Accounting: Where Numbers Come Alive
Whether you are interested in navigating the corporate maze, diving into industrial finance, or decoding government 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 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 GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
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! Positions will open in August and September for the following summer. It is important to pay attention to events and on-campus employer activity as well as deadlines throughout the year.
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.
Peak recruitment: July – December
First and Second Year UG Students: There are great Accounting internships for first years and second years at most firms and especially the Big Four (EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG) and are a great way to learn more about this as a career path.
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
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.
