A cut above the rest?

WHO wouldn't want to be a cut above the rest? If you are a true blue professional, you are already half way there. But there are a few professions, which are not merely subject-driven but require an extra "something special". The field of management accountancy is one such area. Though the profession teaches one to be analytical and systematic, these traits are often forgotten in the daily grind of work.

Here are a few definite dos for a management accountant.

Professional expertise

Have expert knowledge in two or three core professional areas. Be it US GAAP or taxation or product pricing.

Don't miss professional lectures or seminars

Visit industrial establishments and observe their work processes to develop better visualisation skills

Personality

Be an active participant in all formal meetings to improve your presentation skills.

Dress appropriately for every event you attend whether social or official

Always be positive with others. Be conservative only in financial deals!

Be diplomatic and never quote from the `Rule Book' even if a commitment is not met

Develop a sense of belonging

Be sincere- and success is bound to follow!

Technology

Be computer literate and Internet savvy. Familiarise yourself with MS-Office

Stay connected with people. Communicate regularly with your clients/institutions and professional acquaintances.

Browse through your subject-related websites frequently. Avail of the free newsletter feature of knowledge-based portals

Develop power point presentations on popular organisational issues

General

Be sure to glance at news and business headlines every day

Discuss business news with colleagues; gain new insights

Once a year, take a long vacation and de-stress

While the incremental inputs for practising the above are an arithmetic increase, you can confidently expect the returns to be in geometric in their progression!

Z RAO

opportunities@cnkonline.com