5 answers
Vanessa
Student
Riverside, California
1
Question
Updated
675 views
How to find an Accountant to interview ?
How can I find accountants to interview regarding their journey in the industry? It’s for a class project. I’ve tried looking and writing to accountants on LinkedIn but had no luck with replies. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Community and junior colleges normally hire professors and instructors who are accountants, and work in the industry.
I would inquire with the instructors at local colleges. They normally jump at a chance to talk about their work, or can help you make contact with someone within the accounting profession.
I would inquire with the instructors at local colleges. They normally jump at a chance to talk about their work, or can help you make contact with someone within the accounting profession.
Thank you Paul.
Vanessa
Michael Nicoletti
Order Entry
7
Answers
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Have you tried Quora? It may be another option. Tax season is just kicking off so it may be difficult for a few months.
Kathleen Thompson
Master of Tax
2
Answers
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
I'll tell you about my journey, what would you like to know?
Thank you Kathleen. Is there a way I can contact you (email, LinkedIn) to give the details?
Vanessa
This site won't let me share my email publicly. Maybe we can just discuss here?
Kathleen Thompson
Lance Giles, CPA, MAcc, CIA
Accounting
1
Answer
Peoria, Arizona
Updated
Lance’s Answer
Hello Vanessa,
Given the rising cases of online scams and identity theft, it's understandable that professionals are cautious about responding to unknown contacts on networking platforms like LinkedIn. However, it's great that you've reached out here, as this platform is teeming with professionals eager to assist students like you. Here are some actionable steps for you:
1. Connect with your local CalCPA Chapter. The California Society of CPAs is a large network of accounting professionals who are often outgoing and eager to engage with colleges and universities. This helps enhance the CalCPA brand and allows them to network with future accounting professionals. If Riverside falls within the "Inland Empire" Chapter boundaries, visit https://www.calcpa.org/membership/chapters/inland-empire to find out more. The IE Student night is this Friday (11/10); you might even be able to attend for free and meet numerous professionals.
2. Become a member of a CalCPA Chapter at no cost! This gives you an inside track with professionals and allows you to attend monthly meetings. Visit "https://www.calcpa.org/membership/student-membership" to join. Regular attendance is key to building relationships, but even if you can only make it to a few meetings (preferably with a friend), you should be able to connect with several accountants for interviews.
3. If you're a college student, join an accounting club or association on campus and attend a meeting featuring an accountant. Exchange contact details and express your interest in conducting a 15-20 minute interview at a later date. If you need more time for your interview, don't hesitate to ask.
4. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/lgiles. I'd be more than happy to share my experiences with you.
5. Look up your local chamber of commerce directory for accounting firms and reach out to them. A brief introduction and a request for a longer conversation, as suggested by @Christina Stasiuk, could be all you need. Here's the Riverside Chamber's website for your reference: https://riverside-chamber.com/directory.cfm.
Best of luck!
-Lance
Given the rising cases of online scams and identity theft, it's understandable that professionals are cautious about responding to unknown contacts on networking platforms like LinkedIn. However, it's great that you've reached out here, as this platform is teeming with professionals eager to assist students like you. Here are some actionable steps for you:
1. Connect with your local CalCPA Chapter. The California Society of CPAs is a large network of accounting professionals who are often outgoing and eager to engage with colleges and universities. This helps enhance the CalCPA brand and allows them to network with future accounting professionals. If Riverside falls within the "Inland Empire" Chapter boundaries, visit https://www.calcpa.org/membership/chapters/inland-empire to find out more. The IE Student night is this Friday (11/10); you might even be able to attend for free and meet numerous professionals.
2. Become a member of a CalCPA Chapter at no cost! This gives you an inside track with professionals and allows you to attend monthly meetings. Visit "https://www.calcpa.org/membership/student-membership" to join. Regular attendance is key to building relationships, but even if you can only make it to a few meetings (preferably with a friend), you should be able to connect with several accountants for interviews.
3. If you're a college student, join an accounting club or association on campus and attend a meeting featuring an accountant. Exchange contact details and express your interest in conducting a 15-20 minute interview at a later date. If you need more time for your interview, don't hesitate to ask.
4. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/lgiles. I'd be more than happy to share my experiences with you.
5. Look up your local chamber of commerce directory for accounting firms and reach out to them. A brief introduction and a request for a longer conversation, as suggested by @Christina Stasiuk, could be all you need. Here's the Riverside Chamber's website for your reference: https://riverside-chamber.com/directory.cfm.
Best of luck!
-Lance
Christina Stasiuk
Medical Director
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Pick up the phone and call a local accountant. That personal touch helps. Be sure to prepare your dialog. Quick introduction - your name, your grade, why you're calling. Your ask - how many minutes of their time you'd need and what type of questions you'll be asking them.
Also, be sure to have done research on what you've learned so that you are "filling in the blanks" and not starting from square 1 with you.
Time is money. Also, best not to call them during busy periods like the first 2 weeks of each quarter when they are completing tax forms for their clients!
Good luck
Do research so you have a basic knowledge of the accountants professional journey.
Prepare a 60 second introduction.
Prepare specific questions and estimate how much time you'll need for an interview.
Telephone Accountants' offices until you get a response.
Also, be sure to have done research on what you've learned so that you are "filling in the blanks" and not starting from square 1 with you.
Time is money. Also, best not to call them during busy periods like the first 2 weeks of each quarter when they are completing tax forms for their clients!
Good luck
Christina recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Christina. I appreciate the detailed answered.
Vanessa