By Kim Elm
December 12, 2024

They say it’s not what you know but who you know, and connections matter as much as credentials.  Networking generates meaningful relationships that fuel career growth, opening doors to new opportunities, mentorships, and valuable industry insights. Below we explore why networking is necessary for accountants, share actionable tips for building authentic relationships, and provide strategies to overcome common networking challenges. By the end, you’ll have the tools to take your networking efforts to the next level. 

Why Networking Matters for Accountants 

Your network is as important as your skillset in a field like accounting. Building professional relationships can foster connections that lead to referrals, collaborations, and job opportunities. 

Leveraging these connections can also unlock career opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. Often, the best roles, projects, or partnerships come through referrals from trusted members of your network. 

Beyond advancing your career, networking is a fantastic way to stay informed. Change is constant in the accounting field – regulations, innovative technologies, and evolving market trends demand that you keep learning. A strong network gives you access to real-time insights from people who are actively engaged in the field. 

Key Networking Tips for Accountants  

  1. Set Clear Networking Goals: Start by identifying what you want to achieve through networking. Are you seeking career growth, mentorship, or expanding your industry knowledge? Once you’ve outlined your objectives, tailor your approach accordingly. 
    • If your goal is mentorship, focus on reaching out to experienced professionals in your field. 
    • For career advancement, target recruiters, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. 
  2. Focus on Building Authentic Relationships: The strength of your network lies in the depth of your connections, not the size of your contact list. Build genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. Follow up with people after meeting them—whether it’s a friendly email or a coffee invitation. Small gestures go a long way when you prioritize maintaining strong connections. 
  1. Engage in Professional Organizations: Professional organizations like the AICPA or regional and local professional associations are designed to foster connections. Attend their events and participate in their initiatives to position yourself as an engaged and proactive professional. These organizations are ideal for meeting peers and thought leaders in your field as well as potential referral partners and clients in other industries. Ask around to see which associations/organizations are well attended and visit them. Decide on a membership for one, maybe two, and join a committee like the welcoming committee or events committee.   
  1. Utilize Online Networking Platforms: Maximize your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills, experience, and unique value proposition. Regularly engage with posts, share your insights, and participate in industry discussions to position yourself as a knowledgeable and approachable professional. By staying active, you’ll naturally attract connections and grow your visibility. As you start meeting other professionals make sure to ask to connect on LinkedIn.  
  1. Expand Your Comfort Zone: Don’t limit your network to the accounting industry. Engage with professionals in complementary fields to gain fresh insights and uncover opportunities you might not encounter otherwise. Cross-industry collaborations can enhance your skills, expand your influence, and spark innovation. 

Professional Networking Strategies for Accountant Career Growth 

Mentorship is one of the most strategic tools for accountant career growth. Most professionals are happy to share their experiences—they’ve likely been in your shoes before! A mentor can offer unique insights into your career path, share lessons from their experiences, and connect you with influential members of their network. To build a strong mentorship, seek out leaders in your industry whose expertise aligns with your goals. 

Additionally, speaking at events or participating in industry panels may initially seem intimidating, but it’s an excellent way to get noticed. Start with smaller opportunities, like presenting in your company or joining a local organization, then gradually work your way up. Public speaking showcases your expertise and positions you as a leader, which attracts new connections and opens unexpected doors. 

Finally, networking is your best tool for discovering new job opportunities and client leads. Many roles, client projects, and collaborations are filled through personal referrals rather than formal applications. Keeping your network active and engaged increases your chances of hearing about these hidden opportunities. 

Tools and Resources for Effective Networking 

Recommended Platforms 

Tips for Maximizing Attendance at Industry and Professional Association Events  

How to Track and Manage Your Connections 

Overcoming Networking Challenges 

Networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and that’s okay. Start small. Focus on one-on-one interactions, like meeting a colleague for coffee or joining a small group discussion at an event. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make a big impression—being genuine and attentive goes a long way.  

Rejection and slow relationship building are part of the process, but don’t let that deter you. Not every connection will turn into a long-term relationship, and that’s perfectly normal. Keep putting yourself out there and focus on the relationships that do blossom. Building strong connections takes time, so be patient with yourself and the process. Every little step you take gets you closer to building the network you want. 

Grow Your Network 

Strategic networking for accountants and CPAs is a powerful tool for professionals looking to advance their careers. You can unlock opportunities that propel your career forward by setting clear goals, cultivating authentic relationships, and leveraging both in-person and online platforms. 

Take the first step today. Begin implementing these strategies today—schedule a coffee chat, attend an event, or engage with your network online. Building a robust professional network is an investment in your future, starting with small, intentional actions. 

Accountant Networking FAQs

Networking is a powerful way for accountants to build visibility, develop trust, and create opportunities for growth. Unlike technical skills, networking requires building genuine relationships that can lead to client referrals, partnerships, and career development. Accountants who consistently invest in networking build reputations as trusted advisors in their communities. These relationships can open doors to new business, provide access to industry insights, and foster collaboration with other professionals such as attorneys, bankers, and consultants. At JAK, we encourage accountants to approach networking as a long-term investment in both professional growth and firm success, not just a short-term tactic. 

Networking is most effective when approached with clear goals and intentionality. Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, focus on building meaningful relationships with individuals who align with your professional interests. Active listening is critical—ask thoughtful questions, show genuine interest, and look for ways to add value. Consistent follow-up is equally important, as relationships deepen over time. At JAK, we recommend tracking interactions, setting monthly networking goals, and approaching networking with curiosity rather than pressure. When accountants approach networking strategically, it becomes a natural extension of business development rather than an uncomfortable obligation. 

A common mistake is focusing too much on self-promotion instead of building genuine connections. Others fail to follow up, losing momentum and missing out on opportunities. Some accountants avoid networking altogether, believing their work should speak for itself. At JAK, we’ve seen that the most successful professionals are those who treat networking as relationship-building, not sales. Another pitfall is lack of preparation—attending events without clear goals or failing to research who will be present. By avoiding these missteps and being intentional, accountants can make networking more impactful and rewarding, while positioning themselves as trusted and approachable professionals. 

Networking is the foundation of strong business development. While marketing and advertising can create awareness, personal relationships build trust—the key factor in choosing a CPA. Networking helps accountants gain referrals, collaborate with other professionals, and position themselves as knowledgeable resources. At JAK, many client relationships began with a simple networking introduction that evolved into long-term partnerships. Business development is rarely about immediate results; it’s about planting seeds that grow into opportunities over time. Strategic networking ensures accountants build a pipeline of trusted connections who are more likely to recommend and work with them when the need arises. 

One of the best tips is to focus on quality over quantity. Instead of meeting dozens of people, aim to build deeper connections with just a few individuals each month. Set aside time to schedule coffee meetings, attend events consistently, and follow up with personal notes or resources. At JAK, we encourage accountants to approach networking like client service—tailored, thoughtful, and consistent. Even small gestures, such as introducing two contacts to each other, add value and strengthen relationships. By prioritizing genuine connection and long-term trust, accountants turn networking into a powerful tool for professional growth and business success.