Most accountants recognize the value of money, which is why some of them decide to take on part-time or temporary work in the field. The freelance economy is booming, with statistics showing that up to 50% or more of Americans will work freelance in the next ten years. The way we work is changing and accountants are and will be affected by these trends in the coming years. What are the rewards of taking on an additional freelance or temporary assignment? Are there benefits besides financial that come with a temporary accounting job?
Accountants and Temporary Work
Many accountants have moved beyond taxing preparation and filing and into high-end business advisory and planning roles. It makes sense, with competition from a host of do-it-yourself software products, to become more of a trusted advisor instead of focusing on the tasks associated with financial reporting. How does accounting fit within the broader framework of consulting and advisory services?
Generally, we see temporary positions run the gamut from one-off straightforward activities to more sophisticated engagements that run longer-term. In either case some of the clear benefits of taking these roles on include:
- Improve your resume experience. For inexperienced accountants, temporary roles are a good way to build up a resume quickly with a variety of on-the-job experiences that you simply won’t get if you work for one firm. If down the road, you decide to apply for a full-time position, you will have a resume filled with jobs and plenty of references to share.
- Try out a position to see if it’s a fit. If your goal is to ultimately select a firm to work at full-time or long-term, a temporary assignment is a way to try it without the risks associated with committing to one organization. This can be helpful for accountants from any background or experience level.
- Earn better wages. Typically temporary assignments pay more than full-time positions. These positions can supplement existing roles or provide full income. Many temporary firms now offer benefits as well, so the accountant will not only receive a higher income but health insurance as well.
- Increase your job flexibility. One of the most important benefits of existing within the contingent workforce is the flexibility you experience. Students, parents, or those heading toward their career end may find that temporary engagements are the best way for them to have work-life balance. Even retired accountants may choose a temporary role when they find themselves missing work during retirement.
Job flexibility is the new normal and the American workforce now has options available to them that simply didn’t exist even ten years ago. Accountants now have a variety of flexible work arrangements available that could be perfect if you’re new to the profession, want to make a job switch, or perhaps are not quite ready to seek retirement.
Today accountants have options. Talk with the Blackstone team about ways to maximize your accounting expertise. We have a variety of temporary accounting positions available where you will hone your skills and potentially make a big impact on companies that need help.