Month: May 2020

The hiring environment has become more uncertain in recent months, to say the least. However, the positive news is that many businesses are still staffing both on-site and remote positions, including in their accounting and finance departments. If you have a well-developed set of accounting skills, that could increase your chances of being a strong contender for jobs you are targeting.

Essential accounting skills encompass more than the ability to crunch numbers, complete expense sheets and depreciate fixed assets. In addition to traditional accounting knowledge, there are a number of hard and soft skills that every accounting professional needs, whether they are working in an office or remotely.

Following is an overview of seven sets of accounting skills — some technical, some not — that can help you to advance your accounting job search, as well as your accounting career.

General business knowledge

The scope of accounting and finance positions has been expanding over time, and especially so in recent years. In particular, these professionals must collaborate and coordinate more often with colleagues in other departments.

So, it’s important to know what other functions do and how the work of the accounting and finance organization helps to support their initiatives. The better you understand the overall workings of the business, and how you and your team fit into the “big picture,” the more productive your relationships outside your department will be.

Up-to-date technology expertise

Finance leaders are often challenged in finding professionals who have up-to-date technology expertise listed among their accounting skills. But you can be sure that working with finance-specific software programs will be a given in your role, as accounting firms and other organizations continue to expand their use of accounting automation.

Other examples of technology-related accounting skills that are in demand by many employers include:

• Advanced Excel ability
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Expertise in big data analysis, advanced modeling techniques and SQL
• Knowledge of business intelligence software (e.g., IBM Cognos)
• Microsoft Visual Basic capability
• Aptitude with Hyperion (for analyst and financial reporting roles)
• Microsoft Visual Basic skills
• Knowledge of QuickBooks (for positions with small and midsize firms)

If you want to advance in your current position, consider asking your manager about online accounting skills training options that the company may be able to arrange. Or, if you’re currently searching for a job, you could enroll yourself in an online course in one of the skills areas listed above. Being proactive about your professional development could impress a potential employer.

Communication skills

Stay-at-home orders have put communication abilities front and center among must-have skills as many workers have transitioned to remote jobs. The good news is that accounting and finance professionals have had to hone one of these abilities for years: presenting information in an easy-to-digest manner, especially for audiences that are not as numbers-savvy. Now, it’s time to refine other communication skills.

The ability to relay information clearly and concisely by enhancing your verbal and writing skills is essential. More good news is that you and your colleagues working from home may already have a leg up on this skill, as you’ve had to turn to email (writing skills) and video platforms (verbal skills) for each and every daily interaction, from business requests to simple morning greetings.

Adaptability and flexibility

Adaptability and flexibility were also top among the skills accounting and finance professionals needed even before the pandemic. Technological change, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical business tool, was a key driver for that trend, and you can expect that it will remain so. But now, as businesses try to define and operationalize their next “new normal,” the ability to pivot and roll with change is an absolute must.

Creativity and a willingness to help others

The best accounting professionals are ambitious self-starters who can develop new insights. You may need to serve as a source of aid when colleagues require help navigating a particular program or managing their first busy-season audit.

Your managers may also look to you for fresh ideas as to how the organization can ensure continuity of service to clients (especially during this time of disruption), improve compliance procedures or address a host of other issues.

Customer service orientation

Whether you work in public or private accounting, solid customer service skills are critical, too. If you work in a public accounting firm, you need to be able to retain current customers and bring in new clients. And if you work in corporate accounting, you must meet the needs of the organization’s other departments and managers.

Accounting professionals can demonstrate good customer service by earnestly listening to the needs and concerns of clients, whether they’re internal or external.

Specialized experience

Specialized experience, such as a focus on regulatory compliance, can be a strong complement to your set of accounting skills. Many employers also look for candidates with backgrounds in anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) and the Dodd-Frank Act, particularly rules related to capital adequacy and consumer protection.

Companies also seek accountants with experience in revenue recognition. Organizations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) offer courses on revenue recognition to help you better understand and implement the current and new revenue recognition principles — and make appropriate revenue recognition decisions.

