Annual Review season is here—are you ready?
With 49% of companies conducting annual or semiannual performance reviews1, these meetings are a pivotal opportunity for accounting and finance professionals to highlight achievements, align with career objectives, and position themselves for growth. Effective preparation can transform your review from a routine evaluation into a strategic career discussion. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Quantify Your Achievements
Your annual review is your chance to showcase the value you bring to your organization. Instead of general statements, use data-driven insights to highlight your contributions:
- Process Improvements: Did you implement a more efficient reconciliation process that saved hours of manual work?
- Cost Savings: Did your analysis identify areas for budget optimization, resulting in measurable savings?
- Strategic Impact: Were your financial insights instrumental in key business decisions?
Come prepared with metrics, reports, and specific examples to demonstrate your impact.
2. Assess Your Professional Growth
Look back at the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Have you exceeded them, met them, or encountered obstacles? Consider how you’ve grown in key areas:
- Mastery of new accounting software or financial tools
- Increased technical expertise in areas like regulatory compliance or tax law
- Leadership experience, such as mentoring junior team members or managing projects
Recognizing your progress will help you confidently discuss your career trajectory.
3. Seek Meaningful Feedback
Proactively gather feedback from supervisors, colleagues, and clients. While positive feedback strengthens your case for advancement, constructive input helps you refine your development plan.
Studies show that 74% of employees frequently feel “in the dark” about how they’re perceived at work2. If your company offers peer reviews or 360-degree feedback, review those insights carefully. If not, take the initiative to ask colleagues for their perspectives—this will demonstrate a commitment to growth.
4. Approach Criticism with a Growth Mindset
During your annual review, be prepared to discuss areas where you can improve. Instead of viewing constructive criticism as a setback, use it as a launchpad for professional development:
- Identify areas where you can refine your skills and propose actionable steps.
- Ask for clarity on expectations and request resources for improvement.
- Show initiative by expressing a willingness to take on new challenges or responsibilities.
5. Understand Your Market Value
If compensation is part of the conversation, arm yourself with research. Consult industry salary benchmarks, particularly if you’ve taken on new responsibilities or exceeded performance expectations. Having data-backed insights ensures you’re well-prepared to discuss your earning potential. [Find our 2025 Compensation Guide HERE!]
6. Define Your Career Trajectory
Where do you see yourself in the next 2-5 years? Use your review to discuss:
- Potential leadership roles or specialization opportunities
- Certifications or advanced training that could enhance your skill set
- Opportunities for internal mobility or expanded responsibilities
Looking for growth but haven’t seen it happen? Take on the role you want. Volunteer for projects, seek mentorship, and demonstrate your readiness for the next step. Outline actionable steps that align with your goals, such as leading a cross-functional initiative, improving a key process, or mentoring junior staff. By actively shaping your career trajectory, you make it easier for leadership to recognize and support your growth.
7. Structure Your Key Discussion Points
To ensure a productive conversation throughout your annual review, outline your key topics in advance:
- Your top accomplishments and their measurable impact
- Skills or certifications you’d like to pursue
- Potential career advancement opportunities within the company
- Challenges and solutions for overcoming them
Final Thoughts
An annual review is more than just an evaluation—it’s a strategic conversation about your career. By preparing thoroughly and approaching the discussion with confidence, you can turn this meeting into an opportunity to advance your career and secure the recognition (and compensation) you deserve.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or evaluating your market value, we’re here to help. Contact us here to explore career opportunities that align with your goals!
Sources:
- https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/performance-review-problem
- https://www.trinet.com/about-us/news-press/press-releases/survey-performance-reviews-drive-one-in-four-millennials-to-search-for-a-new-job-or-call-in-sick
