Accounting: Where Numbers Tell the Story
More than just number-crunching, accounting is the language of business, split into two key roles: public and private.
Public accountants are financial detectives, ensuring public companies follow GAAP. To join their ranks, you’ll need an undergrad (and likely grad) degree to meet the 150-hour CPA licensing requirement.
Private accountants work behind the scenes, producing internal financial reports. While standards vary, their goal remains the same—clear, GAAP-aligned financial reporting.
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.
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.
MS/MBA Hiring Timeline Overview
| Sector | Internship Recruiting | FT Recruiting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big 4 Accounting | Apps open Aug-Oct, Interviews Sep-Nov | Apps open Aug-Oct, Interviews Sep-Nov | Highly structured; recruit 12–15 months before start date; CPA preparation valued; fall is peak season for recruiting. |
| Corporate Accounting & Finance | Apps open Jan–Mar; interviews Feb–Apr | Apps open Jan–Mar; interviews Feb–Apr | Roles in corporate finance, controllership, FP&A; timelines more flexible than Big 4; networking important. |
| Tax Consulting | Apps open Aug–Oct; interviews Sep–Nov | Apps open Aug–Oct; interviews Sep–Nov | Roles often value tax research, client service, analytical writing, and familiarity with business transactions. Recruiting often aligns with public accounting timelines. networking important, often they are small firms. |
| Audit & Assurance Firms | Apps open Aug–Oct; interviews Sep–Nov | Apps open Aug–Oct; interviews Sep–Nov | Includes regional and national firms; focus on audit procedures, client interaction; internships provide hands-on experience. |
| Nonprofit/NGO Accounting | Apps open Jan–Mar; interviews Feb–Apr | Apps open Jan–Mar; interviews Feb–Apr | Smaller scale; focus on compliance and reporting; internships offer exposure to nonprofit financial management. |
| Hospitality/Industry Accounting | Apps open Jan–Mar; interviews Feb–Apr | Apps open Jan–Mar; interviews Feb–Apr | Industry-specific roles (e.g., hotel chains); internships often part of broader business programs. |
See more on Interstride, Detailed Hiring Timeline for Graduate Students, Industry Data
Keywords for Job/Internship Search
| Internal Audit | Compliance | Risk Management |
| Financial Reporting | Tax Preparation | Financial Analysis |
Sample Job Titles
| Tax (or Audit) Manager | Controller | Securities Compliance Manager |
| Investment Analyst | Tax Associate | Director of Finance |
Check out the Labor Market Insights module below for more Job Titles.
Sample Industry Job Boards
- American Accounting Association Career Center
- Accounting Jobs Today
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- AICPA & CIMA career resources
- State CPA society job boards
These job boards are starting points, not a complete list. Review each board for current postings, filters, and relevance before applying. Also search Kogod Talent Network, employer career pages, LinkedIn, and industry associations.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant): ThisWayToCPA : AICPA
CPAs get to pick from highly-specialized job functions, ranging from auditing to information technology. You can pursue jobs that will let you travel internationally — or find opportunities to give back through work for non-profit organizations. Join the AICPA : ThisWayToCPA : AICPA as a student member to be eligible for some great offers!
Learn what to study for the CPA Exam | Resources | AICPA & CIMA (aicpa-cima.com)
ACCA (Association for Chartered Certified Accountants): ACCA Global
The ACCA Qualification is based on International Accounting Standards, independently benchmarked for quality and has a 110-year history. We work with over 7,300 Approved Employers and over 80 accountancy partners across the globe.
- Learn more about Begin your accountancy journey with ACCA
- ACCA Exemptions Calculator (accaglobal.com) see what modules you may be exempt from based on your Kogod courses.
Taking on leadership or e-board roles in student clubs is a great way of building 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
Professional associations change names, membership options, event calendars, and job boards over time. Review links annually and prioritize organizations that offer student membership, events, certifications, job boards, or networking opportunities.
Use AI carefully for accounting career exploration. It can help compare job descriptions, generate CPA research questions, or identify common skills, but students should verify CPA requirements, licensing rules, deadlines, and employer program details through official sources.
