Making the Best Impression to a Recruiter, Virtually

By Emily Kuper, Tennessee Technological University TSCPA Student Ambassador

With everything going on in the world related to COVID-19, recruiting looks very different this year, but it is no less important. Career fairs, leadership conferences and interviews are being held virtually more and more. These types of events can be stressful enough on their own, so being prepared for the changes that meeting virtually brings is crucial to presenting yourself well.

No matter what setting you find yourself in--an interview, a casual recruiting event, or a workshop--there are some pieces of advice that will remain true:

1.      Dress professionally. Even if it is only from the waist up, how you present yourself matters. Your recruiter may dress more casually, but putting effort into dressing professionally makes an impression on whoever you are speaking with.
2.      Clear your surroundings. Ensure that your meeting setting is a quiet and clutter-free space.
3.      Be prepared to have video on. If there is a question of whether your meeting will be audio only or include video, go ahead and show your video. At worst, you can just switch your video off, but at best you have made a great first impression.

For an interview, the traditional pieces of advice stay the same, such as ensuring that you are ready a few minutes early. The most important thing to emphasize here is that you know your elevator pitch well enough to deliver without any uncertainty. During an in-person interview, it is easy to feed off body language to keep the momentum going, but that is more difficult in a virtual interview. Practice your elevator pitch until it sounds natural and you can deliver it without having to pause in the middle.

Another situation you may encounter is a virtual workshop or leadership conference. These are fantastic ways to get involved with a company, but your participation matters. Here are some things to remember when you are in this kind of setting.

1.       Your voice matters. There may be 100 people present, but if you have a thought during a discussion that you would like to share, share it! Your presence at the event is the qualification required to contribute.
2.      Be mindful of those around you. There may be moments where two people start to talk at the same time and that is okay. Hopefully, the mediator of the group will designate who will speak first and then hand it off for the other person to make his or her point. If not, it is better to defer to the other person and chime in when they are done.
3.      Be genuine. Try not to speak just for the sake of speaking. It is perfectly fine to wait to make a point until you have something you want to say.
4.      Ask questions. This is such a hard habit to learn, but keep your curiosity engaged throughout the workshop. Keep a notepad by your desk to write down anything that comes to mind. When the time for questions comes, there is nothing more awkward for both the presenter and the audience than silence.

The state of the world can make recruiting seem like a daunting endeavor, especially if this is your first year, but with a little preparation, it can be much easier.

Top CPA Exam Scorer Katherine Griesemer on Studying, Work-Life Balance

At age 23, TSCPA member Katherine Griesemer, CPA already has an impressive list of achievements in her accounting career. She was a top student all through college at Lee University and received many awards, including three scholarships from TSCPA’s Educational and Memorial Foundation and a place in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges® for 2017. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Business, Finance Emphasis in 2017. This spring, Griesemer was awarded TSCPA’s John Glenn Award for being the top scorer on the CPA exam in Tennessee in 2018.

Griesemer currently resides in Ooltewah, Tenn. and is a member of TSCPA’s Chattanooga Chapter. She has been a member of TSCPA since 2013. She is passionate about nonprofit financial management and currently works as CFO, Assistant Director and Principal Touring Artist at Unity Dance Troupe in Cleveland, Tenn.

What drew you to the profession of accounting?

My mom, a former CPA, encouraged me to take a dual enrollment accounting class, which I did my sophomore year of high school. My professor, Dr. Hart, truly made accounting fun. With that experience and the knowledge that accounting can open a variety of opportunities, I decided to study accounting at the age of 15.

Why did you decide to join TSCPA?

I joined TSCPA as a student member while attending Lee University. The professors encouraged involvement in TSCPA and the accounting profession as a whole. Working as an intern to Lee University’s CFO Chris Conine, I was able to attend TSCPA events with my colleagues as well as apply for TSCPA scholarships.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to those currently studying for the CPA exam?

I wish there was a magic secret! The best training tool is time. Start early because cramming is impossible. Stick to a weekly study schedule and be consistent to avoid last minute stress. As Nike says: “Just do it”: Review ALL the material and do ALL the practice problems and tests. I created detailed outlines of the material to review instead of re-opening a huge review book with hundreds of pages, which feels overwhelming.

You have always been very active in school, work and your community. What is your advice for staying balanced?

Staying balanced is tricky! I saw 4 a.m. more times than I would have liked while studying for the CPA exam. My grandfather says if you enjoy what you do, you won't work a day in your life. Enjoy the process to fill each step of the journey with joy. If you remember the reason behind what you do, you will have all the passion and energy you need to accomplish it. On a practical note, it is important to have something you do just because you love it! For me, this is ballet. I enjoy the physical exertion and creating something beautiful. Finding your own version of ballet will help shed the stress of life and refuel you for what is next.  