Look for ways to boost your accounting skills

As you work to grow your career, consider earning in-demand accounting certifications. And always look for opportunities to get training that will make you more marketable as a job candidate, and more valuable as a team member.

That said, for many of the above skills, on-the-job experience is the best method for learning. One way to gain that experience is by working in temporary accounting and finance positions while you build up your resume and search for a full-time role.

In this uncertain time, many businesses are looking to staff accounting and finance positions with temporary and part-time professionals who they can count on to get the job done — and perhaps, work remotely. And the experience could put you on the path to finding more permanent employment sooner.

If COVID-19 has impacted your regular work schedule or routine, you’ve likely been working from home for several months now. While working from home has its perks, it also can be challenging to focus, limiting your productivity levels. Everyone procrastinates, but it’s essential to push past the distractions to get your work done and actively contribute to your team and organization. So how can you conquer procrastination while working from home for good? Check out our tips below! 

Make a projects list the night before

A way to ensure productivity is curating to-do lists for the next day’s workday after you’ve completed your projects for the day. To-do lists are a great way to make sure you’re being productive and accomplishing what needs to be done in your role. Also, crossing tasks and projects off a to-do list can be gratifying – especially if you are questioning your progress. 

Do the hardest projects/tasks in the morning

Assess your project list for the day and then knock out the most challenging and most tedious tasks in the morning, so you won’t have to dread handling them throughout the day. We all want to avoid that one project or email, but it’s best to get it done sooner than later. 

Block off your calendar and turn off notifications

To maximize your time and productivity levels, block off your calendar to pencil in time to get your projects done. Blocking off your calendar will limit incoming calendar invitations for meetings, which will allow you to get projects done promptly. Turning off Slack and social media notifications can also help you focus on the task at hand. 

Take several breaks throughout the day, including lunch

Be sure to schedule in downtime as part of your workday, too. Although high productivity is often rewarded, being sustainable with your work output is just as important. Taking multiple breaks throughout the workday can help you regain your focus and build up your momentum to attack your projects again. 

Create rewards for yourself

Reward yourself for finishing your projects and tasks by waiting to binge watch that TV series, or answer that email, or check your social media profiles. You can also reward yourself with a walk, a cupcake, or whatever else motivates you.

We are looking for:

Field Service Engineer – New York and New Jersey area

Our Client is a comprehensive pharmaceutical equipment supplier that provide process support, core equipments, integrated system and Pharm. engineering for the Pharm. and biotech industry in the world. Since its foundation, our Client has supplied more than 8000 equipments and systems for 2000 pharmaceutical companies across over 40 countries and regions in the world which have been widely applied in the fields of liquid and Lyo injectables, chemical API, bioengineering and Pharm. packaging, etc.

Job duties:

• Provide technical support to customers via field visit, phone calls, emails,
• Provide remote support about Lyophilizer machines to customers via phone calls, message, emails, as a contact for NY and NJ clients service
• Work directly with customers at their site to perform new Installation / commissioning/after sales service,
• Diagnose machine problems and determine proper solutions to customer,
• Ability to work flexible shifts and adapt to changing work schedules and ability to work under pressure
• Calibration/qualification of our Clients products as per accepted customer order requirement
• Support and train customers on the product solutions that have been purchased
• Build positive relationships with customers
• Produce timely and detailed service reports, which summaries/get the key point of customer’s new requirement/comments/suggestions on design/manufacturing/service of our Clients products so as to support Shanghai Head Office continuous improvement.

Qualification: 

• A bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical engineering, Chemical engineering, Process equipment, Mechanical engineering or similar, connected to the position posted.
• Experience: a minimum of 3 years’ experience in renowned Pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing Company, or in renowned Pharmaceutical companies’ engineering department, consultant companies. 
• Experience in working with freezing machines, dry freezing machines is a plus
• Detail design experience/Manufacturing management experience is a plus,
• Knowledge: Good knowledge about pharmaceutical equipments. The pharmaceutical equipments mainly include lyophilizer, ampoule filling line, vital filling line, PFS (pre fill syringe), auto loading system, orabs / isolator, Auto visual Inspection and Leakage detection machine, etc.
• Software: Good Micro Office skills, Good Auto-CAD abilities.

