5 Ways to Network Your Way to a Great Career in Accounting & Finance

When it comes to accounting and finance jobs, professional networking is the key to success. By connecting with other professionals in your field, you can learn about new job opportunities, get advice and support, and grow your career.

But what is the best way to network? And where can you find the best networking opportunities? These are the questions we’ll help you answer in this article. But first, a word about intention. 

Building a personal, professional network

Below are five places that continue to prove successful when you intentionally engage them. But, like most things, you get out what you put in. Make an effort to connect with other professionals and organizations genuinely. 

Most professional communities are built with the intent to cultivate, guide, and provide resources for people like you. So you can reflect your shared intention by demonstrating that you are also building something – a personal, professional network.  :

When you make the kinds of connections we suggest below, they can be helpful for the duration of your career. So look at this long-term. Yes, a professional network can immediately benefit your career and your attempts to get the job you’re after. But the long-term benefits of networking will continue to pay off – and in potentially greater amounts as your career progresses. Moreover, when other professionals sense that you’re serious and plan on staying involved, they’ll be more likely to help you. 

1. Join professional organizations.

If you want to network with other accounting and finance professionals, one of the best things you can do is join a professional organization. There are many different accounting and finance organizations out there, so find one that aligns with your interests and goals.

Search for local accounting and finance group chapters in your area. Groups like the American Accounting Association or the Financial Management Association could be great places to start. This is a great way to meet other accounting and finance professionals, stay up to date on industry news, and learn about new job opportunities.

2. Attend accounting and finance conferences and local networking events.

Another great way to network is to attend industry events. These can be conferences organized by professional organizations, seminars, or even just local meetups. This is a great opportunity to meet other accounting and finance professionals in your area and learn about new job opportunities.

3. Use social media.

Social media is a great way to network with other accounting and finance professionals. LinkedIn is a particularly good platform for networking, as it allows you to connect with other professionals in your field and learn about new job opportunities. Twitter is also a great platform for networking, as it allows you to follow accounting and finance professionals and companies and stay up to date on industry news.

4. Leverage your alumni community.

If you’re an accounting or finance professional, chances are you have an alumni community to lean on. Many accounting and finance firms recruit from alumni networks. Joining these communities is a great way to be discovered by professionals in your field. 

5. Keep in touch with a recruiter.

Introduce yourself to a recruiter specializing in accounting and finance jobs. Discuss your career goals with them and check in occasionally to stay top of mind. Even if they don’t immediately have a job that fits your goals, staying on a recruiter’s radar will allow your name to be at the top of the list when the right opportunity becomes available. Connecting with a Kelly recruiter is simple; connect online through a profile search on LinkedIn, or in a local recruiting branch. 

Networking is a great way to advance your accounting and finance career. By following these tips, you can start networking your way to a new job today.