When it comes to accountancy jobs there’s a number that everyone aspires to become: one.
The numero uno position comes under many titles – from chief financial officer to finance director to simply the big boss – but essentially the role is the same: head of accounting.
If your career reaches this heady height you’ll normally be a senior executive preparing financial reports and assisting with the formation of the company strategy, as well overseeing the all-important balance sheets and income statements.
So what does it take to be an effective number one?
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Knowledge
This means knowing not only the company inside out but also the financial and consumer trends in its particular business sector.
While it’s unlikely you’ll know everything,if this is a role at a new organisation, you should come to the interview prepared with homework on the company, gleaned from its website and published accounts.
Some form of SWOT analysis and fresh ideas for moving the business forward are also likely to be well received.
Connections
How much added value do you bring in terms of business connections?
Many chief executives and managing directors will be looking to their money person to have strong and extended networks.
This is so they can potentially tap into the knowledge base of the finance community, as well as be open to growth opportunities, such as inward investment.
Added extras
If you have additional skills outside of the world of accountancy and finance – perhaps you have transferrable experience in HR, the legal world or digital uptake? Be sure to flag these up in your CV and at your interview.
They bring additional quality to the role over and above the expected technical know-how.
Ambition
While accountants are often perceived as rather staid and risk-averse, the top financial executives have much higher aspirations for both themselves and their company.
This means, alongside encouraging long-term stability, integrity and sustainability, you should not shy away from innovative ways to encourage growth in the short and long term.
Remember, too, that many financial pros will go on to be the CEO of the entire organisation, so having ambition and extra skill sets is bound to be invaluable.
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