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What advice would you give an accounting graduate who is trying to build a career in human resources Management? Or do you suggest she should just gave Finance?

What advice would you give an accounting graduate who is trying to build a career in human resources Management?
Or do you suggest she should just gave Finance?

accounting human-resources
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Saiba’s Answer

Hi Juliana

Great question. I would say Go for it. I have been in HR since 12 years and absolutely love it. You can do some HR certifications/courses to gain some HR knowledge before starting and applying for roles. Read HR articles/books related to HR/LinkedIn trainings and connect withdifferent HR professionals. There are various teams under HR like compensation, HR reporting, recruitment, training and development and business advisor/generalist who handle employee grievances. Read about that and see where your interest lies. HR internships are a great way to try out different HR areas and learn more about the functioning. Also try to have a mentor who has been in HR field for sometime. HR is in demand these days and you will do great (even though you have accounting education experience). It can definitely come handy. Also try to see possibility of a 1 year diploma or a training course in HR which can help you in your journey. All the very best!!!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Juliana
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Laurie’s Answer

I say go for it! I work in HR and absolutely love it. Sit down and analyze your classes, your experiences and your resume -- consider what are the transferrable skills that you've learned that pertain to various areas in HR so that you can tailor your resume to be noticed for an HR job (and answer questions on an interview). Analytical skills are critically important for HR professionals today, and your experience with numbers can go a long way related to data, payroll, compensation and benefits (larger companies will also have Equity compensation which is more about stocks, etc.). Good luck!
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Victoria’s Answer

Definitely look into internships! I started my HR career as an intern. I learned so much and was offered a full time role after my internship.
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Alexandra’s Answer

Definitely go for it! Don't hold back on what you want to do because of what you originally "thought" you wanted to do. Out of college, I thought I wanted to be a child psychologist, but I am now a lead resource manager and deal with a variety of HR topics as well. I started with Project Management and found my niche in staffing/resource manager to pursue a path I am on today.

Some suggestions to find your path when switching career goals, would be to take as much training as possible, talk to others who may be in the field you are looking into (HR) and see if you can get a role that has even a tiny bit of that type of work so you can start getting your hands in it. You can definitely do it! Go for it and don't ever hold back!
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Hunter’s Answer

There's certainly a way to make the shift. I recommend going for entry-level positions in payroll, as you'll consistently interact with HR staff. This will allow you to talk about the possibility of switching departments and create a strong network of recommendations from your time in the payroll department.
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Sherry’s Answer

I'd like to emphasize that the first job you pick doesn't have to be your lifelong career. Many individuals in Human Resources or recruitment positions within accounting firms actually begin their journey in auditing. Gaining experience in a non-HR role within the company can significantly improve your ability to manage HR tasks, as you'll have firsthand knowledge of the roles you're overseeing. This perspective can lead to greater success and job satisfaction in the long run.
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Jennifer’s Answer

It's definitely possible! I majored in Accounting and Information Systems and landed in Human Resources Technology upon graduating. I use my accounting background often in my job supporting HR - budgeting, financial reviews, and even in supporting HR payroll and compensation. Those analytical skills and attention to detail in accounting is important and transferrable to many different areas, HR included. Consider possibly looking at business office support roles within HR to get your foot in the door.

Jennifer recommends the following next steps:

Explore different types of HR roles and positions
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Juliana
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Megan’s Answer

Investigate various positions within the Human Resources field. Numerous HR roles can benefit from your Accounting degree, such as Payroll. If you're uncertain about pursuing a career involving Accounting or unsure about your desired path, explore diverse HR Rotation Programs. These programs offer the chance to experience a range of HR roles.

Megan recommends the following next steps:

Do research on different roles in HR. There are plenty of roles in HR using your Accounting degree.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Megan Juliana
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Donald’s Answer

Great question! You can start by trying to intern for a large company in Human Resouces to get an idea of which area of HR you enjoy. Much of your Finance degree can be used in an HR capacity (i.e. data analytics, compensation, benefits, workforce planning). Also apply to entry level Human Resources roles as you see them posted. Good luck!!
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Seema’s Answer

You should definitely go for it! I was working in budgeting when I was exposed to HR reps sitting near me at work. I became fascinated with what they were doing and changed careers. Look for internships as mentioned, but also look into courses related to HR to get you started. There is so much online that can help you learn. Good luck!
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Saurabh’s Answer

I suggest starting as a staff accountant or finance associate, and then see if you can gradually transition into a human resources position within the same organization.
Thank you comment icon I really want say a big thank you for giving me this advice.. it's really helpful. Juliana
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Amy’s Answer

Yes and having accounting and finance is actually a great background to have in HR. You may want to consider looking into entry level roles in compensation as good way to apply transferable skills to the HR discipline
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Ching’s Answer

Since you are already a graduate, I would say, go for anything to get a foot in the door. You might end up getting into a different field or role that requires other skillset. Don't need to limit yourself. But it is important to move forward. Even volunteering would be a step forward.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Juliana
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much , Ching! Juliana
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