Back in the 1980s, it was career protocol that accountants would pursue one of two career paths: business or practice. The expectation was the die had been cast; there would be no going off-piste and crossing over to the ‘other side’.

Since then, expectations have changed. Global job-board CareersinAudit.com recently conducted research among more than 1,300 accountants and found that six in 10 accountants would like to make a career switch to either practice or industry.

However nearly half will not be making that crossover since they feel they do not have the right skills, there is too much competition, it is not going to turn out as they imagined or it is the wrong economic climate.

Do your research

Some of the accountants worry about making the switch as it will not be as they imagined. The reality is nothing is guaranteed in life (well apart from death and taxes) – no one knows how personal or work circumstances will pan out or change over the months or years.

That is not to say you jump in without doing some research.

If you have identified an accountancy firm or company you would like to work for, then link up with contacts or peers who may work there or know a person who is already there.

By having an informal chat you can find out what a role in the company would actually entail and what the working culture is like.

Build up your confidence by acquiring new skills

If you feel there is a gap in your skillset, which is going to prevent you from making the crossover, then then you will need to be proactive about gaining new skills.

This could mean asking a current employer whether you can go on more courses and get extra training. If the employer is not supportive it may be worth making financial and time investment outside office hours to support training requirements.

Moving from industry to practice

• focus your efforts on building your overall business and commercial awareness and skills within your current role,
• gain knowledge across different aspects of the business and get involved with team management and client contact.

Moving from practice to industry

• having good people skills will be essential as you will need to work with people from different disciplines on a daily basis.

Employers like to see that you have an interest in the area in which they operate.

For example, if you want to move out of audit and into the media industry, it will help if you have focused on audits for media companies.

Ultimately you will need to show your future employer that you have a credible career back story about why you want to move into business, or any particular industry.

Mixing up your CV is a good thing

The role of the accountant over the past five to 10 years has changed and the stereotypical bean counter is fast becoming outdated.

Accountants need to have a much broader skill-base and to be strategic business advisers. They need to demonstrate they can think and understand the trials and tribulations of a business owner.

They should not be fearful of stepping out of their comfort zone and definitely not see the switchover in black or white terms.

Ultimately, mixing up your CV with both industry and practice experience should be regarded as a mark of someone with depth and breadth of experience.

About the author

Simon Wright is operations director at CareersinAudit.com