JobBalance _ Smart Career Moves for Your Accounting Job

1. Climb the Ladder or Move On? Smart Career Moves for Your Accounting Job When Miguel got his first corporate accounting job, he felt proud. Like many looking for accounting jobs in Pampanga, he thought he had a stable career. A steady paycheck, benefits, and a clear path seemed like a great start—but was it enough? For the first few years, everything seemed fine. He worked hard, met deadlines, and got small promotions. But his salary didn’t grow much. Then, he noticed something strange—his cousin, who changed jobs twice, was earning more even though they started at the same time. Miguel believed staying in one company meant security. But his salary barely increased while prices for rent, food, and gas kept going up. He took on extra work and got praised, yet his promotions were slow. A key piece of accounting career advice Miguel had missed was this: growing in a job isn’t just about working hard—it’s about being smart. He saw others move ahead because they spoke up in meetings, built relationships, and took on important projects. Hard Work Isn’t Always Enough

2. Miguel thought doing a great job was enough. But he realized that accounting tips like networking, learning new skills, and making yourself visible mattered more. While he focused on doing perfect work, others got noticed by bosses and moved up faster. Promotions weren’t just about skills—they were also about who knew you and how much impact you had. Miguel had two choices: try to move up in his company or explore other opportunities like freelancing. Option 1: Moving Up in the Company To get ahead, Miguel needed to: ✔ Take on projects that made the company more money. ✔ Get extra certifications like CPA or CMA. ✔ Connect with important people in the company. ✔ Ask for raises instead of waiting for them. Even with these steps, company salaries had limits. So, he looked at another option.

3. Option 2: Trying Freelancing A former coworker quit his job to work as a freelance accountant. He set his own rates, had flexible hours, and earned more than Miguel. Freelancing had some benefits: ✔ No salary limits—you decide how much you earn. ✔ Flexible schedule—you control your work hours. ✔ Many job options—bookkeeping, taxes, consulting. But there were also risks: ❌ No steady paycheck—you have to find clients. ❌ No company benefits—you pay for your own insurance. ❌ You must market yourself—clients won’t come to you. A Smart Way to Transition Instead of quitting his job right away, Miguel started freelancing on the side. He made a LinkedIn profile, took on small bookkeeping jobs, and built a client list. This gave him extra income and security. Over time, he had two choices—grow his freelance business full-time or use his new skills to get a better job. Either way, he was no longer stuck.

4. Miguel thought about his early struggles. Entry-level accounting jobs often required long hours with low pay. Many new accountants took the first offer they got and stayed in low-paying jobs for too long. He learned that growing in a job wasn’t just about working longer—it was about making smart moves. Those who built skills, got certified, and connected with the right people moved up faster. Are You Stuck or Making a Plan? Miguel’s story is common. Many accountants feel stuck in slow-growing careers. But real success doesn’t come from just waiting—it comes from taking action. Steps to Grow Your Career ✔ Work on projects that help the company earn or save money. ✔ Get certifications like CPA, CMA, or CFA. ✔ Build relationships with important people, not just coworkers. ✔ Ask for a raise when you add value. Don’t Wait—Take Action

5. For accountants in the Philippines, success isn’t just about getting promoted. It’s about knowing where to find the best opportunities. Many start in companies, but the fastest movers look for better roles inside and outside their firms. There are ways to grow your career faster: ✔ Look beyond big cities—places like Pampanga have good salaries and lower costs. ✔ Learn digital skills—many companies want accountants who know cloud-based software. ✔ Try freelancing—it can be extra income or a full-time job. Stability shouldn’t mean staying stuck. Whether you grow in a company or take a different path, the key is to make smart moves. Miguel made his choice—and so can you. What will your next step be?