Where do you see yourself in your career in ten years?

My ultimate goal is to build a network of sustainable funding sources to support orphanages in Eastern Europe. Whether or not this will happen in just 10 years, I am not sure, but hopefully in 10 years I will be on the path toward that end.

Originally published in the July/August 2019 Tennessee CPA Journal

Get Involved: Tips to Successfully Engage with Your Community

By Michael Murphy, CPA

If your city is doing great things for its people, do you ever wish you could be more actively involved? If the answer is yes, then you are in luck. I can guarantee that if great things are being done in your community, there are abundant opportunities for you to get involved. If the answer is no or you are unsure, consider this: Helping your community grow and thrive provides a strong sense of belonging and pride in the best possible way. In addition, being involved in the community can build great relationships, both business and personal, and help develop soft skills such as communication, professionalism, leadership, negotiation and more.

Getting Started

You don’t have to look far to find evidence that volunteering is personally and professionally beneficial. So, put aside whatever may be keeping you from volunteering in your community and just go for it! Here are a few steps to help you get started.

1. Google it.

One great way to find volunteer opportunities in any community is to utilize an online search tool such as Google. And it already knows where you live, so you don't even have to specify the community in which you are seeking opportunities. Later on, it may even provide advertisements related to volunteering when you are browsing the internet.

Besides Google, there are countless resources online to enable you to find out what opportunities are available in your community and how to get involved.

2. Ask friends or co-workers.

Ask people in the community that are already giving time to or leading community events for volunteer opportunities or suggestions. Nonprofit employees or volunteers are very eager and willing to explain what they do and how you can help. They are usually passionate about the causes they serve and ready to recruit more helpers. These inquiries don't have to be face-to-face either. A beneficial conversation can occur through email or social media.

Finding a Role

Finding opportunities to volunteer in your community may be easy enough. It may be more difficult to find your ideal role in volunteering and which organizations you should get involved in. I have listed several things to consider while searching for the right volunteer opportunity.

1. Know what you have to offer.

It is easy to think that you are not qualified to serve on certain boards or have a leadership role in volunteer groups. However, most nonprofit boards are eager to recruit anyone willing to put forth time and effort for a cause. Quite often, there is a lack of young talent in many positions within nonprofit organizations, and there is a high demand for the talents of this demographic. The greatest asset you bring to the table is not years of experience; rather, your value can be your passion, intention and a genuine desire to serve. If you use the resources around you, ask for help and harness your passion about an organization, you can be of more benefit than you probably think possible.

2. Choose a mission you’re passionate about.

This may be the most important suggestion of all. If you are not fully committed to an organization’s value, volunteering will most likely become a chore and your service will become ineffectual. Being passionate about your cause changes your perspective on service.

3. Remember that you will get out what you put in.

If you choose to become engaged in a community service organization, invest as much as you can. It's easy to sign up to serve on a board and show up for meetings once every other month. It's not so easy to put forth effort and time outside of the minimum required meetings. This is where you can truly make a larger impact.

4. Do not take on too much.

Now that you’ve decided to get involved, and you’ve found your special call to service, take care not to overdo it. There is an abundance of worthy community programs and organizations in which to invest. Spreading yourself too thin does a disservice to you and your organization(s) of choice. You can't be a benefit to anyone if you don’t have spare time to volunteer or help out in a special situation. It is best to fully commit to one or maybe two community outreaches that you truly care about rather than overcommit yourself.  

If you are interested in getting involved in your community but have been putting it off until now, just open a new tab on your browser and start a new search. Opportunities are everywhere once you decide you’re ready to commit.

Business Travel Tips from One Young Professional to Another

By Ben Russell

Traveling for business is an exciting idea for many young professionals. Some millennials have mastered the art of blending business travel with leisure travel, and research shows millennials associate business travel with job satisfaction. However, business travel can present new lessons and challenges, including what to pack, how to navigate airport security, and learning proper etiquette when dining with a client. Here are a few tips for young professionals who have just started, or are about to start, traveling for business.

Be Aware of TSA Security Rules and Procedures

No one likes being the person that holds everyone else up in line. Take a moment to research the rules and procedures for travelers and always be respectful to TSA agents. Expert tip: If you know that you are going to be a frequent flyer, sign up for TSA Precheck. The license is $85, but lasts for five years and includes perks that can save you valuable time, especially if you are in a rush.

