Finding the right firm to work for is critical if you want to build a successful accounting career. While larger firms may have a more prestigious reputation, small accounting firms like OnTarget CPA provide a diverse range of benefits that can help you advance your career more quickly and further.
In this blog post, we’ll go over five advantages of starting your accounting career at a small firm and explain how they can help you reach your professional objectives. These advantages are worth considering whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to make a change.
So, why should you consider a career with a small accounting firm? Here are five of them:
1. Increased opportunities for professional growth
Working at a smaller accounting firm provides you with more opportunities for your professional development, which is one of the primary advantages of working at a smaller firm. At OnTarget CPA we provide a more adaptable and individualized approach to career advancement, in contrast to larger companies, which may have a rigid hierarchy and limited opportunities for advancement.
For example, you might be able to participate in a broader variety of projects or take on additional responsibilities at an earlier stage in your career growth. In addition, smaller firms like OnTarget CPA typically provide more opportunities for one-on-one training and mentoring, which can speed up your professional development and help you advance your career more quickly.
Working at a small accounting firm, on the other hand, can provide a more personalized and dynamic approach to career development than larger firms, allowing you to take charge of your accounting career and achieve your professional goals.
2. More direct client interaction and opportunities to build relationships
Another significant advantage of working at a small accounting firm is the increased possibility of direct client interaction. Working with a smaller pool of clients in a smaller setting may allow you to build stronger relationships with each of them. At OnTarget CPA we believe strong client relationships are essential to success in the accounting industry, so this can be especially beneficial for those looking to advance their career.
You may be responsible for managing client accounts and handling day-to-day interactions at a smaller accounting firm, which can help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills. Working closely with clients can also help you gain a better understanding of their businesses and industries, which can be useful as your accounting career progresses.
Furthermore, firms such as ourselves may be more adaptable in their client management approach, giving you more autonomy and control over your work. This can be especially appealing for those who want to be more hands-on with their client management and build long-term relationships with them.
3. Greater variety of work and experience
The next reason to work at a smaller accounting firm is the greater variety of work and experience that may be available. Small firms frequently have a more diverse client base, which can expose you to a variety of industries, accounting practices, and financial issues. This variety is especially beneficial for those looking to advance their accounting careers because it allows them to gain a diverse set of experiences and skills.
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), 63% of small accounting firms provide formal training programs for their employees, compared to 42% of larger firms. OnTarget CPA places a greater emphasis on employee development and training, which can be a significant advantage for those looking to advance their accounting career.
Moreover, the variety of work and experience gained at a smaller accounting firm can help you identify your accounting industry strengths and interests. Since we work with different clients and on different projects, this can help you discover areas of accounting that you enjoy more than others, which can help you make more informed career decisions.
4. More flexible work environment and culture
Working at a small accounting firm has several advantages, including a more flexible work environment and culture. We are more personalized in our approach to work, which results in a more inclusive and supportive environment. This is especially useful for those looking to advance their accounting careers, as it can help them feel more connected to their work and colleagues.
OnTarget CPA places a greater emphasis on supporting a creative and positive work environment that values each individual. Those interested in a career in accounting will find this particularly helpful in establishing a sense of belonging and appreciation within the company.
Finally, smaller sized firms can contribute to a more family-like atmosphere. Because there are fewer employees, it is easier to get to know your coworkers on a more personal level, which can lead to stronger working relationships and a greater sense of camaraderie.
5. Potential for higher earnings and bonuses
Earning a good salary and bonuses is undoubtedly a major priority for most people when it comes to establishing a successful accounting career. When compared to larger firms, working at a small accounting firm like OnTarget CPA can offer higher earnings and bonuses.
According to a study conducted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), smaller businesses are more likely to offer performance-based bonuses to their employees, which can be a significant factor in increasing overall compensation. These bonuses, which can be tied to individual, team, or firm-wide performance, can be a powerful motivator for employees to perform to their full potential.
It’s important to note that the potential for higher earnings and bonuses varies depending on a variety of factors, including the firm’s size and success, the employee’s level of experience and qualifications, and the current state of the job market. Individuals can, however, position themselves for greater earning potential and financial stability over the course of their accounting career by working at a small accounting firm.
Overall, the possibility of higher earnings and bonuses is a significant advantage of pursuing an accounting career at a small firm like OnTarget CPA. Individuals can feel motivated and supported in their efforts to build a successful and financially rewarding accounting career with a more personalized approach to compensation and the possibility of performance-based bonuses and partnership opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing an accounting career at a small firm such as OnTarget CPA can provide numerous advantages, such as increased opportunities for professional growth, more direct client interaction and relationship-building, a wider range of work and experience, a more flexible work environment and culture, and the potential for higher earnings and bonuses. Individuals can position themselves for long-term success and fulfillment in their accounting career by choosing to work at a small accounting firm.
We take pride in providing a supportive and collaborative work environment that allows our employees to thrive and grow in their careers at OnTarget CPA. We are a small accounting firm valuing each individual and the unique contributions that each team member provides.
If you want to advance your accounting career at OnTarget CPA, please visit our careers page. You can learn more about our firm and our current job openings here, as well as apply to join our team.