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How can I find a part-time accounting job while attending college?

Im currently an accounting student at Santa Monica College transferring to a four-year university this fall 2023. I have completed both Financial and Managerial accounting courses and information systems courses that emphasize Microsoft Excel.

Thank you comment icon Google top 20 accounting firms in your local area and apply for internship. You can also apply for summer positions, leadership programs and etc from your school's career website. Attend professional events hosted by the school, job fairs and etc. Ray Tan

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Nicholas’s Answer

Hello! Below are a couple ideas:

1. Reach out to your school's career center. They should have resources to help with this process.
2. Update your resume and create a LinkedIn and Handshake profile. Many jobs are posted on LinkedIn and Handshake that are for part-time jobs/internships that are for college students.
3. Reach out to local and nationwide accounting firms with offices in your area. Showing initiative by reaching out to them is great!
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Jennifer’s Answer

An internship is a great way to get paid while gaining valuable accounting experience. Please feel free to review Armanino's job postings: https://armaninollp.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/
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Qinghao’s Answer

First, check with your business school's career center, as alumni or local businesses often post job openings there. Your school may also have an internal finance or accounting department that sometimes hires students. When starting out, there is no need to be too specific on the role; having any experience is better than none. Meanwhile, attend as many career events at school as possible. By showing your passion and dedication, you might receive help from unexpected sources when opportunities arise.
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Zachary’s Answer

Work with your Career Center at your college to see if they have any organizations that they partner with. Typically, these organizations are specifically looking for people in college to fill roles and willing to learn. For instance, when I was in school, I was able to find a part-time job through my career center in the accounting field which lined up with my major (i.e., Accounting). The owner of the business was actually an alumni of the university I attended and therefore wanted to support students from that school. Also, I was able to find a job on campus which is sometimes easier as you don't have to go very far to work (assuming that you live on/near campus). Sometimes these jobs aren't posted on formal career boards like LinkedIn because they are specific for students at that college.
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Eric
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Jen’s Answer

I would highly recommend approaching a Temp Agency. I had very little experience in accounting and was able to secure a temporary job that allowed me to learn a lot of skills while training on the job. From there, I was able to leverage my new skills and experience into a full-time accounting position and have been able to "climb the ladder" from there. Temp Agencies are a GREAT option for people newer to the field and looking for a short term/summer job.
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Shreyasee’s Answer

Hi Eric, I would like to recommend joining California Society of CPAs and attend any networking events that are offered by them to explore opportunities through that. Also, checking job listings on the websites of your local accounting firms would be a good starting point. Good luck and best wishes.
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Eric
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Melody’s Answer

Hi! I would recommend checking if any in school accounting job as priority. For example, you can even check with your professor if any TA for accounting class is needed. Also, maybe even cashier at the café or clerk in the office. Working in school can help you balance your job and study and doesn’t require much commute time.
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James’s Answer

Often times your college/university will have a campus hiring portal. You can look into getting accounting related experience such as working in the accounts payable department of your schools admissions office or the athletics department.
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Yaheng’s Answer

To find an internship, consider creating a list of local accounting firms and connecting with their employees on LinkedIn to inquire about available opportunities. Additionally, don't forget to visit your college's Career Services center for assistance.
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Donald’s Answer

I would try to find an internship by making a list of accounting firms in your geographical area and then checking their websites for open opportunities. Also, check in with your college's Career Services office for leads on internships. Then apply away, the more applications the better. Good luck!
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Kristen’s Answer

When I was in college- I got a job as a student accountant in our student center. We supported the food services and cash operations for the university, as well as inventory for events and things like that. It was a great experience, so look at the school you are attending! Also, public accounting firms hire interns as soon as Sophomores. I would go to the career fairs, because public firms are always present and looking for interns.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Eric
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Connor’s Answer

Hi Eric!

I would highly recommend getting in touch with your school’s career center and attending any career fairs that include accounting firms or companies that you are interested in working for. If you are interested in public accounting, there are tons of summer internship opportunities offered by accounting firms in a variety of different service lines, such as auditing, taxation, and consulting. More information regarding the application process and timeline, along with the internship itself, is usually provided by each of the accounting firms at the career fairs and online. The accounting department at your four-year university will likely be able to provide details about any important career fairs and how to apply for these positions. Recruiting for summer internships generally starts in the fall prior, so definitely be sure to take action as early as possible to get your foot in the door.