Buy and Wear Comfortable, Appropriate Business Attire on Travel Days

Airport chairs and long car trips are uncomfortable even for the most seasoned traveler. Invest in some comfortable, appropriate business attire. A relaxed pair of fitted pants or a cushioned shoe can make a world of difference.

Invest in a Portable Charger for Your Phone and Laptop

As a traveler, it is inevitable you will encounter some kind of a delay on the trips that you take over the course of your professional career. With portable technology becoming more integrated in modern business, your devices need to be charged and ready to use. Expert tip: Invest in a pair of wireless headphones and make sure that they are well charged before your travels.

Sign up for Frequent Flyer and Hotel Rewards Programs

If you plan to spend significant time traveling and staying in hotels, it is a good idea to consider a rewards program. In addition to the financial benefit, you can save time on creating future reservations and ticket purchases.

Get Travel Essentials

Showing up to a client meeting in wrinkled or well-traveled clothes is never enjoyable. A portable clothes steamer is beneficial and more time-efficient than ironing.

Building Client Rapport

While you are visiting a client, it is always nice to have some conversation about other items of interest. Finding common ground can lead to a more personal relationship, which means they are more willing to make time for your requests.

Dining Etiquette

When dining with a client who has taken you out for dinner, ask for a recommendation of what they like and either order that or something that is priced around the same as what they suggested. This eliminates any embarrassment or uncertainty about price and can be a talking piece.

Always Use Appropriate Language with a Client

Even if the client speaks inappropriately in front of you, inappropriate language in work situations can come across as unprofessional and give the client a different opinion of you.

Check What Items the Client Has for Use Before Packing

Before hitting the road or airport, check with the client to see if they have general items such as Wi-Fi, printers, scanners, extension cords, etc. Most clients are accommodating when it comes to allowing you to use these items and are sympathetic to the idea of traveling light.  

Take Care of Yourself When You Travel

Traveling can be stressful and hard on your body, so taking care of yourself is very important. The last thing you want is to be exhausted or sick while on the road. Make sure that you make an effort to eat healthy, relax, get plenty of rest and exercise for your own health and mental clarity.

Safe travels!

Reverse Mentoring: Coaching the Boss?

By Davoua Vang, CPA, CGMA

It is undeniable that times have changed. As a way to create value and to bridge the generational gaps within an organization, the idea of spinning the conventional mentor-mentee roles just makes sense.

Businesses and the way business is conducted has become more and more tech dependent as consumers and clients become more and more tech savvy. Traditional ways of reaching your audiences are slowly fading away as they are replaced with unconventional channels such as mobile apps, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. I’ve recently started seeing “Chat Bots” used in conjunction with Facebook’s Messenger app. Consumers are able to communicate with organizations via Facebook Messenger and receive instant automated replies on simple questions and directs them to their website or app if it isn’t able to provide assistance. It even sends out messages occasionally to keep them relevant!

So what is reverse mentoring and how does it work? This idea of reverse mentorship was introduced by GE’s CEO Jack Welch in 1999 and occurs when a veteran employee is paired with a younger employee with the desires of learning from each other. In order for this relationship to be beneficial, certain factors must be laid out. Factors such as well-defined expectations, the willingness to participate, trust, transparency, mutual guidelines and most importantly Executive buy-in.

United Healthcare, Target, MasterCard, Cisco, Microsoft and Deutsche Bank are among some of the organizations that have adopted this platform as a means to allow management to see with a “new set of eyes.” This provides the opportunity for seasoned executives to strengthen their agility to transform to their ever-changing marketplaces. It also provides the junior professional an opportunity to learn the business and important leadership skills from their own leaders.

Not only is there value in the informational exchanges that occur, but it also promotes career growth, improves employee retention and fosters a positive learning culture within the organization. Not to mention the ability and opportunity to identify key personnel to better prepare for succession planning.

So why is this important and how is it relevant to our profession? The CPA profession is not excluded from this rapid change and innovation that is occurring within the marketplace and across all industries. As millennials enter the workforce and as your client base shifts towards a heavier population of millennials, they’ll bring in values that are much different than the status quo. Not only will those values affect your organization internally, but you’ll see that the needs of your clients will change as well. It is in our ability to adapt to and embrace these changes that will ultimately define our success and the future of public accounting.

About the Author:

Davoua Vang, CPA, CGMA, is Assistant Vice President/Controller at First National Bank of Middle Tennessee. She currently serves as President of the TSCPA Upper Cumberland Chapter. 

