4 answers
Tate
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How can I leverage my communication and marketing background to succeed in my post-grad career in accounting?
I am nervous that my studies in communication and marketing won't be up to par with the complicated ideals of accounting. I know comm will help me communicate better with others, but what else?
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4 answers
Tara Dalrymple
Workplace Community & Culture
7
Answers
Galway
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hey Tate!
First off, take a deep breath—you’ve totally got this! And let me tell you, coming from a communication and marketing background can actually be such a hidden superpower in the world of accounting. Trust me, those skills are going to set you apart in ways you might not even realize yet. So let’s see how you can leverage all that awesome experience!
1. Communicating Complex Ideas Simply
One thing that a lot of accounting pros struggle with? Explaining things in a way that normal people can actually understand! This is where your communication background comes in like a hero. You’ve already got the knack for breaking down complicated concepts into bite-sized, digestible pieces. So whether you’re presenting reports, advising clients, or even just explaining financial stuff to your team, that’s going to be a huge asset.
2. Storytelling with Data
Okay, you’ve got that marketing background—so you know that telling a good story is everything, right? Accounting isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding what those numbers mean. Think of yourself as a financial storyteller: your job is to take all that data and turn it into insights that help businesses make better decisions. Being able to connect the dots between the data and a clear, actionable story? That’s marketing gold applied to accounting!
3. Building Client Relationships
Accounting is so much more than just spreadsheets and calculators (though, yeah, there’s a lot of that too 😅). Your communication skills are going to help you build trust with clients, colleagues, and anyone else you interact with. Being able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and ask the right questions will set you up to form strong connections. And happy clients = a thriving career!
4. Marketing Yourself
Let's not forget—you know how to market, so put those skills to work for you! Whether it’s networking, acing job interviews, or even just getting noticed for promotions, your background will help you stand out. You know how to craft a message, highlight your strengths, and show why you’re the person for the job.
5. Seeing the Bigger Picture
Accounting can sometimes feel very focused on details and numbers. But your experience in marketing means you’ve been trained to think strategically. You'll be able to see the bigger picture in a company’s finances and how everything connects. That’s a rare skill that can help businesses grow, and it’s going to make you invaluable!
Don’t be afraid to lean into that—your background isn’t a weakness; it’s your secret sauce! So take a deep breath, trust in everything you’ve learned, and go out there and crush it.
First off, take a deep breath—you’ve totally got this! And let me tell you, coming from a communication and marketing background can actually be such a hidden superpower in the world of accounting. Trust me, those skills are going to set you apart in ways you might not even realize yet. So let’s see how you can leverage all that awesome experience!
1. Communicating Complex Ideas Simply
One thing that a lot of accounting pros struggle with? Explaining things in a way that normal people can actually understand! This is where your communication background comes in like a hero. You’ve already got the knack for breaking down complicated concepts into bite-sized, digestible pieces. So whether you’re presenting reports, advising clients, or even just explaining financial stuff to your team, that’s going to be a huge asset.
2. Storytelling with Data
Okay, you’ve got that marketing background—so you know that telling a good story is everything, right? Accounting isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding what those numbers mean. Think of yourself as a financial storyteller: your job is to take all that data and turn it into insights that help businesses make better decisions. Being able to connect the dots between the data and a clear, actionable story? That’s marketing gold applied to accounting!
3. Building Client Relationships
Accounting is so much more than just spreadsheets and calculators (though, yeah, there’s a lot of that too 😅). Your communication skills are going to help you build trust with clients, colleagues, and anyone else you interact with. Being able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and ask the right questions will set you up to form strong connections. And happy clients = a thriving career!
4. Marketing Yourself
Let's not forget—you know how to market, so put those skills to work for you! Whether it’s networking, acing job interviews, or even just getting noticed for promotions, your background will help you stand out. You know how to craft a message, highlight your strengths, and show why you’re the person for the job.
5. Seeing the Bigger Picture
Accounting can sometimes feel very focused on details and numbers. But your experience in marketing means you’ve been trained to think strategically. You'll be able to see the bigger picture in a company’s finances and how everything connects. That’s a rare skill that can help businesses grow, and it’s going to make you invaluable!
Don’t be afraid to lean into that—your background isn’t a weakness; it’s your secret sauce! So take a deep breath, trust in everything you’ve learned, and go out there and crush it.
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
76
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Tate,
Your background in communication and marketing is more valuable in accounting than you might initially think. Here are some ways to leverage those skills:
Client Communication - Working with clients, stakeholders, or team members. Your ability to clearly explain complex financial concepts will help bridge the gap between accounting professionals and those without financial expertise.
Presentations & Reporting - Accountants frequently present financial data to non-financial professionals. Your marketing background, especially in creating persuasive presentations, will help you design reports that are both informative and engaging.
Building Relationships - Networking and maintaining professional relationships is crucial in any field. Your marketing experience can help you develop strong client relationships, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.
Your communication and marketing skills will complement your technical accounting knowledge, helping you stand out by adding value beyond traditional accounting roles.
Best of luck to you in your new journey of accounting!
Your background in communication and marketing is more valuable in accounting than you might initially think. Here are some ways to leverage those skills:
Client Communication - Working with clients, stakeholders, or team members. Your ability to clearly explain complex financial concepts will help bridge the gap between accounting professionals and those without financial expertise.
Presentations & Reporting - Accountants frequently present financial data to non-financial professionals. Your marketing background, especially in creating persuasive presentations, will help you design reports that are both informative and engaging.
Building Relationships - Networking and maintaining professional relationships is crucial in any field. Your marketing experience can help you develop strong client relationships, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.
Your communication and marketing skills will complement your technical accounting knowledge, helping you stand out by adding value beyond traditional accounting roles.
Best of luck to you in your new journey of accounting!
Sharyl Allen
Lead and Coach
12
Answers
Helena, Montana
Updated
Sharyl’s Answer
Communication skills and marketing both revolve around recognizing and utilizing patterns. Spotting these patterns is a skill that can be applied in various areas. Accounting, for instance, is a meticulous pattern that culminates in financial reports, data, and accountability. You've demonstrated your capacity to learn, and just like in communications and marketing, you need to be able to exert influence. Accounting, in its own way, shapes the realities of a business.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hey Tate,
I think you can get a better idea of how to use the skills you have by reading Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose. It should help you envision and be enthusiastic about what you can do coming up with your working years and beyond.
I think you can get a better idea of how to use the skills you have by reading Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose. It should help you envision and be enthusiastic about what you can do coming up with your working years and beyond.