As others in this thread have mentioned, be sure to create a LinkedIn profile and continually update it. Connect with others that you meet during career fairs and networking events. On that note, it is also a great idea to send "thank you" emails to professionals who you connected with or interviewed, and don't be afraid to ask them any follow-up questions as well!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Connor Eric
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H’s Answer

Hello Eric,

As a fellow SMC transfer student, I'm thrilled for your upcoming transition to a 4-year institution. SMC will always hold a special place in my heart as my true alma mater.

To kickstart your accounting career, I highly recommend applying for internships at various accounting firms. Gaining early experience in the field is invaluable. Consider Armanino, as suggested by Jennifer Bowman. Additionally, take Heather's advice and join accounting societies and business groups on campus, as they can connect you with internships and job opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out to recruiters from different firms on LinkedIn, discussing potential internships and informing them about your transfer this fall.

Wishing you the best of luck, Eric!
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Emily’s Answer

Hi Eric, many accounting firms look for interns to help out during peak tax or audit busy season - typically these fall during January, February, March and April. Your university may offer a co-op or work study credit for participating in an internship like this. Typically accounting firms will attend a career fair at your school, or will post opportunities on their website.
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Angela’s Answer

I suggest checking out Craigslist for available accounting job opportunities, along with other user-friendly job search platforms like Indeed, Jobseekers, and Career Builder. These sites will surely help you find the perfect job!
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Ashley’s Answer

Taking part in an internship is an excellent opportunity to gain entry into the professional world. The majority of public accounting companies welcome interns. Regardless of whether you're pursuing a career in public accounting or not, this experience offers valuable insights and adds an impressive touch to your resume!
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david’s Answer

Hi, Eric,
In many ways, it's the same as applying for any job. You can look for ads for accountants and respond. OR, you can apply to companies where you feel you might be a good fit, such as small companies that may not need a full-time account. Prepare a letter of application, focusing on your ability to do accounting and your college experience. This is an unsolicited job application, so send to many possible employers. You may want to prepare a different job letter when writing to large companies, as the possibilities there would be in a support position, most likely. All the best.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Eric
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Thomas’s Answer

Hi Eric,
Having completed financial and managerial accounting courses already, along with Microsoft Excel experience, it seems you should have a pretty good shot at landing a part-time accounting job. I would suggest drafting a resume highlighting your current experience and including a cover letter that explains your intentions of completing a four-year + degree and transitioning to a full-time role down the road. Most companies have internal accountants who need support from individuals with experience such as yours, and there are hundreds of public accounting/consulting firms whom provide accounting services to all types of companies/individuals and are always looking for future full-time employees who can start work sooner than later via part-time/internship opportunities. I would suggest identifying the kind of accounting experience you would like to start obtaining and target companies/firms that offer that kind of experience. A lot of companies/firms post job applications on their websites, so going to the company/firm websites and submitting applications should start getting you some feedback/responses. I hope that helps! Thank you, Thomas

Thomas recommends the following next steps:

Draft Resume
Draft Cover Letter
Identify companies/firms that offer experience you desire
Go to the company/firm websites and submit applications
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Jess’s Answer

Hi Eric,

I would suggest a few resources:

1. Career Centers - You could try reaching out to your current school's career center and also the career center at the university you are transferring to. Using both networks will give you more options and help you get in touch with more people to maximize your chances of finding a part-time accounting job

2. TA position - This might be a better option for next year at your new university, but many TA positions I've seen are paid. You would be able to reinforce fundamental accounting concepts for yourself while teaching others. Plus, it's great to have on a resume and shows leadership/knowledge expertise.

3. LinkedIn - Connect with alumni from your current and transfer schools. Make sure to send a personalized message "Hi, I am a __ year student at ___ studying accounting. I have completed several advanced accounting courses and am eager for industry experience. I would love to connect with you and hear about your experiences in industry as a __ alum. I am looking to further my career by obtaining a part-time accounting job while attending school and would appreciate any advice or connections you might be able to provide. Thank you!"