Communicating Without Words: A Soft Skill Worth Learning

By Tiffany Underwood, CPA

Whether you are interviewing for your next job or facilitating an important meeting, recent studies suggest soft skills like communicating could come in handy and are becoming more sought after in the workplace. In addition to communicating, soft skills consist of dependability, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership, among others. According to research from the American Psychological Association, employers were more likely to hire a candidate that was likeable. Results from a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management showed soft skills such as dependability, teamwork, respect and integrity were all vitally important for hiring entry-level jobs. A CNBC article listed five top soft skills to get hired; communication was a soft skill among these.

Communication seems easy, and we would all like to think that we do it well, but that is contrary to what perspective employers are saying. We have been told to be prepared, so we choose our words wisely. We try to speak as clearly and concisely as possible, but there is more to communicating than simply writing or speaking well. There is much debate on the amount of nonverbal communication that occurs in a conversation, but we can all agree nonverbal signals are continuously being sent. We each have experienced a conversation where someone’s body language does not match his or her words.

Nonverbal communications are messages sent without speaking such as posture, pitch, eye contact, emotional expression, hand gestures, listening skills and attention, among other traits. Nonverbal communication can make a good or bad impression and could be a determining factor for a job offer. The type of nonverbal communication used should be representative of the message and audience receiving the communication. For example, at an interview or meeting, proper posture and a more serious tone may be necessary for delivering a message. Eye contact is also important, but not too much or it becomes uncomfortable.

The best way to develop nonverbal communication skills is to practice communicating and watch and listen for nonverbal signals being passed throughout the communication. Nonverbal communication can be practiced with a mirror or video tape. Having another person watch and critique nonverbal signals may also be helpful. Whatever method you choose to practice nonverbal communication, it is important to learn and understand the messages being sent without words.

About the Author

Tiffany Underwood, CPA, is an auditor at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. She can be reached at tiffany.underwood001@gmail.com. 

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence & Empathizing with your Coworkers

By Kati Uttz, TSCPA Memphis Chapter Student Ambassador

When you think about accounting, what comes to your mind? Number-cruncher? Nerd? Stuck in a cubicle all day? Well listen up folks, because I’m about to break the accounting stereotype for you. If there is one thing I’ve learned throughout my various internships, it’s that people are the true focus of accounting. Yes, you heard me right. Gone are the days that calculators reign as the mascots of accountants. Technology is changing the world, our profession included. With the implementation of bookkeeping software and the rise of automation, the jobs of accountants are shifting. Currently, the fastest growing sector of accounting is advisory. By nature, advisory engagements are driven by accountant-client interaction. Customers are moving away from basic financial services and moving toward consultations that are tailored to their needs. As we all know, human beings aren’t cold and calculated like computers. Nine times out of ten, our decisions are driven by emotion, not reason. This is why building emotional intelligence is so critical for success.

The term emotional intelligence (EQ) describes an individual’s ability to understand one’s own emotions while also empathizing with and responding to the emotions of others. You may be surprised to learn that EQ is now a better indicator of future success than technical skills alone. Yet, our accounting curriculum still focuses primarily on acquiring the technical skills. This can cause those extremely valuable soft skills to slip through the cracks. We are all aware that the number-crunching services are the ones most vulnerable to automation. Which is the exact reason EQ plays a vital role in maintaining a highly successful accounting career.

In today’s world, businesses revolve around emotions. It is important to gain the trust of your clients, and for them to feel like their business is meaningful. We now live in a consumer-focused market, which means that consumers are more likely to repeatedly buy from companies that put the needs of the consumer first. By showing your clients that their business has value, you’ve taken a step towards growing your EQ. You need to be ready to empathize with your clients when they’ve had a bad day. You should be willing and ready to listen to their concerns. You should show understanding when they become frustrated over potential problems. Your reactions in moments like these can make or break your relationship with a client. Learn how to relate your experiences to your customers. Take note of your clients’ motivations and how that influences their goals. Align yourself with them. This can help immensely in your ability to influence and persuade others.

On the other hand, you should strive to be in complete control of your own emotions. Too many times have I seen peers of mine "blow up" in anger when they didn’t see results they wanted. Not only does this leave a bad taste in your employer’s mouth, but you can also say “hasta la vista” to future business with a client that witnessed your emotional outburst. This kind of reaction gives the notion that you do not respect your clients’ time, and you are exhibiting a lack of willpower. Appearance is key in maintaining a strong relationship with your customers. Be certain your personal branding is one the client is willing and wants to trust. Remember that when clients share their financial information with you, they’re putting great faith in your character. Don’t give them reason to doubt that your relationship is anything other than excellent. By building and growing your own EQ, you too can become a master at maintaining relationships.

