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 Accoutning | 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 in corporate finance, controllership, FP&A; timelines more flexible than Big 4; networking important. |
| 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
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 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
