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What are the steps to having a successful accounting career after college ?

I know that you have to get your cpa and I’m planning to do that. I’ve also heard that you could work at a big 4 for about two years before transferring out. What else can you do apart from starting at a big 4 or is that the only way to get your foot in the door?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Nolan’s Answer

Hi Ange,

I am at a Big4 and can say it is a great experience. However, it is not make or break and you can have a great career if you start at other firms. It's about finding the right fit for you personally and making the best of every opportunity and experience you have. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Focus on continuous growth.
2. Develop your soft skills. They are what set you apart. (communication, organization, leadership etc.)
3. Be a good person to everyone you meet - you never know who they are or what they do. Network!

Good luck!
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Zachary’s Answer

As many have said, starting in public accounting (specifically in Big 4) is a great way to kick off your career. It can be a difficult season, but this experience provides an immense amount of skills (both soft and hard) and knowledge. Further, many organizations outside of public accounting specifically look for candidates from Big 4 because of the understanding of how those individuals have been trained (i.e., work ethic, task management, etc.). For instance, I started my career in the Big 4 and subsequently left 8 years ago. I still use the skills that I learned from that firm in my day to day work life today whether it be organization, prioritization, documentation structure, etc. Public accounting teaches you to manage multiple tasks in a fast pace environment while also treating you as a professional who can interact with and manage a client who may be more "experienced" than you are in that moment. This provides immense growth in soft skills that go beyond passing a CPA exam. Having these skills can then open up many doors for you.

That said, public accounting isn't for everyone, and I am not here to tell all accountants to go into public accounting. However, I would highly suggest that any career choice you choose is one that has the potential to be progressive (i.e., each year you are learning/exposed to something new). This allows you to grow and provides you the opportunities to find the thing that really gives you energy.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Ange Lorry!

Steps to Having a Successful Accounting Career After College

1. Obtain a Relevant Degree The first step towards a successful accounting career is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. This foundational education provides essential knowledge in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and management accounting. Many universities also offer specialized programs that can enhance your understanding of specific areas within accounting.

2. Gain Practical Experience While pursuing your degree, seek internships or part-time positions in accounting firms or corporate finance departments. This practical experience is invaluable as it allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, develop professional skills, and build a network of contacts in the industry.

3. Prepare for the CPA Exam The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is often considered essential for advancing in the accounting profession. To qualify for the CPA exam, you typically need to complete 150 credit hours of education (which may require additional coursework beyond your bachelor’s degree). Begin studying early and consider enrolling in review courses specifically designed for CPA candidates.

4. Consider Entry-Level Positions While many graduates aspire to work at one of the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), there are numerous other opportunities available. You can start your career at regional or local firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or corporate finance departments. These positions can provide valuable experience and help you build your resume.

5. Network Effectively Networking is crucial in the accounting profession. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and connect with alumni from your college who are working in the field. Building relationships with professionals can lead to job opportunities and mentorship.

6. Pursue Additional Certifications In addition to the CPA license, consider obtaining other certifications that can enhance your qualifications and marketability. Options include Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Each certification has its own requirements but can significantly broaden your career prospects.

7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends The accounting profession is continually evolving due to changes in regulations, technology advancements like automation and artificial intelligence, and shifts in business practices. Stay informed about these trends by reading industry publications, attending workshops, and participating in continuing education courses.

8. Develop Soft Skills Technical skills are vital for accountants; however, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork are equally important for career advancement. Work on developing these skills through group projects during college or by taking on leadership roles in extracurricular activities.

9. Plan Your Career Path After gaining some experience post-college—whether at a Big Four firm or elsewhere—start planning your long-term career path based on your interests and strengths within accounting. Consider whether you want to specialize further (e.g., tax vs audit) or move into management roles.

10. Seek Mentorship Finding a mentor who has experience in the field can provide guidance as you navigate your career path. A mentor can offer insights into industry expectations and help you make informed decisions about job opportunities and professional development.

In summary, while starting at a Big Four firm is one pathway into an accounting career—often providing extensive training and networking opportunities—it is not the only route available. Gaining relevant experience through internships or entry-level positions at smaller firms or different sectors can also lead to a successful career trajectory.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
The AICPA is the national professional organization for CPAs in the United States that provides resources on certification requirements, continuing education opportunities, and industry standards.

2. National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
NASBA supports state boards of accountancy by providing information on licensing requirements across different states which is crucial for aspiring CPAs navigating their careers post-college.

3. Journal of Accountancy
This publication offers articles on current trends within the accounting profession including best practices for career development strategies tailored specifically for accountants entering the workforce today.

