Working as an Overseas Accountant: Here’s How to Stand Apart from Your Competitors
Working overseas as an accountant is a rewarding but challenging career choice. While it’s great to have the opportunity to run your firm from anywhere, standing apart from your competition within this saturated industry is one of the biggest tasks you’ll have to face.
Essentially, a combination of improving your soft skills and the implementation of technology can help your accountancy firm and services stand apart from those of your competitors. Read on to find out more.
Implementing Tax Software
The way you and your UK clients handle tax responsibilities is changing and ensuring you’re both aligned with the latest Making Tax Digital legislation is key. Therefore investing in tax software for your business and working with clients to work collaboratively via their software application will not only make your job easier but ensure all guidance and HMRC requirements are met. Even though you’re based overseas, the nature of tax software means that it can be accessed from anywhere in the world, giving you the opportunity to work with clients that are UK-based and still keep in touch with HMRC regulations.
Providing this service will not only give your current clients peace of mind but make you more attractive to prospective clients who are looking for someone reliable and tech-savvy to help them handle their taxes. Simply relying on emails, or even spreadsheets to help them get their accounts in order could make working with you more laborious than it needs to be, tax software eliminates this kind of admin, streamlining your communications and getting the job done quickly in a way that benefits both parties.
Work On Your Communication Skills
Even if you decide that technology should play an important role in your overseas-based accountancy firm, good communication skills are key to delivering world-class services that your clients will come to rely on. A good balance of strong written and verbal communication skills can help you get the answers you need from your clients, help you to liaise appropriately with other accountants and ensure your clients understand what is required of them during the accounting period. Better communication skills mean fewer mistakes and errors – making you easier to work with and strengthening your client base.
Self Motivation
When you’re based overseas, it’s all too easy for collaborations, emails, client requests and additional projects to take a back seat. This is where self-motivation comes in. If your clients can’t reach you, or you’re finding it difficult to focus on your role, then implementing digitised programs and technology such as tax software can help you find a better work/life balance. The more motivated you are, the quicker you’ll be able to handle client tax returns and manage their accounts.
Working as an accountant who is based overseas comes with its own set of challenges. However, the right approach and assistance from technology can help you stand apart within this saturated industry. Consider the tips above to get started.