Productivity Q&A with Jennifer Fox
(a.k.a. Productivity Ninja)

Occupation: Productivity Ninja

Company: Think Productive North America

Location: New York

Other job titles in life: Coach, Consultant, Facilitator, HR Visionary, L&D Leader, Entrepreneur, Writer, Photographer, Athlete, Life-Long-Learner, Wife-extraordinaire, Super-Mom-of-3 

Q: What’s important about your workspace?

A; My most productive workspace is at a large coffee retailer with a certain green logo. I love the background noise, which ironically allows me great focus, the chance for frequent people-watching breaks and the feel of warm coffee in my hand as I unleash my creativity on my latest projects.

Q: Which ninja characteristic have you got nailed?

A: Unorthodoxy - my life and career path has been anything but conventional. I love the freedom that comes from knowing that there is rarely a “right” solution to a problem. Some former colleagues and I coined the phrase, “blow it up”, as our way of creating excitement and energy around looking for new ways to approach a problem.

Q: Which ninja characteristic are you still working on the most?

A: Mindfulness & Human, not Superhero. I wear many hats, the most important of which are serving those whom I love. In my effort to please and have everything taken care of, I juggle too many balls, and the one that gets dropped most is self-care. Recently, I’ve established a meditation practice and am a die-hard fitbit tracker, so Zen-Like Calm Ninja would be proud.

Q: Which five apps could you not live without?

A: I admit to having to pick up my phone to answer this question. OmniFocus for all task and project management, WhatsApp to communicate with my tribe of friends, AmazonMusic to keep a song in my heart, Instagram for my social media fix and Starbucks for my coffee addiction. (see workspace answer above!)

Q: What’s your favorite piece of stationery?

A: Much to the chagrin of my 8-year old who thinks I am “SO boring”, I only use Black and Red Spiral bound notebooks. There is nothing like starting a new one, creating to-do lists with check boxes next to them and doodling with my mechanical pencil (never a pen). I also love journals and have more than I care to admit that have months or years in between entries.

Q: When in the day do you have the most proactive attention?

A: Mid-morning, after the kids have been taken care of and my house is (mostly) in order.

Q: What’s your trick for when you’re tired or struggling with attention in the day?

A: Taking a break to clean something, or do a menial task that I can complete. Checking a box brings great satisfaction and gives me momentum to focus again. Also, changing my work environment. I’ve even been known to drive to a different Starbucks down the street to change my office space!

Q: What’s your best advice for reducing stress?

A: Find humor and insights everywhere. Luckily, I have 3 amazing little people who provide non-stop entertainment. I also try to be on the lookout for things that make me think, smile, wonder. I can presence myself in the middle of Manhattan just by focusing on something that peaks my curiosity. The Breathe app provides me with frequent reminders to do just that, and I love Insight Timer for guided meditation to unwind at the end of the day, though I rarely make it past the 5-minute mark.

Q: What’s your email regime?

A: Confession: prior to becoming a Productivity Ninja my regime was to keep everything, and hope that Google continued to raise the inbox limit. Having been introduced to Inbox Zero, I’ll never look back. It’s not easy to break old habits, but seeing the whitespace on my screen is the equivalent to a clear desk.

Q: What’s your favorite way to take a break in the middle of the day?

A: I would be lying if I didn’t say coffee, but I’ll add connecting with someone in a casual way: friends, family, co-workers, even the cashier at Chipotle can give me the energy I need.

Q: What’s the secret to your productivity?

A: I started using the hashtag #GSD when I discovered hashtags were no longer pound signs (dating myself, but I know many of you can relate). It stands for Get S*§% Done, and it’s my M.O. at work, home and life. I am results-driven, sometimes to a fault, but have found that it has allowed me to raise my game in every area of life. Sometimes it’s just taking the first step towards a big project, other times it’s going all-in to complete a project all at once. Being productive makes me feel great and inspires others around me to achieve their own potential.

About the Author: Jennifer Fox is a Productivity Ninja in the Greater New York area. Meet her in person at the 2018 TSCPA Women’s Career Summit or follow her on Twitter at @ThinkProdUSA. Register for the TSCPA Women's Career Summit  at www.tscpa.com/women2018

Development 101: YP Edition

By Summer Brooks, CPA

As young professionals, many of us have set goals for ourselves and are looking for ways to grow both personally and professionally. The goal setting itself is easy, but the difficult part is putting the goals in motion. However, there are small steps you can take each day to help achieve your goals and build a solid foundation for growth. 

