To win your first week in your accounting job, you need to show up early, ask boldly, craft a cheat sheet for everybody to use, let your strengths show, solve problems before you’re told to, and connect with genuine warmth.
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Starting a New Job?
New hires typically fall into one of two camps: Those who hit the ground running—with beaming confidence, an almost gung-ho zeal, and a seemingly nonexistent learning curve—like they were built for the role from day one!
Then there are those who take a more measured approach, observing systems, absorbing insights, and adapting as they go. They may not be as loud in their arrival, but that doesn’t make them any less capable.
Regardless of which camp you fall into, you can deliver a standout performance and wow everybody from week one! It starts with adopting a strategic mindset and developing strong emotional intelligence, which will pay dividends in the long run.
This blog is packed with tips and secrets to help you stand out in your new accounting job by week one—and be unforgettable to your team!
Your First Week Done Right: Tips and Secrets for Any Accounting Job New Hire
1. Clock in Like a Pro
The mantra is simple: “Land early, lead early.”
Punctuality is a power move that some people don’t appreciate enough. As consistency and reliability are highly rewarded in accounting, showing up early speaks volumes before you say a single word.
Take, for instance, a female junior associate who shows up 20 minutes early every day in the first week: She uses that time to prep client files and help the team. By month’s end, she gets invited to a major client review, which she earned through quiet consistency.
Using your work hours wisely shows that you respect your peers’ time, gives you leeway to fix surprise bottlenecks during the day, and impresses your higher-ups with how ready you are for bigger roles in the future.
2. Ask Like It’s Your Superpower
It’s easy to say curious minds climb faster, especially if your questions haven’t been ignored or shut down in the past.
Trust us when we say that we know how it feels: That scintilla of shame in asking what you think you’re supposed to know, which can be a good sign sometimes, because you hold yourself responsible for your responsibilities.
Here’s something to keep in mind: A small, unanswered question can quietly lead to bigger issues down the line. Clarifying even the tiniest detail—like a number in a purchase report—can help keep things running smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications. When in doubt, asking is always the smarter move.
We’ve rounded up some tips for you:
Time Your Questions
Ask your coworkers/heads during light, non-busy hours—timing is everything!
Scatter Your Curiosity
Avoid asking the same person over and over. The more you tap different minds, the more you get unique insights!
Know Your Point Persons
Have your go-to persons for questions or clarifications, but be mindful of their boundaries—if someone sidesteps a question the first time, it may be a sign they prefer not to be asked.
Leverage Technology
Picture your Qs as basketballs, while ChatGPT and Google are the hoops: Shoot away!
3. Create a Cheat Sheet for All
As you learn things like processes, software quirks, naming conventions, and who handles what, document everything clearly in one place. After two to three days, casually share it with your manager or team:
“Hey all, I’ve been keeping notes to get up to speed—thought I’d share in case it helps others, too.”
Creating this cheat sheet shows that you have initiative, you pay attention to detail, and you’re a team-minded champion—all traits that leaders love! On top of this, you’re also quietly positioning yourself as someone who documents and improves processes, and not just follows them.
To make an unignorable cheat sheet, pick up ideas from the most common pain points you observe and build from there. Some potentially strong elements to consider include:
- A streamlined client database
- A list of systems to overhaul (like AP/AR or invoice automation)
- A revised sales process flowchart
- A data-driven and research-backed pitch deck for investors
- A list of tasks to delegate
4. Show Off Your Strengths
So, you know you’re very capable, with Big 4 firm experience, and an extensive skillset. The question is, does anybody know about it? Do your leaders know what you’re capable of? Do your coworkers have solid proof that you’re as good as you say you are?
This is precisely why you don’t stop at talk—you show up and show out, too.
Let your strengths show, like demonstrating independence, leadership, and strategic thinking, which are all qualities that firm owners are looking for. This will manifest in your consistently high-quality output without too much supervision, your ability to delegate tasks to the right team members, and your skills in handling client-facing tasks.
Remember that showing your skills isn’t bragging. It’s just you showing your team what makes you stand out while reminding them why you’re needed there in the first place!
5. Wow Them Without Waiting
Taking initiative is at the core of showcasing your value at work.
Being a proactive problem solver puts you ahead of the game. Whether it’s cleaning up a messy spreadsheet, sharing a quick reference mid-meeting, or spotting an efficiency gap, these actions show that you don’t just listen actively but also act intuitively.
Initiative also means signaling ownership and curiosity, giving meaningful contributions within and beyond your team, and holding yourself accountable while you’re at it.
Overall, your willingness to step up without being asked is not just good for the team—it’s good for your long game, and we think it’s best to showcase it through:
- Volunteering to do ad hoc tasks or stretch projects
- Mastering software like Power BI, Excel macros, or automation tools
- Checking in mindfully on outstanding items, deadlines, or deliverables
6. Win Them With Warmth
Attributed to many leaders in multiple spheres, the quote “Treat janitors with the same respect as you would a CEO” is timeless and relevant, which also applies to new hires in accounting.
We all know that technical skills matter in the accounting industry, but warmth and friendliness go a long way. A simple smile, a willingness to listen, and a few genuine conversations can quickly build trust with your team. People remember how you make them feel, especially when you’re new. Leading with kindness sets the tone for strong working relationships and a reputation that’s just as solid as your spreadsheets!
Need More Resources?
We’ve got you covered! We provide all things accounting, from accounting HR interview strategies to making effective pricing increase announcements for firm owners.
Best known for providing talent solutions to firm owners, TOA Global’s end-to-end support offers long-term fixes to your accounting practice’s challenges, including skills shortages, scaling issues, and cost concerns.
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