Tana
What all kinds of career options lie in the accounting field?
I am about to be in my second year of being a business administration major with an emphasis in accounting. I was wondering what kind of jobs lie for me once i graduate? Is it relatively easy to find a decent job after graduation? #business #accounting
5 answers
Uttara Chokhawala
Uttara’s Answer
There are a lot of options for accountants. You can join an accounting firm, as an auditor, or a tax consultant or accountant. You could join the accounting or tax department of a corporation. After getting some experience, and your CPA license, you could start a private practice on your own. Ease of finding a job depends on your location, your willingness to relocate, grades, interview skills, etc. If possible, you should try to get some summer internships to see what the workforce looks like. You could talk to your professors, especially in the subjects that you are doing well in, and get guidance on what opportunities might be available for someone with your particular strengths.
Good luck!
This is great advice from Uttara. Also keep in mind that accounting is the language of business and often is a route to broader business management opportunities. Many of the top CEOs in the world were once accountants!
Simon Tait
Damian Kret
Damian’s Answer
Krista Moller
Krista’s Answer
It all depends on where you end up in accounting. Accounting has many different directions. I am currently in the Auditing practice - but there is a variety including tax, risk assurance, bookkeeping etc. They all have very different possibilities but an accounting degree can help you get into all of these. Auditing entails a lot of personal time management. I work at a client everyday of the week (I do not work at my office) My team and I are here throughout the year at different times communicating and getting things from the client. We have busy times (Usually january and february) where we can work 50-60 hour weeks but then we have slow times where it is easy to take vacation or do some work from home. Our schedules are flexible as long as we get our work done. Every part of accounting takes a very different approach to work so I would look at the suggested steps and go from there.
Krista recommends the following next steps:
Micayla Strickland, CPA
Micayla’s Answer
A great resource to get plugged into on campus is Beta Alpha Psi, an honor organization for financial students and professionals. Ask your accounting professors to see if one operates on your campus. The club puts on career fairs, networking events, and even coordinates volunteer opportunities with various employers. I would also check in with your campus' career center. They'll have more information regarding specific job postings and other career opportunities.
Ban Du, CPA
Ban’s Answer
Accounting is like the secret code of business. Once you've mastered this skill, there are so many exciting paths you can take, beyond just joining the Big 4. Here are a few you might consider:
- Becoming a corporate accountant
- Exploring the role of a fund accountant
- Diving into the world of a tax specialist
- Trying out financial planning and analysis
- Venturing into financial due diligence
Remember, the world of accounting is vast and full of opportunities. Happy exploring!