Find a Professional Mentor in Accounting

Find a Professional Mentor in AccountingFind a Professional Mentor in AccountingTheres lots of buzz around mentorships today. High achievers across many fields, from technology to professional sports, enlist the help of trusted guides as part of their journey. Its the same if you want to find a professional mentor in your finance and accounting career.Eighty-six percent of CFOs interviewed for a survey said having a mentor welches important for career development. However, only 26 percent of the workers we polled actually have a professional mentor. Among female respondents, the number was even lower a mere 18 percent.A veteran in the field - someone who understands its unwritten rules and who knows you - can help with your professional goal setting, regardless of the stage of your career youre in. If youre ready to find a professional mentor in accounting and finance, read these seven essential tips1. Know thyselfBefore you approach possible mentors, you should be able to articula te specifically what youre looking for. Its not enough to just think having a mentor is cool you need to ask yourself why you want a mentor in the first place. What do you hope to gain from the relationship? Perhaps you have questions with regard to career development programs, or maybe youd like extra support from someone you can relate to in your field. Figure this out before preparing your pitch.Keep getting career advice by subscribing to the newsletter.2. Decide whom you want to emulateOf the CFOs we surveyed, 48 percent said the main benefit of having a mentor is the ability to learn directly from a partie whos in a role to which they aspire. This is good advice, but dont let that be your only criterion.Lets say you have your eye on the C-suite. Does that mean the only options you have for mentors are chief-something-officers? Not at all. A common mistake in finding a mentor is to look only at those who do exactly what you want to do someday. A smarter strategy is to consider the overall person and not just the position. Do you admire his skills in leadership and consensus building? Are you comfortable with the way she treats direct reports? Do his values align with yours? Youll need these tools on the way up your career ladder.3. Choose someone you already knowTo find an accounting mentor, you may be tempted to contact the energetic keynote speaker from the last conference you attended or the hotshot tax manager you read about in a trade magazine. But that may not be your best bet. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebooks chief operating officer and an activist for women in leadership, warns against asking a stranger to serve as your mentor. Why? The most productive mentoring relationships spring from a mutual connection. Potential mentors are unlikely to invest their limited time on someone they dont know.Our recruiters can help you find a job with a company that will give you the professional mentoring you need.SEARCH FOR JOBSSEND US YOUR RESUME4. Demonstrate your worth (without stalking)Sandberg advises would-be mentees to work hard to get noticed. As with networking, the best connections grow organically. By cultivating rapport with individuals within the accounting industry, youll develop strong bonds with people who could potentially serve as a mentor.So, if you have someone in mind, dont pop the question right away. If they are in your company or professional group, volunteer for the projects they lead and give thoughtful input. Join the discussions they participate in, both online and off. You dont have to be stalky about it. Just try to demonstrate your work ethic and drive. And when you approach them to help guide your CPA career path, that will seem like the next natural step to take in a relationship that has already been developing over time.5. Find a mentor through a formal programAn easy way to get matched with an adviser is to look in-house, if you work for an organization with an established mentorship program. The obvious adva ntage of a formal program is that potential mentors have already expressed an interest in helping fellow employees and dont have to be convinced of the value of mentorships. To be approved for the program, they likely also have the institutional knowledge and internal connections to propel your career trajectory within the firm.The disadvantage is you may not have much say in choosing your mentor. Another possible drawback is youre limited to people within the company, which could be problematic and awkward if youre thinking about switching employers.6. Make the most of professional membershipsMany accounting organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and state-level CPA groups, offer online and/or in-person mentorship programs. These initiatives match up-and-coming professionals with established accounting and finance specialists through a structured framework. If youre already a member of professional groups to take advantage of their C PE courses for continuing professional education, as well as conferences and other resources, the opportunity to find a professional mentor is icing on the cake.Whether formal or informal, mentorships are one of the best ways to take your accounting career to the next level. After you find a partner, make the most of this valuable relationship by being prepared for meetings, accepting honest feedback and respecting your mentors time. Then one day, pay it forward by serving as a mentor yourself.7. Choose companies that value mentoring relationshipsIf youre a job seeker, make sure you look for companies that will invest in your career growth. Location, job title, industry, salary and benefits are top concerns, of course, but corporate culture and professional training is important, too. Thats the fuel that keeps your career in finance and accounting moving forward.