It is no secret that public accounting can be demanding. Long hours, intense pressure during busy season and frequent travel are all part of the job.  While some accountants thrive in this environment, others face burn-out after only a few years.  

This week, September 15 – 21, 2014, is National Staffing Employee Week. Take a moment to thank your temporary and contract workers! Every week, U.S. staffing companies employ nearly 3 million temporary and contract workers in jobs and at companies of every size and industry. Often, being a contract employee is a career choice; offering work-life balance and highly competitive wages.

Congratulations! You’ve got the job! Now it’s time for the real work to start. You have the skills and the background, so start your path to success with a great first impression at your new company. It may sound trite, but those first impressions will be lasting impressions, and getting off on the wrong foot can take months to correct. Keys to a great first impression aren’t difficult, but they are important!

Earlier this year the International Accounting Education Standards Board, IAESB, published three new International Education Standards. The IAESB — formerly the IFAC Education Committee — develops guidance to improve the standards of accountancy education around the world and focuses on two key areas:

• Essential elements of accreditation: education, practical experience, and tests of professional competence
• Nature and extent of continuing professional education needed by accountants

You work hard at your job and go the extra mile for the company, yet you are still making the same amount of money you did when you joined your company three years ago. In short, you feel like you deserve a raise.