How and Why You Should Mentor Other Accountants Remotely

As an account working remotely, you have transcended the limitations of the office or physical location. Several factors have made collaborations, learning, and growth possible online, including cloud-based platforms and communication tools.

If you've embraced a flexible work style, you've likely considered the potential of virtual mentorship. It's an approach that provides adaptability to your schedule and work style, while helping others with their professional development.

Whether you work alone, have a small remote accounting company or work remotely in a senior position, mentoring is a catalyst for your professional growth. It helps you enhance your credibility as you contribute to the profession. 

Let’s explore how to mentor accountants and why it's worth your time.

The Significance of Remote Mentorship in Accounting

Working remotely doesn’t mean you can't contribute back to your profession by mentoring. You may not be able to meet for lunch or coffee with your mentee, but conference tools and social media platforms make remote meetings easy.

Great mentors are not only CEOs or experienced older accountants. Anyone can be a successful mentor, especially if you enjoy sharing your knowledge, offering support, and listening.

Remote mentorship matters in accounting because it allows you to:

· Bridge the experience gap for new accountants

· Share your knowledge with entrants from diverse backgrounds.

· Help someone who lacks access to traditional firm structures or networks.

· Teach others efficient verbal and written communication skills.

· You stay connected and engaged with industry trends while training emerging talent anywhere.

· Even remotely, mentoring contributes to improved organizational culture.

· Grow your professional reputation by showing your leadership qualities.

How to Get Started With Remote Mentoring

Ready to start remote mentoring? Follow these steps to achieve your goals without overcommitting or getting overwhelmed.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Structure

Before finding your first mentee, define the guidance you’re best suited to provide in a remote mentoring program. When you set expectations from the start, it’s easier to manage your time and find mentees with a better fit.

· What part of your journey could be valuable and align with your mentee's goals? 

· Are you better at providing technical accounting advice, career coaching, or advice on running a firm?

· How long will the mentoring last, how often will you offer sessions, and what format will suit you best (shared documents, video calls, presentations)?

· Do you prefer mentoring by offering short-term advice, or does a long-term relationship suit you better?

Step 2: Platforms for Connecting

Remote mentoring does not require the use of a formal program. Here are some ways to remotely connect with potential mentees:

LinkedIn: Create a post or respond to direct messages from younger professionals who follow you.

Accounting communities: Look for mentees on groups like Facebook’s Accounting and Bookkeeping Support Group, r/accounting on Reddit, or communities on Slack/Discord

Professional networks: Organisations such as the AICPA, state CPA societies, or remote-first organisations like the Remote Work Association often offer mentorship programs.

Xero Mentor Match: Connect with Xero partners on this program, powered by Mentorloop.

Freelancer platforms: Offer "coffee chat" mentorship sessions via Upwork, Contra, or Clarity.fm

Step 3: Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations

Even in the world of remote accounting, when providing informal mentorships, structure is necessary. Clarify the following:

· Frequency of communication (e.g., one monthly 30-minute Zoom call).

· Preferred communication channels (Zoom, Google Meet, email).

· Set a guideline for the topics you’ll cover.

· What you’re not offering (e.g., a job referral or tax advice).

· Outline your responsibilities and set goals that are relevant, measurable, and attainable within a time frame you both agree on. 

· Create an informal agreement, which could include using a  "Mentorship Agreement" template. 

Step 4: Focus on Listening

You don’t need to give your mentee all the answers. Emphasize listening for the best results. Here’s how: 

· Build a bond by encouraging openness and honesty

· Listen actively to their needs and concerns before providing constructive feedback

· Share your failures and successes as examples 

· Adopt flexibility to your mentee’s learning style and schedule 

· Avoid lecturing or always insisting you know everything better than they do

· Encourage independent decision-making

Step 5: Assess and Improve

Check in with your mentee every few months to ensure you are both still deriving value. Has the mentee outgrown what you can offer, and do your schedules still align?

The feedback can help you track the progress of the mentoring plan and allows you to make the necessary improvements to your remote accounting mentorship.

If things have got too busy, pause the program. If you find that your mentee has outgrown your field of expertise, suggest another mentor.

It’s also fine if your mentorship transitions to a peer relationship with time. Mentorship is not a fixed commitment and often leads to lifetime friendships.

Remote Mentorship - An Investment in the Future of Accounting

Mentorship is a powerful tool for accountants. You can contribute to the industry from anywhere while building deeper industry relationships and boosting your professional growth. In a remote world and with current technological advancements, mentorship is more accessible and flexible than ever.

Whether you’re mentoring a first-year CPA, helping a freelancer navigate client relationships, or simply offering encouragement in an online group, your mentorship helps shape the future of your mentee’s skill enhancement.

Reach out to someone today and support them with your mentorship.