Mindset and intrapersonal skills

• Communications: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and manage effective working relationships at all levels.
• Enthusiastic, innovative and able to change.
• Work under pressure, and execute quickly.
• Up to 70% travel may be required.

Reporting to: Area Service manager, and get support from Area Service manager and directly from Client headquarters 

Position based in (geographically): New York and New Jersey area

Salary: Highly competitive 

All interested candidates should apply by sending CV and Cover Letter to: 

e.ilirjani@theheadhunter.com

Although you might be working remotely, you can still grow and strengthen your career. Even though you may not be in front of your team members and manager, if you’re dedicated to developing your leadership skills, you can openly communicate about the projects that you’re working on, how you’re fostering collaboration among your various teams, and how you’re demonstrating leadership to your teams and management. Here are several ways you can grow in your position, leverage new career opportunities, and make your mark at your organization regardless of working from home.  

Proactively ask for feedback

Don’t wait on a structured review to start enlisting feedback from your manager and surrounding teams. 62% of employees feel like their company’s performance review is surface level and incomplete, so get ahead of a structured review process by asking for feedback proactively. Although inquiring about your performance and asking for feedback helps you grow in your position regarding what’s working well and what needs improvement, it also allows you to show your manager that you’re being diligent about evolving in your role. When asking for feedback, be clear about what you would like to know about your work performance, professional development, and projects that you are currently working on. Be sure to provide your manager with time to discuss the feedback presented candidly. 

Work collaboratively among teams

Although you’re working virtually, now is the time to work even more collaboratively with team members. Strive to work cross-functionally with team members to gain different perspectives, skills, and contributions to projects and initiatives. By working collaboratively, this will show your teammates that you value what they bring to the table and honor teamwork to achieve a collective goal for the organization. 

Seek ways to provide value actively

Aim to add value in different departments and teams by contributing your expertise, skills, and opinions, when you weren’t asked or expected to do so. When working on a team project, take one step further by researching or sending talking points before a team meeting or brainstorm beforehand. By accepting these proactive steps, you are showing your team and manager that you’re willing to give more to the organization and your role than what’s expected of you. A little extra work goes a long way, especially when you are trying to position yourself as a leader within an organization and team. Showing your boss and team members that you are willing to go the extra mile, even when working from home, can positively impact your growth in your role and as a leader. 

 Improve your written communication

When working remotely and virtually, practicing effectively, clear, and concise digital communication is vital. Getting in the habit of consistently writing excellent emails and messages will improve your communication with your team members and help projects go along smoothly. To improve your written communication, make sure your ask is clear and stay away from jargon to limit misunderstandings. 

Expand your contribution holistically.

When a new project isn’t available on your team or practice group, look for roles outside your select team to help you learn and practice new skills and raise your professional capital within your organization. For example, you can partner with a team member to assist them with one of their projects or join your company’s ERG (employee resource group) to strengthen your leadership skills. 

 Prioritize, being a strategic thought leader

Take a more strategic approach to the work that you’re producing. Becoming more strategic will help you work smarter and not harder. Developing an impactful strategy is about asking “what” should we be doing differently and figuring out solutions for your work. To hone your strategic skills, spend less time-solving problems and more time defining which problems the group should be solving.

The Headhunter  is an innovative recruiting group that can source the most potential candidates for your company. We always go the extra mile when it comes to helping people find their dream jobs and provide companies with the best HR services.

 Except headhunting and recruiting, we offer services such as staff leasing, training, total outsourcing, salary mapping, market research, HR consulting, mystery shopping and a lot more.

The Headhunter’s offices are located all around the world. Our headquarters are located in New York, but our story of success doesn’t end here. Our offices and services are provided all over America and they even go way further than the US.

