Navigating the Job Market: A Personal Experience in Real Estate Accounting

As a seasoned professional in real estate Accounting with over a decade of experience, holding both a CPA and an MBA from the United States, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges in the job market. Recently, I went through an enlightening interview process for a position at a large company with thousands of employees that led me to reflect on the dynamics of hiring and qualifications in our field.

During this interview, I shared how I acquired knowledge of the required Accounting system through a paid online course, enhancing my skills in a practical setting. However, upon revealing my experience and my current position within a company of several hundred employees, the HR representative boldly remarked, “Be honest, I can clearly tell you, you cannot handle the job.”

Rather than being thrown off by this comment, I found it peculiar. To me, the world of Accounting is fundamentally logical. In fact, I have seamlessly adapted to significant changes at my current role, taking on responsibilities typically divided among three individuals when two team members departed. Despite the increased workload, I have continued to excel, ensuring that my output remains high-quality and error-free while also mentoring and supporting my colleagues.

Since August of last year, my search for a new opportunity has been ongoing. I’ve engaged in numerous conversations across various industries and company sizes, but the road has not been as smooth as anticipated. While I have made it clear in all my applications that I hold a work visa, I’ve encountered situations where discussions ended abruptly once sponsorship came into play, often after just a handful of questions.

As I continue my journey in the search for a new role, I remain optimistic. Each interaction, whether successful or not, has served as a learning experience. It’s a reminder that overcoming obstacles often requires resilience and adaptability. For anyone else navigating the job market, especially in specialized fields like accounting, remember that perseverance is key. There’s a place for your skills and experience, even if the path to finding it may be challenging.