1. Focus on one goal at a time. Don’t try to tackle all 15 of your goals at once. I would suggest prioritizing your goals by order of importance to you, and go down the list one by one. Once you’ve accomplished the first most important, move on to the second, and so on. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed and center your concentration so goals can be achieved.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Many of us feel nervous at the thought of this, fearing that we will be shunned or the answer will always be no. However, you would often be surprised by the results. I would suggest expressing your notions in a direct and concise manner and expand on how they are important to your growth. The key thing to remember here is that people are rooting for your success and want to help you. They are simply waiting for you to take the initiative to ask.
3. Collaborate and use technology to your advantage. Although technology can be a blessing and a curse, young professionals are fortunate to live in times where the world is essentially “at our fingertips.” With social media on the rise, explore many outlets for networking opportunities and knowledge growth. Identify networks that allow you to expand your scope and get outside your comfort zone. Explore topics and events you are interested in and take part in something that is important to you. The possibilities are endless with this one, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
4. Network, network, network. This one coincides with point #3 to a certain extent; however, it is important enough to note separately. Networking is a great way to link up with other like-minded young professionals. Who knows, you may even find someone who has similar aspirations as you and can share experiences and advice! Although networking is often seen as a nuisance, it is an integral part of personal and professional growth and can lead to very beneficial results. My advice would be to start small. Get involved with your firm’s YP group or your college alumni association. Attend county chamber and TSCPA events for young professionals.

In closing, I encourage you to stay optimistic and don’t get discouraged. Remember the old saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.” Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and some goals may take more time to achieve than others. Hopefully by incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you will be able to keep your eye on the prize and see long-term advancement.    

About the Author: Summer Brooks, CPA is a Senior Accountant in LBMC's Brentwood office. She can be reached at sbrooks@lbmc.com.

Make a Great Impression in Interviews by Asking Better Questions

  By Blake Hise, TSCPA Nashville Chapter Student Ambassador    

If you were to search the internet for tips on acing an interview or networking at a career fair, you would find many of the basics such as bring a resume, dress professionally, deliver a firm handshake and so on. All serious internship candidates should already be applying these basic principles, so you will need additional skill sets to market yourself competitively. In my experience, the ability to ask insightful questions is one of the greatest assets outside of a resume that you can bring to any career fair or interview.

When I was a junior in the accounting program at MTSU, hiring firms invited me to interview after interview, but never followed through with an offer. After reflecting on my networking approach during senior year, I realized I was failing to ask recruiters the questions they wanted to hear. Shortly after having this epiphany and implementing the advice in this article, I secured two internships within a couple of months.

When firms seek to hire college students, one of their most common concerns with this demographic is lack of experience. To overcome this barrier, ask meaningful questions with a demonstration of competence and professionalism based on the recruiter’s oral representation of the firm’s services. Learning to ask better questions can be extremely resourceful in your job search as an aspiring accountant.

In almost every exchange, the recruiter will provide an overview of the company’s services. This information can challenge many students, because it is often industry-specific and outside the scope of accounting taught at the undergraduate level. Many students may become inattentive, nod and smile politely, or simply wait to ask the next question they have rehearsed.

However, the recruiter’s representation of the firm’s services presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate your accounting knowledge. If you can repeatedly ask insightful questions based on the recruiter’s information, you will successfully project competence, an ability to think on your feet and a genuine interest in the organization. This will, of course, work alongside your communication skills and resume to make a great impression.

The key question, then, is how do we learn to ask better questions throughout the recruiting process? Here are a few steps that are helping me to develop this critical skill.

Listen Actively: The first step to asking better questions involves making the effort to listen attentively to understand the firm’s services.

Relate Information To Your Accounting Knowledge: The differences between the recruiter’s experience and your overall knowledge of accounting create an opportunity for you to ask questions that “bridge the gap” between academia and real-life application. Draw on your accounting knowledge to understand the services the firm provides. Then, ask questions that relate what you already know from your accounting coursework to the recruiter’s description of the firm’s services.

Imagine This Will Be Your Job: To identify which questions are best to ask, I have found it helpful to maintain the mindset that you are going to be hired by this company in the following week. What concerns would you have with the details of this position? What would you want to know about the industry?

Use Current Events: Relating a firm’s services to current events is an excellent way to learn more about the industry and indicate that you stay abreast of developments in the field. Tax reform, healthcare reform and the new revenue recognition standards are a few example topics that can lead to interesting conversations.

