The pandemic and its aftermath have emphasized flexibility in the job market. More workers have turned to contract positions to drive their professional development. Does this strategy make sense to build your accounting or finance career?
Even before COVID shook up the economy, contract employment had become an increasingly important part of the job market. One study showed that one out of five workers made their living in contract positions. These non-traditional arrangements had become the go-to for more than 15 million Americans.
This gig mentality has carried over to almost every industry. For an accounting or finance career, it can offer significant value. However, there are stumbling blocks to keep in mind as well.
To help you decide whether this strategy works for you, here are some of the pros and cons of a contract accounting or finance position:
What to Consider When Considering a Contract Accounting or Finance Position
Pros of a Contract Accounting or Finance Position
Looking to build your accounting or finance career? Contract positions offer an excellent opportunity to push your professional development forward. Here are some of the specific benefits you can expect:
Added Flexibility
A nine-to-five schedule doesn’t work for everyone. In the modern economy, it’s nice to have command over your routine. You can get this from a contract position.
Ability to Build Your Resume
Is your resume a little skimpy for the accounting and finance positions you want most? Contract positions can help fill it out. You can score diverse experiences in a short period of time, opening the door for accelerated long-term growth.
Chance to Develop New Skills
New circumstances let you expand your finance and accounting abilities. Contract work provides an excellent opportunity to learn. You’ll see diverse situations and pick up new skills along the way.
Meet New People
Networking is crucial for driving your career forward. A contract assignment comes with a new set of coworkers and supervisors. Each of these represents a chance to expand your professional contacts.
Connect with Employers
Along with individuals, a contract position lets you build relationships with employers. You’ll get to know their culture and have a chance to make an impression. As such, these contract opportunities can turn into more permanent positions.
Cons of a Contract Accounting or Finance Position
As we’ve noted, contract assignments offer a broad range of benefits for building an accounting and finance career. However, these roles don’t suit everyone’s current situation. Before leaping into the process, consider some of the potential drawbacks:
Less Stability
Yes, contract assignments come with increased flexibility. But there’s a flip side to that. You also don’t see the same level of predictability.
A full-time job offers long-range assurances. For the most part, you know where you will be working for the foreseeable future. You don’t get this level of stability with a contract assignment.
Constantly Starting Over
Along with the organizational difficulties that come with jumping jobs frequently, you face a social and personal aspects as well. Rolling from one contract job to another can sometimes feel like a blur of onboarding and new coworkers. Some people find this refreshing, but it can also cause stress and disorientation.
Difficult to Move Up in an Organization
Contract work can help build an excellent resume. But you aren’t likely to climb the corporate ladder within a particular organization.
Ready to Get Connected to Exceptional Contract Assignments?
Considering a contract assignment? A top recruiter, like Hiregy, can give you the guidance you need to develop your accounting or finance career.
Contact Hiregy today to learn how to find accounting and finance jobs at top Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville companies.
