FINANCE/ACCOUNTING CAREERS

How Having a Mentor Can Boost Your Career

While talent and personal ambition are necessary ingredients for accomplishing career goals, few finance and accounting professionals who have achieved success have done so entirely on their own. A mentor who offers guidance and advice can help you navigate the pitfalls on the road to advancement.

If you’re at the beginning of your career, you may need to take the initiative to find someone to help you move up the career ladder: In a recent survey by Accountemps, the majority (58 percent) of chief financial officers polled said it’s uncommon for new hires to be formally matched with mentors in their organizations.

But even if you’ve logged a number of years in the profession, partnering with a mentor can help take you to the next level. Fortunately, even if your company doesn’t have a formal program, finding a mentor is less difficult than you may imagine. Here’s how you can do it:

Know what you need. Before you begin your search, consider what you hope to gain from the relationship. Think about the specific qualities the person should possess, as well as how the individual might assist you. For instance, if you would like to move into a senior financial analyst role, start with someone who has held that position. He or she can identify areas you need to improve, from increasing your knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems to your communication abilities. There also may be aspects of the role you can learn that you aren’t currently aware of, such as the value of advanced credentials.

Some professionals choose to work with multiple mentors, each of whom provide assistance in specific areas. One manager, for example, could help you hone your technical skills, while you could also benefit by associating with another individual with well-developed management skills or in-depth knowledge of overall business aspects of the company.

Cast a wide net. Don’t limit your search for a mentor to individuals within your company. Members of your professional network may know someone who’s an ideal match for your needs. Also consider contacts made through your involvement with industry groups such as the American Institute of Public Accountants or the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Respect the person’s time. It’s exciting to have a tenured professional advise you on your career, but be sure to limit your demands on his or her schedule. Your new advisor isn’t your “go to” person for every crossroads you encounter. Be specific and thoughtful with your questions, and don’t expect your contact to have all the answers. You might research issues before you bring them up. For example, if you’re wondering if you should pursue a professional certification, make sure you are knowledgeable about the options available before you seek your mentor’s advice.

Along the same lines, ask advisors how and when they would prefer to be contacted. One individual may prefer a monthly phone conversation on a Sunday afternoon, while another may leave the door open for you to e-mail whenever you have a question. Whatever the case, by asking about communication preferences, you’ll demonstrate that you respect the time of the people who have agreed to help you.

Be appreciative. Once you’ve established a relationship, keep mentors updated on progress made in areas in which they have helped. Always thank them for any assistance provided and share the credit for your success when appropriate.

Finding a mentor can take some work, but it’s well worth the effort. You’ll have a valuable resource for career guidance, allowing you to grow as a financial professional and put yourself on a path toward achieving your goals.

Founded in 1948, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, a division of Robert Half International Inc., is first and largest specialized financial recruiting service. The company has more than 360 offices worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.roberthalf.com.