Tips for First Year Accountants

Over my last 10 months in public accounting, I have learned more than I thought my brain could hold. And knowing the little that I know now, I’ve learned that I have just reached the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few things that I have learned since my first day in public accounting.

Communication is everything!

When you first enter the realm of accounting, you will learn how little you know. That’s not a limitation; it’s the beginning of growth. But one of the first things that you can and should do is communicate. First, communicate your experience, or lack thereof. There is nothing wrong with owning up to the fact that you have never done something before and don't understand what the next steps are. Be realistic with your workload and when you can start working on a project. It’s always better to “share the wealth” as we say at HHM.

If you find yourself struggling with a budget, speak with your in-charge. Sometimes, issues and complications will arise while working on a project. That’s understandable. What is not quite as understandable is sitting on a project and struggling to do it by yourself. If you find yourself stuck for more than 10-15 minutes, ask your neighbor, “Hey, how do I do this?” This simple method can save a lot of wasted time and frustration.  

Learn who you are working with. Each in-charge or partner has their own communication style — some prefer Teams messages, others email, and some want face-to-face check-ins. Understand what works best for them and adapt accordingly. It shows respect and professionalism.  

Organization

I thought I was really organized—until I started in public accounting. Unlike previous roles where I reported to one person, I now answer to several. That alone forced me to rethink my entire approach to staying organized. While I have tried different methods of organization, both digital and physical, I have found that each person is different, and I should find whatever works best for them.

Personally, I’ve found it helpful to track projects based on the in-charge, then map out a list of what needs to be done in chronological order. Before starting any assignment, I take a moment to understand what we’re doing for the client and why. Identifying planning points up front helps navigate potential roadblocks more smoothly. If a project was completed in the previous year, review how it was handled. That can give you a helpful head start and highlight any changes needed this time around.

Humility

Humility goes a long way — and it looks good on everyone.

I remember my first day of training. I was overwhelmed by how absolutely brilliant my peers were. But I was reminded of something that stuck with me: “Right now, you’re not expected to know anything. But from here on out, you’re expected to learn everything.”

That was a relief. I could learn. But it’s easier said than done. Accounting is a field with endless learning opportunities. Even the most seasoned professionals learn something new every day.

Don’t pretend to know more than you do. Be honest about where you’re struggling. Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s how you grow. If you knew everything already, you would be a partner. And even partners still research, ask questions, and stay updated in an ever-evolving field.

Patience

Accounting is a tough profession — that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. Growth takes time.

Extend yourself some grace. There’s no shortcut to understanding foundational concepts. Like learning to walk before you can run, mastering accounting takes time, repetition, and experience.

And as you grow, remember the people who were patient with you. Pay that forward when you’re training someone new. Some concepts will click immediately; others may need to be explained multiple times — and that’s okay. Lead with kindness and empathy.

As you move forward, know that challenges are inevitable—but so is your growth. Lean in, stay eager to learn, and trust that with each step, you are truly building something extraordinary.  

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