The Headhunter Group has offices located in Washington DC, Texas, California, Puerto Rico, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece, Cyprus and Serbia.

With over 800 clients and a highly trained and professional staff, The Headhunter Group is determined to provide efficient services and solutions suitable for any company.

If COVID-19 has negatively impacted your job, now is the time to diversify your professional toolkit to showcase your transferable skills. You may also find yourself curious about changing your career trajectory, and depending on what your current industry, it’s possible that it means switching industries entirely. Although you might not have all the experience necessary to pivot professionally, leaning into transferable skills can more than often make up for this lack of experience. If you can successfully demonstrate the relevance of these transferable skills throughout your resume, cover letter, and online portfolio, that will make you competitive in the job landscape. 

Within almost every job listing, there are certain skills highlighted (i.e., communication, multitasking, collaboration, critical thinking, attention to detail, creativity, leadership, dependable, teamwork, organization), to name a few. These words are known as transferable skills because no matter what the job or profession is, they make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful workplace environment. Transferable skills are ones that apply in all professions and usually are the foundation of the workplace and organizational success. Transferable skills aren’t limited to the workplace; they can be skills you learned through volunteer work, hobbies, passion projects, or even being a parent. When considering what transferable skills you have, reflect on your life experiences in and out of the workplace.  

When conducting your job search, it’s important to identify companies that reflect your passion points and interests as well as updating your resume, cover letter, and online portfolio to demonstrate to hiring managers the diversity of value you can add to their organization while highlighting your transferable skills. Given that job descriptions and tasks might not always line up perfectly with your previous experience, learning how to identify and hone your transferable skills can make a substantial impact on your job search process. Here are several ways that you can identify your transferable skills. 

How to identify your transferable skills: 

Discover the skills that set you apart

Take inventory of your entire professional toolkit, soft and hard skills. To make sure that your career change is successful by leveraging transferable skills, identify what makes you unique. 

Understand how your skills translate

Understanding how your skills translate to a new industry is critical. Hiring managers and recruiters tend to gravitate toward candidates who have linear career paths and skills, which is an advantage and a disadvantage for anyone looking to change careers. If you’re able to help connect the dots for the recruiter or interviewer and show them why your skills are valuable, you’ve taken a step in the right direction.

Leverage your online portfolio, resume, and cover letter to land a new career opportunity

The final step to leveraging your transferable skills is tailoring your online portfolio, resume, and cover letter to highlight your cross-functional skills. While your resume can showcase your career trajectory and skills, your cover letter and online portfolio highlights your narrative and tells the story of why your skills are essential to the company and role. 

To excel at your career and reach your goals, you have to work hard to stand out. Think of it as a competition, except rather than competing with your coworkers, you’re up against yourself. By pushing to do better and give it your all, you’ll stand out in front of your new employer and show them that they made the right choice.

Here are some helpful tips to help you stand out in the crowd at your new job.

Start Before Day One

First impressions are everything, and when it comes to finding a new job, that impression takes place well before you get hired. If you want to stand out to your new employer, you need to start showcasing your value before day one.

Show that you value their time by presenting a neat, well thought out resume. You can accomplish this task easily by finding an online resume template to give you some guidance. Dedicate time to researching the company and the role, so that you can give specific answers about how you’ll add value to the business.

After your interview, be sure to follow up and thank the interview panel for their time. Doing so will be appreciated and reconvey your interest in the position. It will also set your name apart from the other candidates.

Set Positive Boundaries

Entering a new company culture can be challenging. Sometimes some cliques and politics can be distracting and disheartening. As a new employee, it’s essential to avoid getting sucked in.

Set positive boundaries with your coworkers and refuse to engage with office drama. Be friendly and engaging without getting into gossip sessions, and save your vent sessions for after hours at home.

Be Proactive

Try to anticipate challenges before they happen as you get into your new role. Once you’re comfortable with your new responsibilities, be proactive and let your employer know that you’re ready to take on more. Your boss will appreciate your enthusiasm and flag you as a self-starter.

