Essay on Professional Presence

Introduction

Professional presence is the ability to project a sense of self-assurance in a group. A person’s professional image is among the most valuable personal resources that they possess, it helps them in interacting effectively with their workmates and clients. Understanding the professional presence will equip a person with skills and confidence to present themselves in the workplace. This is made possible by understanding the various elements of a group culture. This paper intends to explore the culture in the accounting profession.

Language and Behavior

Accounting is a continuous communication process. Through constant communication, accountants can develop a shared understanding around the issues of mutual interest to the accounting profession. Meanings that were initially negotiated are now accepted in the industry after being in use for a long time. The accounting profession terminologies are different as compared to other professions. As the accounting profession has expanded, so has the language used in it. The development has been brought about by the evolution of business and the need for capital. The new approach to managerial accounting has seen the addition of new terminologies such as “total quality management and activity-based costing” (Johnson, 2017).

Attitude and Beliefs

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants has set out the guiding principles and ethics of Professional Accountants. The code of ethical conduct in any accounting profession workplace includes auditor independence, integrity, confidentiality, and professional competence. Professionals believe in paying close attention to details as a way of making sure that numbers are correct, and that they work well. Also, professional accountants believe in due diligence for the unerring accuracy of their financial reports. The professionalism put greats emphasize on member creativity through out of the box thinking and immediate diverse solutions to the dynamical challenges in the industry. The core values of the profession include promoting high standards of ethical conduct, protecting the interest of the accountants and establishing a highly respected public image of the accounting discipline (Washington Association of Accounting & Tax Professionals, 2016).

Education and Training

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum academic requirement for any professional accountant. However, most states require one to have an advanced coursework which is much broader than the typical bachelor’s degree. A certified public accountant should have passed all the CPA exams to obtain a state certification in the discipline (Learn How to Become, 2017). It is highly recommended that one should undergo accounting internships or any other training that will enable them to gain substantial experience in the field. Afterwards, the final step to certification is working under the supervision of an actively licensed accountant. For accountability check, the controller membership registration needs to be renewed after a specified duration (Learn How to Become, 2017)

Tools and Equipment Used

A professional accountant shall have a computer and a calculator. Also, they should have a telephone, fax machine, photocopier, and accounting software. Extensive training is a requirement for an accountant to be able to use the accounting software.

Interactions with Others

The diversity culture in workplace calls for a more sensitive approach towards other groups. Cultural competence is required in the accounting profession for the members. It involves examining ones thought and feelings and developing a cross-cultural skill to be able to relate to other colleagues in the workplace. It is also important to review and do away with any cultural biases.

Conclusion

As highlighted above, accounting profession has its own culture and requirements for anyone wishing to work in it. There are particular terminologies, behavior, attitudes and beliefs, training, tools and equipment, and interaction that apply in the accounting profession. Every profession is unique in its way. Even though each one of them is unique, they are interdependent. To establish a vibrant professional presence, one should be well-versed with the relevant culture and be willing to accommodate other group cultures as well.

References

Learn How to Become. (2017). Accounting Degrees & Careers | How to Become an Accountant. Retrieved September 19, 2017, from http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/accountant/

Washington Association of Accounting & Tax Professionals. (2016). Core Values. Retrieved September 19, 2017, from http://www.waa.org/core-values

Johnson, S. (2017). Accounting is the Language | Publication Board | Home. Retrieved from https://www.uvu.edu/woodbury/jbi/volume1/stevejohnson.html