From Accounting to Associate Software Engineer: Navigating and Finding Remote Jobs in Technology

My degree program forced me to do calculus, something that's unnecessary in most programming.

Remote Jobs > Remote Programming Careers > From Accounting to Associate Software Engineer: Navigating and Finding Remote Jobs in Technology

As the world of technology evolves, remote jobs in software and programming are becoming increasingly sought after. Many professionals are transitioning into tech roles, such as associate software engineers, seeking the flexibility and financial freedom offered by remote work. For those with a background in accounting and finance, the journey to pivot into tech can be challenging yet rewarding, combining skills from both fields to create unique opportunities.

This article explores the story of an individual who started with a focus on computer science, then pivoted to accounting before ultimately finding their passion in technology. The journey highlights the hurdles faced, the triumphs of remote work in technology, and the transformation from a finance-focused role into a software engineering career. It provides insights into how embracing new skills and taking calculated risks can lead to a fulfilling, flexible career in remote technology fields.

From Accounting to Associate Software Engineer: Navigating and Finding Remote Jobs in Technology

By Robert Tang, Software Engineer

The journey to a fulfilling career that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your living room is not always an easy or obvious one. In my case, it took several years upon graduating from college, a lateral movement or two, and a lucky draw in how I chose to spend my free time. I started my undergraduate studies with a focus on computer science, aiming to secure it as the namesake inscribed on my diploma. Java, Python, C#, and even linear algebra were all things that came to me relatively naturally, usually getting grades that would be considered on par with my peers. More than that, I thoroughly enjoyed learning these things – manipulating data, tracing algorithms, and exploring every data structure I could get my hands on. However, Calculus was another story. I scraped by with a D during Calculus I, but a poor final exam at the end of Calculus II all but solidified my fate. I retook it the following semester, and the malevolent final exam struck me down again. My fate was signed, sealed, and delivered.

I found accounting had some exciting parts and some not so exciting parts, like tax.

From Tech to Accounting and Using Accounting in Tech

Luckily, I had interests in the financial sector and decided to pursue a degree in accounting. I figured it was the next best thing. Cryptocurrency and the rise of Quant seemed to intersect the two fields, so little hope was lost in eventually transitioning to a different role. The classes themselves were quite interesting, and I began to discover ways to use my programming knowledge to greatly reduce the time I spent on homework. The combination of R and Excel proved to be powerful, allowing for improved data manipulation, which was especially useful in statistics and economics courses. Excel can often be a bit slow and finicky when working with large data sets on old hardware, and this seemed to do the trick.

After spending a few semesters in the department, students in the upper-level classes were given the opportunity to interview with banks, financial institutions, and accounting firms to try and secure an internship. I had the pleasure of interviewing with my current employer, a large regional bank, and they were gracious enough to give me a shot. During the internship, I was responsible for bookkeeping and other administrative tasks. After being there for several months, they extended an offer to work there full-time once I graduated, and I gladly accepted. I finished up the next semester and a half at school without a hitch and soon after began working.

I found myself automating accounting using tech I learned in programming.

Embracing Change: Automating Accounting in Tech Ways with Programming

I was excited to start, despite it not being the dream that I concocted during my freshman year. I had accepted that this was where I was and decided to give it my all. Having great leadership and a supportive team during my onboarding was imperative to the energy and drive that I brought to the table. Regardless of what you do or where you work, the people that surround you can truly make or break the experience. For the first year, I focused on learning the ins and outs of the trade: ensuring all the proper checks and balances were used whenever cash exchanged hands, accounting for every debit and credit, and sitting in on meetings that covered the analytical aspects of running the business itself.

At the time, some of the software used was a bit out of date, and many of my daily activities proved to be tedious and menial. These were relatively simple, low-stakes tasks, and much of the bookkeeping could be automated. This idea occurred to me, but I was intimidated to implement anything. I carried on for the rest of that year and the next, but eventually, my enthusiasm waned. I asked for more responsibility, to be given more work related to analysis, but nearly all the bases were already covered. My mind was no longer being stimulated by the work I was doing, so I decided to return to programming projects in my free time.

Automating financial reports led to becoming an Associate Software Engineer.

Rediscovering Programming: The Path to Becoming an Associate Software Engineer

Python had always been my favorite language, and I turned to Reddit for some inspiration on what programs to make. I started with web design and tried to emulate social media platforms, as I was relatively new to that kind of programming. This gave me valuable experience with the backend as well as the front, but I felt my project lacked a clear purpose. This frustration led me to automate certain tasks in my personal life to save time and money. My first project of this nature was to program my Raspberry Pi to notify me if there were any reported accidents on my commute within two hours of my leaving for work. Avoiding a tardy and taking the scenic route? That’s a win-win!

