en
Jobs

Let our industry specialists listen to your aspirations and present your story to the most esteemed organisations in the Africa, as we collaborate to write the next chapter of your successful career.

See all jobs
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

We understand that no two organisations are the same. Find out more about how we've customised our recruitment offerings to help clients meet their needs.

Read more
About Robert Walters Africa

Since our establishment 25 years ago, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Africa

Learn more

Starting a new accounting job?

One of the most exciting challenges in an accountants career is starting a new job. However, this can also be incredibly daunting and stressful.

Follow these steps to help you prepare and settle into your new accounting job.

 

Be organised 

Confirm with your recruitment consultant when and where to report on your first day. This may sound obvious but if you are organised, you are less likely to get stressed.

Manage your wardrobe

Make sure you have the correct business attire for your new job. If you haven't yet figured out what the your colleagues will be wearing, always plan on being professional and conservative (suit and tie for men, trouser suit or skirt and jacket for women). It's better to end up overdressed than underdressed, so your boss knows that you're taking your job seriously.

The first few weeks of a new job are always challenging - even seasoned accountants admit starting a new job is difficult. A new job opportunity will never be exactly as you imagined but if you expect challenges you will prepare yourself for a much smoother transition into the new organisation.

Expect challenges and be prepared to adjust

The first few weeks of a new job are always challenging - even seasoned accountants admit starting a new job is difficult. A new job opportunity will never be exactly as you imagined but if you expect challenges you will prepare yourself for a much smoother transition into the new organisation.

Certain things you will have taken for granted in your old job, such as the location of files, stationery, processes in place and who to go to in certain instances, will all become hurdles when you first start your role. Be prepared for the adjustments you will need to make and be aware of the challenge in front of you.

Get to know your boss

What do they like and dislike as far as handing in work? Do they prefer emails or phone calls for asking questions? What are their pet hates? Talk to other employees or his / her assistant for any additional information so you can perform as expected right from the start.

Embrace learning 

There will be so much for you to take over the first few months and this is the time to listen, learn and grasp all that you can to enable you to carry out your new role effectively. Take a note book with you wherever you go and make sure you write things down - it will help you pick things up more easily such as colleagues names.

Enjoy your new career challenge 

Remember you took the new opportunity because you wanted a career challenge. Embrace everything that is thrown at you, wear a smile and try and make the best impression possible.

Looking for your next accountancy or finance role? View the latest opportunities from Robert Walters.

Share this article

Useful links

Sign up for job alerts
Salary Survey
Career Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View All

How to become a chartered accountant

At Robert Walters in South Africa we've been successfully managing the careers of newly-qualified accountants for 15 years. So, we're well placed to offer you the help and advice you need at this key point in your career. If you are currently in high school your subject choice must include core math

Read More

Career path for newly-qualified accountants

Our accounting & finance recruitment team has been managing the careers of newly-qualified accountants for over 15 years. So we're well placed to offer you the help you need. Most CA (SA) start out in public practice as trainees and set out to achieve the CA qualification within three years. During

Read More

The role of a group accountant

Group accounting is a head office and parent company function that offers the opportunity to explore and understand the business performance of a whole group. Strong group accountants are highly sought-after in today's marketplace. Group accountant Philippa Tate form a well known South African ICT s

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.