Repeat and Practice: Be sure to repeat this process throughout the exchange with the recruiter. Employers frequently interpret a candidate having too few questions as being disinterested or inexperienced. Asking too many questions is more favorable than asking too few. You should constantly be probing for better, more insightful questions to ask.

Professionals in the accounting field are generally passionate about their work and enjoy discussing it in detail with interested students. Next time you are in a career fair or interview situation, take the time to consider if you are asking questions that project competence and give the hiring company a great impression of you as a candidate.  

Healthcare Revenue Recognition Update – ASU 2014-09

by Michael Wade, CPA, Watkins Uiberall, PLLC

In today’s world of healthcare and financial reporting for health systems, assisted living programs and health insurance, it’s imperative to stay connected with the updated accounting standards and regulations in the industry. As the outside auditor or the inside CFO of a company in this industry, maintaining this compliance can require continuous monitoring throughout your career as current legislation dictates several of the accounting and financial reporting standards that affect the healthcare industry. One of the most important set of standards that are crucial for GAAP compliance in this industry are revenue recognition updates.

In May 2014, FASB rewrote the rules for revenue recognition in the healthcare by issuing Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard created a principle-based framework for healthcare organizations in determining when and how an entity recognizes revenue from its customer contracts. Effective dates for this standard to take effect in the financial reporting regulations are Dec. 15, 2017, for public entities, and Dec. 15, 2018, for all other entities.

Regarding the changes to the new update, FASB has decided to base the new standard on a core principle for recognizing revenue: revenue should be recorded only when services are provided or goods are transferred to customers at the agreed price. To summarize the highlights of the new standard, healthcare organizations will now determine revenue recognition based on the following 5 factors:

1. Identify the contract with the customer.
2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract that are to be met.
3. Determine the transaction price.
4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligations

For several organizations in the industry, implementing these changes will present new and possibly significant challenges in conforming their current recognition policies to the new standard. For organizations that are seeking help on implementation and/or issues that they might face when implementing the changes, one source they can look to for help is the AICPA Health Care Entities Revenue Recognition Task Force, which is just one of 16 industry task forces created to identify potential implementation issues and provide guidance.

Some of the healthcare type industries that will be affected by the new standard are continuing care retirement communities, hospitals and health systems, and third-party payer settlements. For hospitals and health systems specifically, one example of a challenge that organizations in this healthcare industry will face is the providing of emergency services to uninsured or self-pay patients. Under the new standard, the organizations must determine all the factors listed above. These considerations will impact both the timing and amount of revenue that is ultimately recognized.

FASB, AICPA and several trade associations have begun studying the issues facing healthcare organizations, but formal guidance is not expected soon, as most guidance associations have taken a “wait and see” attitude before developing formal guidance. As noted earlier however, several task forces are being put together to assist in implementation guidance along with accounting firms across the country taking on the initiative to help their clients in the challenges their facing with interpreting and implementing the requirements from the new standard.

Both public and non-public healthcare companies should prepare to adopt the new standard requirements by reviewing their current revenue cycles and recognitions policies for areas that will be affected by the new requirements. As with the industry itself, healthcare accounting and financial reporting standards are constantly evolving and compliance in this industry will require dedicated individuals with high-levels of experience and expertise.

A Beginners Guide to Success: Steps to Take to Land your Dream Job as a CPA

By Keely Apple, 2017-18 TSCPA Student Ambassador for Upper Cumberland Chapter

Every Accounting student dreams of success. As students, we all have a similar idea of what success looks like for a CPA. Picture this: you are sitting in an office with wall to wall windows overlooking a picturesque city landscape. Sounds familiar, right? At this point, I bet you are wondering, “How do I become that successful?” Achieving success can sometimes seem difficult or overwhelming. How exactly does one achieve success? The process begins with good grades, obtaining an internship and then accepting one of many job offers. It is as easy as that - or is it? I would like to share some tips I have learned throughout my college career to maximize your chances of landing your dream job that will set you apart from the crowd.

               

One of our main concerns as students is a lack of relevant work experience. In order to overcome this obstacle, getting involved may be the solution. Getting involved on campus shows employers that you are not only good at working with others, but it can also aid in behavioral interview questions. Have you ever been in an interview and the interviewer asks, “Name a time when you…?" I think we all have and without relevant work experience or experience working with others, it is a pretty hard question to answer. Getting involved and working with an organization or club can help you with those questions you aren’t sure how to answer. Give an example. Getting involved is my first recommendation to set yourself up for success.