When people think of abuse, the workplace is most likely the last place that comes to mind. In reality, workplace abuse is actually more common than you may think. According to a study, 75% of workers are affected by bullying annually. Having gaps in your resume due to workplace bullying and job separation can be hard to explain to a new employer.

n this article, we talk about workplace violence, abuse and bullying to give you a clear description of what workplace abuse is and what it looks like. We also touch on the lasting effects of workplace abuse including emotional trauma. Lastly, we give you tips and advice on where to get help if you’re a victim or survivor of workplace abuse.

An Exercise In Manipulation And Control

Workplace bullying experts point out similarities between workplace bullies and domestic abusers who seek to manipulate and control their abused counterparts for emotional, financial, or social gain. Workplace abuse and violence can occur between a superior and a subordinate as well as coworker-to-coworker and can have lasting effects on the abuse victim’s mental health.

Workplace Violence, Abuse, and Bullying

People who initiate workplace abuse may feel threatened by the target of their abuse and take every opportunity to demean and ridicule their victim, oftentimes to the point of emotional trauma including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Workplace abuse not only takes an emotional toll on the victim but also the workplace as a whole.

Behaviors in the workplace that prevent the work from getting done that relate to workplace abuse are threatening, humiliating, and intimidating. As a result of work interference, and sabotage, other employees and the business suffer. Some workplace abuse behaviors aren’t always easily detected.

Verbal Abuse

Rude, threatening or inappropriate comments made out of earshot of coworkers is an example of covert verbal abuse. Much like domestic violence abusers, perpetrators of verbal abuse often take care to make sure that their inappropriate language is only heard by the victim.

Verbal abuse can also come in the form of emails, text messages, and phone calls made by coworkers or superiors that are demeaning or threatening to the victim. For example, a coworker may constantly berate or ridicule other coworkers in the name of “poking fun.”

This behavior continues even when the victim has voiced their concern or displeasure about the inappropriate teasing. Employers who don’t address these issues (especially if they are known to the employer) may find themselves facing public lawsuits or embarrassment when an employee seeks damages for harassing, threatening or abusive behavior in the workplace.

Sexual Harassment

Unwanted sexual advances or demands for sexual favors in the workplace fall into this category. Sexual harassment can involve inappropriate requests from superiors to subordinates, males to females, and vice versa. Sexual harassment can happen between all sexes. In most cases, the person being harassed is threatened with being fired or demoted if they don’t comply with inappropriate sexual advances and requests.

Physical Abuse and Violence

On rare occasions, workplace abuse can escalate to physical abuse or violence. Instances of workplace violence can range from simple battery to homicide. Workplace violence can come in the form of physical aggression like hitting, kicking, or throwing things. It can also become more violent when weapons like guns or knives are involved. This is why it’s critical to address workplace abuse before it escalates into something more.

Lasting Effects Of Workplace Abuse

Experiencing workplace abuse can have a lasting effect on your self-esteem and self-worth. You may devalue yourself and feel that what happened to you was somehow your fault. Depending on the level of abuse or violence experienced, you may have actual physical scars from instances of workplace abuse.

If you’re having trouble coping with the fallout of workplace abuse and you need help, remember there are leading therapy sites that will provide affordable access to board-certified therapists online 24-hours day. These counselors from online therapy services can provide you with coping strategies for dealing with the effects of workplace abuse. Talking to a therapy expert is one of the best things you can do to heal and move forward with your life.

How To Get Help

If you’ve been a victim of workplace abuse, you’re not alone. Remember that 75% of employees have also experienced workplace abuse at some point in their careers. In order for workplace abuse to end, it has to be reported. Keep records of incidents of workplace abuse whenever possible. Contact your human resources representative to learn how your company policy on workplace abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of workplace abuse. If you’re struggling with damaging emotional effects of workplace harassment, abuse, or violence, seek the advice of a licensed therapist.