Truthfully, the global pandemic has changed the entire working dynamics. Millions of Americans have already filed unemployment claims, whereas others suffer from financial constraints. In simple words, every person is thinking about job security. Those who have jobs are finding opportunities to upskill, whereas others want to pursue a career that promises security. After all, coming to work every day and completing tasks suffice as daily workplace requirements.
So, what’s the most stable career option today? On the corporate side, finance is the finest field. It has enabled students to explore subjects in-depth and gain relevant technical skills essential for every workplace. Thus, every employer wants a finance professional to manage all money-related matters. However, a finance degree alone might not be enough.
Employers also value experience, skills, and certifications besides a formal degree. You have to keep learning and adapt to the changing dynamics in the business world. If you need more clarity on this, have a look below. Here are six tips for finance professionals to ensure job security.
1. Become a Lifelong Learner
Have you heard of the phrase ‘learning never stops?’ If you want to thrive and climb up the professional ladder, become a lifelong learner. That doesn’t mean you have to get a Ph.D. or a more competent degree; instead, upgrade your skillset. As a finance expert, you can learn new software applications to automate the data entry process. Likewise, you can get new certifications. For instance, if you wish to try something new, find a few accounts related courses.
Perhaps, you can become an accounting analyst or a public accountant. Such certifications don’t have hefty tuition fees. All you have to do is simply check out the certified public accountant – CPA exam schedule and start your preparation. It will allow you to extend your expertise beyond finance to taxation, payroll, and accounts management.
To obtain the certificate, it’s important to allocate sufficient time for studying and practice, and to regularly assess your progress to identify areas that may require additional attention. This exam preparation website on how to pass the Series 7 exam offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help aspiring financial professionals prepare for this challenging exam.
There you can find mock exams and sample questions from previous exams that can be useful in familiarizing yourself with the exam format and level of difficulty. By leveraging these resources and committing to continuous learning, you can enhance your skill set and increase your chances of success in the certification exam.
2. Never Miss a Commitment
These days, managers can’t stand employees who are lagging. They want people to be on their toes and hustle all the time. Therefore, you have to do exemplary work, especially if you wish to stand out. You have to complete your projects and assignments on time and, most importantly, within the allocated budget. If you ever hit an obstacle, seek help from your boss immediately instead of delaying things. It would reflect you are committed to your work.
Moreover, look for ways you can go above and beyond daily requirements. If your job role involves making a progress report by day-end, add visual graphs to it. That will promote understandability, ensuring the upper management understands it without any trouble. These few things show employers that you are willing to go the extra mile and how you add value to the organization.
3. Demonstrate Inventive Thinking
Most people think of finance as a monotonous field, but that’s not true. You can always use your creativity to benefit the entire organization. Perhaps, you can bring new ideas to the table and help the company through financial constraints. If the costs exceed sales, you can think of ways to cut back on expenses. For instance, rent the extra office or factory space. Such suggestions can save the company from going out of business, proving you to be a valuable resource.
Moreover, you can help managers solve the pain points. If they are worried about employees’ productivity, suggest installing project management software tools for every department. One can say industries’ way of doing business is going out of the window. Hence, it is time to write playbooks of things that should be done.
4. Monopolize a Skill
Having a ‘know it all’ attitude won’t take you anywhere. It is time people develop deep knowledge about a subject matter. You have to become an expert in a critical skill that no one else in the organization has. For instance, you can learn Power Business Intelligence software or leverage AI into financial analysis. Likewise, you can digitize the taxation process to save the business from incorrect calculations and return filings.
These new initiatives in the organization will allow you to make a name for yourself and excel. Furthermore, get trained and expand your capabilities so that everyone counts on you whenever a technical task appears. It will make you an essential resource for the company, which they won’t be willing to let go at any cost.
5. Own a Relationship
Did you bring a high-profile client to the company? If so, you are far more valuable than your designation suggests. If you haven’t been able to source any clients, start investing in your relationships with the client. In addition to your interests, contribute to their interests. You can suggest solutions to their financial problems or become a confidant. Likewise, you can even give a few investment suggestions if you know the market dynamics.
Moreover, create and invest in relationships with the key decision-makers, including the company’s management. You can attend meetings, participate in group discussions, or hang out with colleagues after office. It will increase your importance and indispensability to the firm.
6. Be Flexible & Adaptable
Nowadays, employers value two skills the most – adaptability and flexibility. They want employees to adjust to the novel environments without any hesitation. After all, the market dynamics have changed rapidly in the past few years. Previously, finance professionals used to record transactions manually, but that doesn’t happen anymore. Finance managers use automated software solutions to prepare financial statements and cash flows.
Even though adapting to changes isn’t as straightforward as it may sound, you have to be willing to wear different hats. That’s where flexibility comes into play. Besides this, pay attention to what is happening inside the company and analyze market trends. Accordingly, you have to evolve and maintain the momentum. In addition, take on new tasks and projects beyond your job role to create opportunities for growth and success.
Final Thoughts
Whenever there is a rumor about a company laying its employees, everyone starts to worry about their careers. If you don’t wish to experience this, pick a viable career like finance. In addition, upskill yourself to the extent that you become irreplaceable for the organization. For that, build relationships with clients, learn new skills, stay committed to your work, and bring new ideas. Employers value employees who are passionate and show commitment towards their work.
