How an Accounting Background can Translate to a Career in Cybersecurity


Are you in awe of people who have made the transition from one career to a completely different one nearly seamlessly? There’s no need to be in awe. These people have been creative in how they approach their career, have likely taken some additional education and have considered how their current knowledge and skills transfer to the career they want.  

It is possible for many individuals to move from one career to another by using this approach. In fact, a number have made the transition from accounting to cybersecurity this way. What seems like a completely different career path has some beneficial overlap to help make the switch from accounting to cybersecurity easier.  

 

Understanding the job market’s required skills 

 

CyberSeek, an interactive data tool that helps support employers, job seekers, students and others interested in closing the gap in cybersecurity job skills, notes that there are a number of accounting and risk analysis roles that are directly transferable to cybersecurity. For example, an individual working generally in accounting could add information security skills, perhaps through something like an A+ certification course, to bridge the gap between their accounting role to a cybersecurity role. 

 

Someone in budgeting would benefit from information systems skills like those taught in a CySA+ certification course, or a risk management professional could add network security skills found in a Network+ certification course. No matter what the role, existing skills in an accounting-based position seem to be valued in the cybersecurity sector. You need to know how to best position yourself either within your existing organization or for a new one.  

 

Accounting firms as cyber attack targets 

 

Those who are working in accounting for a financial organization are in an interesting position. Because of the sensitivity of the data managed in a financial firm, they make natural targets for cybercriminals. It doesn’t matter what size the firm is either. Today’s cyber attacks are driven by a game of numbers – they just keep trying and they’ll find a vulnerability to exploit.  

 

If you’re currently working for a financial organization, you may find it’s easier to make the transition from the accounting side of things to the IT side of the business rather than starting with a new employer. Taking training like Security+ certification would be an ideal place to start to show your employer both your interest and your commitment to the transition. Plus, because there are so many cybersecurity roles going unfilled, your employer would probably appreciate your interest.  

 

What you bring to the table 

 

Transitioning to a cybersecurity role in an accounting firm is easy to understand. You already know the business and with additional education, interest and starting in a more general cybersecurity role, you’ll quickly become an asset. While that’s a natural move, transitioning into a different sector in cybersecurity is also possible.  

 

Selling your methodical thinking, creativity and ability to spot glitches in patterns will be key to getting in with a new employer. However, you shouldn’t have to sell too hard if you have some cybersecurity training behind you. Plus, accountants are a natural fit for cybersecurity auditing and penetration (or vulnerability) testing. Forensic accountants make the transition into these types of roles easily as do those focused on auditing activities. 

 

Cybersecurity auditors, penetration testers and vulnerability testers all require focus, the ability to see the small (and big) picture and a passion for following through to the end of a project. Accountants already have these skills.  

 

The bottom line 

 

Your talent with numerical data and attention to detail are valuable assets in both the accounting and cybersecurity sectors. Accountants are adept at working with numbers in a digital landscape. They analyze, understand and recap their findings which are the same skills needed in cybersecurity. Capitalize on this and be open to the numerous different jobs in cybersecurity, the potential to learn and the ability to move around in the field. 

 

In order to make the move, stay on top of the cybersecurity trends (understanding the latest risks, types of attacks that are growing in number, industry-specific issues, etc.), add some cybersecurity education and be clear about how the skills in your current role are transferable to the job you seek.  


Written by Ronda Payne

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