After similar projects, I started to gain confidence and enhance my programming literacy. I began contemplating whether or not I should automate some of my work tasks, unbeknownst to my employer. The risk involved was that I could fail to turn my work in on time, but with my clean record, it was a risk I was willing to take. My firm used a third-party API service, so using Python was a superior alternative to VBA, and it was fresh in my mind from all the practice. I started by automating financial statements that would have otherwise been printed manually and eventually began generating reports by pulling from the available data. No more logging into slow software and manually generating anything!

Now I can work from anywhere as a remote software engineer.

Making a Career Shift: The Offer to Work as an Associate Software Engineer

I showed my boss what I had done, and they asked me to do the same for their workflow. Soon after, I went around the office, implementing these automations for everyone. I kept improving and adding shortcuts, eventually earning the break I had been looking for. I was given more responsibilities on the finance side and was offered an opportunity to attend a local community college to hone my programming skills further. With this added benefit, I provided additional value to the firm. About six months after completing the certificate from the community college, I was invited to lunch with my boss and his supervisor. I was riddled with excitement and gladly accepted.

The outing started out casually enough, each of us relaying our plans for the weekend, but around halfway through the meal, the conversation turned to the work I had been doing. I was met with praise and was flustered by my superiors' encouraging words. By the conclusion of lunch, I was stunned – they offered me a position as an Associate Software Engineer. They insisted that I take the weekend to think it over and get back to them at my convenience. I was delighted to be recognized for my work but felt unsure if I was capable of programming at such a high level. It was a classic case of imposter syndrome. After talking things over with friends, I decided to go for it. Monday morning, I scheduled a meeting with my boss and told him of my acceptance. I’ve now been in this position for around two years, the first of which I spent in the office. Luckily, company policy changed late last year, allowing many employees to work 100% remotely.

Eating at home, or a cafe, is easy while working remotely as a software engineer.

Enjoying One of the Best Remote Jobs in Technology

This change has drastically increased my quality of life. Not only am I engaged in work that I thoroughly enjoy, but the perks of remote work are second to none. With a commute being a thing of the past, I have saved countless hours and dollars, enjoying the luxury of waking up and being steps away from my home office. The stress of rush hour is no more. Additionally, being able to cook at home during my lunch break has been kind to my wallet and my waistline.

The real prize is utilizing downtime to engage in personal projects and hobbies. If my tasks, training, and calendar are clear, I can sit down for a few minutes to read a book, meal prep, or even play a quick match of a video game. It’s done wonders for my productivity, knowing that I don’t have to appear busy when I have nothing to do.

University almost ended my future in tech. I'd recommend going into a bootcamp if you want to become a remote software engineer.

Finding Remote Jobs in Technology: Final Thoughts

Finding remote work, especially in the realm of computer programming, can be like finding a needle in a haystack. The field is ultra-competitive right out of the gate, requiring extra work to secure a remote position. Networking and showing a genuine effort to go above and beyond in your current role is the best advice I can give. Promotions certainly raise salaries, but the benefit of remote work is becoming more common. Showing loyalty, longevity, and a willingness to learn is a fantastic way to prove your worth to an employer. However, knowing when to cut your losses is equally crucial.

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional route and want to fast-track your journey into remote jobs in technology, programs like the Remote Coding Bootcamp can provide the structure and skills needed to break into the field, especially if you're considering a career shift or building on your current skills to work remotely.

- Robert Tang, Software Engineer

Ready to Start Your Own Remote Work Journey?

Imagine a career where you can code from a mountain cabin or a cozy café while still delivering high-impact projects. Just like my journey, transitioning from an accounting background to a successful associate software engineer, you too can break into the tech industry and enjoy the perks of remote jobs in technology. The key is building the right skill set and knowing how to leverage your unique background.

The Remote Coding Bootcamp is designed to fast-track your transition into a high-paying remote tech role. This program provides you with hands-on experience in programming, automation, and technology tools tailored to help you excel in tech-focused positions, even if your background is in fields like accounting. From developing coding skills to mastering automation for accounting processes, this bootcamp equips you with everything you need to succeed.

Ready to take the leap and carve out your niche in tech? The Remote Coding Bootcamp offers the roadmap to a flexible and rewarding career, no matter where your journey starts. Your path to remote work freedom begins here.

Learn more about transitioning to a Software Engineer career at the Remote Coding Bootcamp today!

Eat Wander Explore Family enjoying a little rest and relaxation while working remotely in Costa Rica.

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