THE early years in the career of a certified public accountant (CPA) are often the most challenging. Though this period is daunting, it is also an opportunity for growth and professional development which are stepping stones to success.
There are numerous self-help books and resources on success. We may get inspiration from them, yet there is no one-size-fits-all manual. Climbing up the career ladder has no single end, as the journey is personal and the definition of success is unique to each person. Strategies may vary, but it’s important to adapt principles consistent with one’s beliefs, values and faith.
In my case, a nugget of wisdom from a former superior that deeply resonated was, “Success is not just about technical skills; it’s about understanding and navigating the power dynamics within the firm.” Another principle that has influenced me is Robert Greene’s book, “48 Laws of Power.” These, along with my self-formulated “CPA” (Commitment, Purpose, Almighty), have been instrumental in my journey to reaching my current position as a company managing partner.
Here are some details of the principles I learned from Greene’s book.
Law 1: Never outshine the master
This requires humility and willingness to learn. As a young auditor, I focused on demonstrating my competence without overshadowing my superiors. Such balance was crucial in building trust and gaining mentorship. By acknowledging the contributions and guidance of my superiors and respecting their seniority in the field, I was able to learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights.
Law 3: Conceal your intentions
While I had ambitious, long-term goals, I kept them to myself initially and focused on learning and contributing to my team. This helped me avoid unnecessary competition and resistance, allowing me to build a solid foundation of skills and relationships.
Law 5: So much depends on reputation — guard it with your Llife
Reputation was one of my most valuable assets. Knowing that every action contributes to my professional image, I focused on delivering high-quality work and upheld the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, earning my colleagues’ trust and confidence. Mistakes were inevitable, but owning up to errors, learning from them, and demonstrating my commitment to improvement helped establish my reputation.
Law 6: Court attention at all costs
Visibility was key to my career advancement. However, I ensured the attention I attracted was positive. I volunteered for projects, shared my ideas, stepped up to challenges and sought opportunities to showcase my skills and reliability. These set me apart from my peers and harnessed my leadership skills that prepared me for future roles.
Law 9: Win through your actions, never through argument
In the competitive environment of an audit firm, actions speak louder than words. I demonstrated my capabilities through my work, rather than engaging in debates or conflicts. Letting my results and achievements speak for themselves earned me respect and recognition.
Law 15: Crush your enemy totally
While this law might sound harsh, in a professional context, it meant addressing challenges and obstacles decisively. I faced difficult colleagues and competitive peers and handled conflicts assertively but professionally, ensuring that issues were resolved completely to prevent future problems.
Law 18: Do not build fortresses to protect yourself — isolation is dangerous
Establishing a network within and outside the firm was crucial for my career. Attending local and international professional industry events, joining clubs and organizations, teaching at the academe, and seeking mentors provided me with support, valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Law 23: Concentrate your forces
Early in my career, it was tempting to spread myself thinly over various areas such as audit, tax and accounting services. But instead, I identified my core competencies, focusing on areas where I could make the most impact. This honed my expertise, specializing in the audit of financial institutions.
Law 28: Enter action with boldness
Confidence was vital to overcoming early career challenges. Whether it was presenting to clients, leading a project or proposing a new idea, I approached my tasks with confidence, boldness and decisiveness.
Law 33: Discover each man’s thumbscrew
This meant being empathetic and perceptive. Understanding the motivations and weaknesses of those around me and recognizing what drove my colleagues and superiors was a powerful tool in building strong, mutually beneficial relationships.
The following concepts also served me well as I advanced in my career:
– Work-life balance: Developing time management skills and setting boundaries helped me maintain balance and avoid burnout.
– Technical mastery: Embracing the complexity of accounting standards and regulations through continuous learning and staying updated with industry changes allowed me to contribute significantly to the firm.
– Client management: Understanding clients’ needs, exceeding their expectations and developing strong communication and negotiation skills, established my credibility overtime, turning challenges into opportunities for long-term relationships.
– Adaptability and resilience: Adapting to changing circumstances, seeing each setback as an opportunity to learn and grow and being innovative built my resilience and helped me stay relevant.
The professional ladder is endless as possibilities and opportunities for growth are limitless. However, it is essential to make sure the ladder you’re climbing is not leaning against the wrong wall. Motivations may change as you mature, but you must have a clear goal in mind from the very start. Utilizing all the helpful principles, with your commitment to excellence, anchored to your sense of purpose and, most importantly, reliance on the grace of God, will pave the way to success and fulfillment.
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
Ryan A. Sabug is a managing partner of Alas, Oplas & Co., CPAs. He is a member of the professional development and media affairs committees of the Association of CPAs in Public Practice, and is currently a treasurer of the Rotary Club of Makati North.
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