As an accounting and finance employee, career advancement is a top priority. This involves developing the knowledge, skills, and experience required to take on additional responsibility. One way to accomplish this is by developing your skillset during the work week. By finding ways to increase the value you provide your employer, you set yourself up for promotions and career growth.

Discover five ways to develop your skills at work and advance in your career.

Find a Mentor

Partner with a mentor to gain skills and knowledge. For instance, they can expose you to new experiences and points of view that help you solve problems and overcome challenges. A mentor also can provide honest feedback on your work performance and help determine the next steps in your career. Plus, a mentor can share their own experiences so you do not make the same mistakes they did.

Read Up on Your Industry

Read about the latest news, trends, and developments in your industry. Be sure to include books, magazines, blog posts, and articles as your sources. Also, join industry forums to share what you learn and gain additional insight from thought leaders. Further develop your knowledge by connecting with forum participants and industry experts on LinkedIn. Study the content they share, companies they follow, and groups they are in so you can do the same.

Solve Company Problems

Find ways to alleviate your company’s problems. For instance, research your business and its competitors. Find out about your organization’s goals, unique selling points, and challenges. Think about ways to resolve one of the issues. Talk with your manager about what you come up with. Ask if you can help implement the solution.

Seek Learning Opportunities

Discover opportunities to enhance your learning. For instance, participate in internal training, local conferences, or webinars. Also, listen to podcasts, take an online class or course, or join a professional association. Additionally, use platforms like Udacity, Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning to access short lessons delivered by industry experts. Share with your manager specific ways to apply what you learn to enhance your team.

Take on Challenges

Look for opportunities to learn during the workday. For instance, ask to take on a stretch assignment or cross-train in another department. Be sure to share with your manager what you have to offer and gain from working on the project. Ongoing learning adds to your knowledge base and skill set, positioning you for advancement within the organization.

Land a New Accounting and Finance Job

You can develop your accounting and finance skills in Western Canada by finding a new job through Mercer Bradley. We present you with opportunities that match your interests and goals, then work with you throughout the entire recruiting process. Check out our job board today.