4. Internships - Many companies offer internships during the school year (like Armanino!). I was a coach for an intern this past winter, and she had a great experience. Armanino was able to provide flexible work hours for her (during exams/large projects/family events) which helped her balance work and school easier. This might be a good avenue to explore with any firms that are close by.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Eric
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Calvin’s Answer

Your output will maintain the same structure and won't include any additional introductions. The reading level will be kept simple, avoiding intricate grammar and obscure words. Here's an enhanced and motivating version of the given text:

When I first chose the accounting journey, I knew I needed either a part-time job or an internship during my senior year of college to secure a full-time position after graduation. Here are some steps to help you find a part-time job or an internship:

1) Determine if there's a particular industry you're interested in. Do you have a passion for a specific field? As a huge sports fan, I managed to get an internship with the NHL team, the New York Islanders. This experience helped me establish the foundation of my career and decide if Finance & Accounting was the right fit for me.

2) Check if your school has connections with organizations that can assist you in landing a job or an internship. Many of my classmates joined programs to prepare tax returns during the busy season.

3) Don't hesitate to apply online or reach out to HR through email! Companies appreciate students who show enthusiasm for work. It demonstrates motivation and makes organizations more willing to invest time in you.
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Jennifer’s Answer

I would highly recommend starting a LinkedIn account and outwardly enquiring about any available opportunities for internships or part time jobs in your city. Its a great way to network online and see what companies are hiring and also a great way to find mentors and set yourself up for after graduation with full time employment. Best of luck!
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Jessie’s Answer

During my school days, I discovered part-time accounting positions through these methods:
1. nearby employment advertisements
2. temporary work agencies
3. internships offered by the school's career guidance center
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Camryn’s Answer

Hey Eric!

A good resume builder would be to volunteer for VITA. This program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals! Here is more information and how you can find a location near you to volunteer at!

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
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Jake’s Answer

Hi, I recommend you get in touch with your firm's career center. Usually, there are a good amount of listings. Career centers are also good for resume building and interviewing practice.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Jake. Eric
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Saurabh’s Answer

Hello,

Begin applying for positions on LinkedIn and Indeed that seek paid accounting interns. Make sure to use your university's career center to assist you in this process.

Potential job opportunities may involve serving as a tax assistant during peak season or taking on the role of an accounting intern.
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Celina’s Answer

Feel free to get in touch with your college's Career Center or take a look at various company websites to find out if they offer any internships for college students. If you can't find a specific internship listing, don't worry! You can always send your resume to the HR department of a company you like, and they'll let you know about any available internship positions.
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Courtney’s Answer

An internship is a great way to get started, and also get familiar with the day-to-day duties of a job in your career field. See if there are resources at your school that provide assistance for students looking for Internships or part time jobs in the area! This is also a great way to figure out what types of positions specifically in your career field you may or may not be interested in after graduating!
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Chau’s Answer

Hi Eric,

Here are some of my advice:

1. You can check with your college's Career Center to see if they have any organizations that they partner with. They can also help you with editing your resume.
2. Create your LinkedIn profile and make connections. You can find jobs through LinkedIn as well. (When I was in college, I was able to find my internships and part-time job through LinkedIn).
3. Apply for internships. One of the companies that I interned with offered me a part-time job while attending college, and then a full-time position when I graduated.

Good luck!
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Karma’s Answer

First and foremost, kudos to you for making it this far and selecting accounting as your major! You're on the correct path and in the perfect spot to seek career guidance. You're incredibly fortunate to receive all the amazing advice mentioned above. I highly recommend checking out your university or college job site for potential internship opportunities. Numerous accounting firms provide internships, and you should absolutely consider applying for them, as most are paid positions. Additionally, it's worth exploring the CPA profession as a potential career path and researching if it's the right fit for you, as many accountants aspire to become CPAs eventually, given its prestigious license and professional standing. Best of luck, and I hope you land that dream job!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice and I will definitely take it into consideration! Eric
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Temitayo’s Answer

Finding a part-time accounting job while attending college can be a great way to gain practical experience in your field and earn some income. Here are some steps you can take to find such a job:

1. Update your resume: Ensure that your resume is tailored for accounting positions, highlighting any relevant coursework, skills, or internships you have completed. Emphasize your ability to balance work and study commitments.