                Second, build a rapport with your professors. This is super important. Not only are they more understanding when you have to miss class for a job fair or interview, but they can also assist you in your job search or make recommendations for you when you are confused. Often times, Accounting majors are confused on whether they should be in tax or audit, industry or public accounting. Your professors have been there, and they have also seen many students walk the same path you have. Utilize this resource. I promise you will not regret it.

                Third, have a positive attitude. Conveying positivity and confidence is a trait that will serve you throughout college, during interviews and throughout your career as a CPA. A positive attitude is infectious. When you portray confidence and happiness, it is as if everyone else cannot help but to do the same. Professors notice students that have a good attitude, and employers want to see what you will be like around people you have just met. An interview is about more than just how you answer the questions, it is about how you present yourself and exude confidence. One thing to remember about confidence is to not confuse confidence with arrogance. While there is a fine line between the two, most people know when they have gone too far. If you are concerned that you may be coming off as arrogant, have someone give you a mock interview, and let you know what they think (make sure this person is someone who is going to be honest; the only way to improve is to receive constructive criticism).

                Above, I have briefly mentioned interviews. Let’s dive deeper into what is expected at an interview. Of course, dress appropriately and have good hygiene, but besides the basics, let’s talk about what is going to set you apart from you peers. Every interviewer is going to ask if you have any questions about the company or position. Performing research prior to the interview with the companies or firms you are most interested in is imperative to have relevant questions.  No one wants the question, “What does your firm do?” Please do not be the person to ask this question. If it is a question that can be answered by their website, chances are they will know you are not prepared. Questions tailored specifically to the position are always appreciated and indicate your true interest in the company. Something you may want to ask yourself is, “If I were conducting the interview, how would someone portray genuine interest in the company?”

                You cannot build a skyscraper without a plan and a solid foundation. Build a solid foundation by presenting yourself adequately on paper, in person and online. Make sure you are up to par in these areas. Go to a resume workshop and have someone review it. Clean up your social media. Consider a professional networking website such as LinkedIn. These are all examples of ways to brand yourself. So, do it. Shoot for the Stars. Be a Success. Land your dream job as a CPA!

Photo Cred: Freimuth, Ian. “Office With a View.” Flickr, Yahoo!, Chicago, 15 Oct. 2012, www.flickr.com/photos/ifmuth/8088547862.

Four Tips for Working Parents

Jennifer Whaley, CPA

Working full-time and being a full-time parent can be challenging, especially if you have a career in public accounting and you are in the middle of tax season. It may be difficult to divide time between work and family. Having to juggle responsibilities at work and at home may become stressful. Being a full-time CPA and full-time mother of two under two, I am very familiar with these challenges. However, there are several tips working parents can apply to help balance a professional career and parenthood.

1. Obtain support from friends and family

After returning to work eight weeks after the birth of my first child, I had mixed feelings. I was excited to jump back into my career but sad that I wouldn’t be spending as much time with my little girl. There were even times when I felt guilty about returning to work. Learning to lean on my husband, friends and family for support helped tremendously. I was able to discuss my thoughts and feelings with friends and coworkers who had been in my shoes and were able to offer advice. Knowing I was not alone and that there were others who had similar experiences was encouraging.  

2. Get organized

Keep an up-to-date calendar to help you plan, prioritize your responsibilities and manage your time wisely. Also, getting ready to leave for work in the morning is much more of a challenge when you have children to get ready as well. I found that planning for the next day the night before made things less stressful in the morning. Small things such as laying out my daughter’s clothes and packing her lunch the night before helped me not to be rushed the next morning.

3. Accept that there will be good days and not-so-good days

I am a planner. I love a plan. I need a plan. However, sometimes plans must change. Waking up to a child with a fever, or getting a call from the daycare center telling you your child is sick can quickly change the day’s agenda. There will be things that happen that are out of your control. That is a part of life and pertains to anyone whether you are a parent or not. For planners like myself, learning to be flexible is key to maintaining your sanity and coping with days that don’t go as well as others.

4. Talk to your employer

It is important to communicate your needs and concerns with your employer. You may be surprised to learn how understanding and flexible your employer may be regarding your specific situation. Some workplaces allow you to work from home when the need arises. Overnight travel may be reduced or eliminated based on your needs. Hours may be adjusted to match your schedule.

These are just four things that worked for me. We all live life differently, and as such will need to approach each situation differently. For some, trying to be a parent and a full-time professional is not an option. I love my family and I love my career. Thanks to the love and support I have received from my family and friends, I have been able to find the balance between the two.


About the Author
Jennifer Whaley, CPA, is an auditor at Brown Edwards & Company, LLP in Kingsport and a member of TSCPA's Young CPA Workgroup.