How to Land That Accounting Job: Tips on Improving Your IT Skills

As a journalist, I've seen the use of technology and the immense impact it has had on society. Technology has provided us with fast and effective ways of obtaining everything; from the news to the daily gossip, we have information available with one easy click – literally. Every industry has been affected by technology, especially the accounting field. Today, accountants are expected to be knowledgeable in the traditional accounting topics such as bookkeeping, organization, and mathematics, but now as an accountant, you are expected to be somewhat skilled in the area of information technology (IT). So is it time to get skilled quick? Yes!

According to AllBusinessSchools.com, ''you have to be computer savvy to be an account these days.'' This means not just being able to work with Microsoft Word, but also working with Excel spreadsheets and internet programs. The site elaborates by saying that ''accountants use computer software to do everything from processing financial records to auditing systems to analyzing budgets.''

Why IT in Accounting Matters



IT experience allows one accountant to be more valuable than another accountant who has similar IT experience. There are a wide variety of areas in the IT sector for an accountant to be experienced in. Things from risk assessments to new systems can all be learned by a trained accountant. Being skilled in the IT area is in high-demand within the current accounting industry.

Below - with some insight from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) site - are some tips and suggestions in pursuing a better IT background in order to move ahead in the accounting industry.

How to Become IT Trained as an Accountant

1. Volunteer to learn more about IT programs. A lot of times as an accountant you have the opportunity to be a part of new program implementations, if you choose to be, especially upgrades in system and new billing programs. Feel free to jump on it! You can at least become acquainted with the program and get a sense of what it entails.
   
   
2. Get hands-on as an accountant. Practice on different programs, and work on checking out the new IT programs. If you learn new things, you can have a leg-up on the competition. Asking questions from the experts in the technology sector are also great ways to learn more about the accounting industry!
   
   
3. Be informed as an accountant. The IT industry is continuously changing, so make sure that as an accountant you are aware of the trends going on. Know what companies are keeping up with technology updates, and learn those essential programs that are popular within the industry.
   
   
4. Get ahead with respects to updating your technology knowledge. Your job as an accountant is an important one, and if you attend workshops on technology, you can be more confident in your work and your position. AICPA Member Service Center also recommends obtaining a ''certified information technology professional (CITP) accreditation.'' Some resources are also saying that IT accreditations and skills may even boost up your future salary as an accountant.

As a result in achieving IT skills, you can have maximum confidence in your accounting work and be in control of your job's future.