2. Networking: Reach out to your college's career services department or accounting faculty to explore any job opportunities or connections they may have. Attend career fairs, accounting club events, and professional networking events to meet potential employers or professionals in the accounting field.

3. Online job search: Utilize online job boards and websites that cater specifically to part-time or student jobs, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or your college's job board. Use relevant keywords like "part-time accounting," "student accounting jobs," or "accounting internships" to narrow down your search.

4. Local businesses and firms: Contact local accounting firms, small businesses, or nonprofits in your area to inquire about part-time accounting positions. Often, these organizations may be more open to hiring college students due to the flexibility they can offer.

5. Internships and externships: Explore opportunities for accounting internships or externships in your area. These positions can provide valuable experience and may even lead to future job offers. Check with your college's career services department for any available internships or externship programs.

6. Utilize your college resources: Visit your college's career services office to seek guidance on finding part-time accounting jobs. They may have connections with local businesses or be aware of upcoming job opportunities.

7. Flexibility and time management: When applying for part-time jobs, emphasize your ability to manage your time effectively and balance work with your academic responsibilities. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to both their studies and their job.

8. Online freelancing platforms: Consider registering on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, where you can offer your accounting skills and services on a freelance basis. This option allows for greater flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely.

9. Create a LinkedIn profile: Build a professional presence on LinkedIn, showcasing your accounting skills and academic achievements. Connect with professionals in the accounting industry and join relevant groups to expand your network.

10. Be proactive: Don't wait for job postings to appear. Reach out to businesses directly, inquire about potential opportunities, and express your interest in working part-time in accounting. Sometimes, companies may create a position for a qualified candidate who shows initiative.

Remember, the job search process may take time and require persistence. Stay proactive, keep refining your skills, and make use of the resources available to you through your college and professional networks. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Eric
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Jess’s Answer

Next to all the other answers, you can also try attending networking events or certain accounting-related events organized by your school. Networking can turn into some very fulfilling positions and can jump start careers of many college students.
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Heather’s Answer

When I was in college I was a part of the Accounting Society. That helped me learn about different accounting jobs and helped me decide what area in accounting I wanted to pursue. They helped me with my resume writing and also had mock interviews. I would look to see if you have something like that on your campus or contact your campus's career center like many have mentioned. I would also attend any job fairs that your campus or neighboring college campus have. A lot of companies at those events are looking for interns or part-time employees.
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Amber’s Answer

If you're looking for some side income in an accounting-related role, I recommend starting your own bookkeeping business! There are courses online that will help you get started. It's a hugely valuable skill, and if you enjoy it, you'll know you might be headed in the right direction career-wise. Plus, GREAT side income monthly and you won't need many clients to earn quite a lot!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Eric
Thank you comment icon Hello Amber, Is there any course you may recommend? Eric
Thank you comment icon There are several online and I recommend Katie Ferro’s courses. Check these out: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/JgRvE9xJ https://www.katieferro.com/a/2147513776/JgRvE9xJ Amber Bentley, CPA
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Jeanne’s Answer

Hi Eric,

There many ways to get started on your career while being a student in college. Here are a list of resources that can help you kickstart this:

1. Connecting with your school's career services and getting advice/information on local opportunities
2. Updating your resume/CV - ensure you are tailoring it to the jobs that you are applying (if you are applying to a number of different positions, a general resume would be good)
3. Creating a Linkedin account - this is a great way to connect with professionals and look up job opportunities (many recruiters post open jobs on the site)
4. Joining a business/accounting/finance club or organization at school - you can meet current students who are working in the field and can provide better guidance on where to start.
5. Connecting with school alumni who are in your field
6. Participating in accounting firm sponsored events (panels, networking sessions, case competitions etc.) - you get more exposure into the field you want to pursue
7. Apply to accounting internships (public or private)
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