstrong, CPA, CFE is a manager in the litigation and forensic consulting services group in the San Francisco office of Hemming Morse, LLP. I propose that-as young professionals-it’s just as important to locate mentors and engage sponsors as it is to be a mentor and a sponsor of those below you. So be on the lookout for people inside and outside your firm who may be capable of doing this. Finding such a person willing to use their own reputation to build your personal brand is important to every young professional. For me, I recognized that a partner was willing to sponsor me when he suggested to an attorney we were working with that I-instead of him-assist in taking the deposition of the adverse party’s controller. One panelist described a sponsor as going beyond just giving guidance to actively involved in promoting you-not promoting from staff to senior, but for activities that will develop and market your skills. The second concept was the idea of elevating your mentor into a sponsor. It can be as simple as taking time to read their bio, exploring an article they have published or asking them to weigh in on a decision you are making. Focusing on the mentor’s strengths and experiences-things that you might be a little light on-will allow for improvement, while maintaining your personal individualities. The more important takeaway from this example was the idea of identifying someone that has what you want, or is where you want to be, and beginning to emulate that person. One example involved asking the mentor, “Will you be my mentor?” This can be daunting, especially if you don’t personally know the individual, but chances are you will find the person is flattered to be asked and will likely help. The first was identifying someone that has the qualities, presence or another similar trait that you want, and engaging them as a mentor. ![]() Summer 2012 Finding Mentors, Sponsors and Moreĭuring the recent CalCPA Emerging Leaders Certificate Program kick-off day in San Francisco, a question was posed to a panel of highly distinguished CPA professionals regarding mentors: “What role has mentoring played in your career? Do you think mentor-mentee relationships can be formalized or do they evolve naturally?”Īll four panelists recalled specific individuals who were pivotal to their success, but two concepts in their responses really struck a chord with me. Kristen Contreras is the corporate controller at Bioness, Inc. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through your first years and you will find your network is a solid foundation that will be there for you when you need it most! Who can tell where your college pals and colleagues will end up five or 10 years? By staying in touch and focusing on your common interests, the arduous task of building your network will seem more like socializing than engineering your future. Your involvement with any of CalCPA’s young and emerging professionals programs is an excellent first step toward building your future network. BEANCOUNTER CPA EXAM ADVICE PROFESSIONALA robust professional network will help you, both by making connections and by polishing your presence in the business world. BEANCOUNTER CPA EXAM ADVICE HOW TOThe most common complaint is that they were never prepared to be expected of such a thing, and that they have no idea how to even begin. Too often I hear from managers who are confused and unsure of how to proceed when confronted with the need to bring in new business, or to present a proposal to a new client. By starting now and taking small steps in the right direction, you can make this task an easy and an enjoyable one. One of these days you could very well be called upon to engage your network to advance your career. ![]() The best time to begin developing it is now! Your professional network is a powerful tool: one that can ensure success. These are exciting and changing times, and yet there is one important aspect of your career that you may be neglecting. ![]() Whether you are all three, or just one or two of these categories, you’re probably thinking only of the next steps: taking the CPA Exam, getting licensed and surviving the next busy season. Fall 2012 Why Building Your Network is a Significant Stage of Your Career ![]()
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