These tips can help you hone the qualities that companies look for when considering a potential new hire:

• Demonstrate initiative: Organizations want to be sure their staff members can begin and successfully complete a plan or task. If you are new to a company, show that you are capable of going beyond your job description by volunteering for projects that allow you to enhance your skills. 
  
  
• Be a teamplayer: Within the past few years, the role of accounting professionals has become more prominent, and they are involved with more areas of business. As a result, accountants must be able to collaborate well with a diverse group of people. Take an active role in cross-functional groups and lend a hand to colleagues who may be overburdened. 
  
  
• Be confident, not cocky: While employers appreciate candidates who believe in what they bring to the table, there is a fine line between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Beginning accountants should keep in mind that employers value personnel who listen well and are open to continuous learning.
  

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.