World of Accounting: Where Numbers Come Alive
Whether you’re eyeing navigating the corporate maze, diving into industrial finance, or decoding governmental mysteries accounting could be for you.
Accounting isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s the language of business. It’s a dynamic universe with two distinct flavors: public and private.
Picture this: you’ve earned your accounting stripes through an undergraduate (and maybe even a post-grad degree). Why? Because public accounting demands it—thanks to the 150-credit hour requirement to be a CPA. These accountants are the financial detectives of the corporate world. Their mission? Ensuring that public companies’ financial statements comply with the almighty GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). It’s like balancing on a tightrope while juggling spreadsheets!
Now, let’s switch gears. Private accounting doesn’t play by the same rules. It’s like a secret society—entrance requirements vary. These accountants are the backstage magicians. Their job? Crafting financial statements for companies, ideally in perfect harmony with GAAP. Think of them as the composers behind the scenes, orchestrating financial symphonies.
Accounting and Finance industries tend to have early recruiting cycle for positions, anywhere from 8-15 months ahead of time! Pay attention in August and September for openings. It is important to pay attention to events and on-campus visits by employers as well as deadline for positions all year long.
It is also recommended that you start getting internships experiences early as many public accounting firms have first-year and second year internship opportunities, Search for “[company name] hiring cycle students” and you will find more information. Complete an internship in accounting or audit and see how it all works to help you decide if it is the path for you while gaining valuable internship experience.
Entry level positions also open up after the summer internships end, so they also recruit heavily early fall.
International Students: The accounting, finance, and consulting industries are popular among international students and graduates and offer high earning potential. Entry-level jobs include accountant and data analyst. While finance jobs may be found across the US, the industry is centered in New York City. (Interstride). Peak recruitment: July – December
Graduate Students: Entry level positions are the same timeline as above. Internships for graduate students, can sometimes be hard to find at the Big Four, so looking for local and smaller or specialized firms may be your best bet.
MBAs: Hiring timeline for full-time roles start mid-August with postings and offers from internships. MBA internships open in September with conferences and events by employers along with online postings. For jobs or internships openings tend to be by function and industry starting with: human resources, banking, consulting, big tech and healthcare, and the rest of energy, transportation & logistics, entertainment, consumer goods, retail/luxury goods, social impact, manufacturing and agribusiness.
When searching for a job or internship: accounting, auditing, tax accounting, private equity, analyst, CPA firms, tax accountant, personal financial planning, tax preparation, tax (or audit) manager, investment analyst, securities compliance manager, tax manager, controller, director of finance.
Check out the Labor Market Insights module below for more Job Titles.
Taking on leadership or e-board roles in student clubs is a great way of buildings skills and competencies as well as your network!
- Accounting Club
- Consulting Club
- Kogod Women in Business
- Alpha Kappa Psi
- Black MBA Association
- American Accounting Association
- Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance
- Association of Government Accountants
- Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
- Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA)
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Financial Management Association
- Institute of Management Accountants
- The Institute of Internal Auditors
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association
- Defense Finance & Accounting Service
- National Society of Accountants
- International Federation of Accountants
Checking out our resources below for more help and dive into the world of Accounting through articles, technology tools and by using the Industry Insights Module below.