Probability that this answer is correct: 95%

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Vlad’s Answer

Hi Ange,
I hope all is well. I would focus on taking finance and accounting classes where you can (there are online options), this will give you the knowledge and credentials to find a finance and accounting role. If you have the opportunity to attend a university that has an undergrad business school, then I would recommend majoring in finance and/or accounting. Make sure to review the requirements to sit for the CPA as you need to have a certain amount of course hours and this also varies by state. You may need to consider graduate school, and you need to make sure the school you attend is also AACSB accredited.
To enter the industry, you don't need to necessarily join a Big 4 accounting firm, but it certainly helps you stand out early on and open up doors if you want to move elsewhere. Another path you can take is find a corporate finance role, as these departments are filled with accountants. Here you can pursue other accounting career paths such as being a controller, planning, tax, etc. Last but not least, and as others have shared, complete internships. Internships are a good way to understand if accounting is the career path you want to take, and also help you understand the different paths within accounting and finance that are available. Good luck!
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Daniele’s Answer

Hi Ange

Here are some steps to having a successful accounting career after college:

1. Focus on academic excellence, especially in accounting and finance courses.
2. Internships & Networking: Gain hands-on experience and build professional connections through internships.
3. Certifications: Consider earning certifications like CPA, CMA, or CFA to enhance career prospects.
4. Develop Soft Skills: Improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Continual Learning: Stay updated with industry changes and seek opportunities for further development.
6. Explore Specializations: Over time, find an area of accounting that aligns with your interests.

Big Four Companies:
Working at a Big Four firm for two years is beneficial for gaining valuable experience, exposure to high-profile clients, and structured professional development. It also offers strong skill development, networking opportunities, and can open doors to other career paths.
After two years, transitioning to other industries or roles is common, and the Big Four experience is highly valued.
In short, starting at a Big Four firm can be an excellent way to launch a successful accounting career, with many opportunities to move on after gaining experience.
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Brad’s Answer

Try and get as much real work experience as possible. I learned more in my first year working in Public Accounting as I did in college. The real life application of what you learned in school is extremely valuable. Try getting a part time job working for an accounting firm or a sole practitioner.
Good luck
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Kristin’s Answer

Hi Ange,

The best advice that I could give you is to start now. I started recruiting with the Big 4 my sophomore year in college and participated in as many events with the companies as possible. It's important for you to get to know the recruiters and accounting professionals that attend recruiting events. This will help you learn about their experience and the different aspects and opportunities in public accounting.

In college, I looked for ways to expand my accounting knowledge by getting a job with the accounting department on campus, I also applied to any internship that fit my career goals. It doesn't have to be a Big 4 to be good experience. While I did start my career at a Big 4, and am still here 5 years later, I wouldn't trade the experience that I've gained over the years!
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Carol’s Answer

Hi Ange,

I agree with a lot of the responses above - especially to start now. I studied Econ & Accounting as an undergrad, and got my foot in the door by applying for the Big 4's Sophomore Leadership Programs (you apply during sophomore year of college, and the event takes place the following summer - it's like a mini networking event that puts you on their radar for the Junior internship). From there, I interned at a Big 4 during my Junior year summer, and accepted my full time offer where I stayed for 2 years. Besides the Big 4 route, I also interviewed with and attended leadership programs from mid-tier public accounting firms (i.e. BDO, Moss Adams, etc.). These firms offer very similar work experience to the Big 4 and would not hurt to apply for a variety of firms to guage what you like/who you connect with the most. Going with a mid-tier firm is another great option if you do not want to go to a Big four.

For reference, I started off my career in Audit at a Big 4. I studied & worked simultaneously to get my CPA during my first year of work, and stayed at the firm for 2 years before switching careers. During my time job searching, I felt that working in Public Accounting opened many doors for me, as it gave me client-facing experience and helped me connect with other ex-Big 4 alum that went on to become hiring managers at other companies.

One great way to do research in your field of interest is to start browsing job postings on Linkedin that interest you. For example, if you have a goal of being a Revenue Accountant at a large tech company, you can look to see if they have these types of job postings up and see what their preferred experience looks like - you may find that a lot of accounting roles value a mix of private & public accounting experience. That can help you narrow down what path to take in building up your resume to align with your goals.
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Mohammad’s Answer

A career in accounting is not for everyone. If I recall correctly, fewer than 10% of fresh starts in the Big 4 make Partner, that too after 20 years of work. That being said, some folks are born organizers and would make excellent auditors/accountants.
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Anne’s Answer

Hi Ange,

Great question! I think there is value to starting with the foundation and beginning with public accounting or an accounting role in a large company that will also give you exposure to a wide range of business and accounting topics. As you build this foundation, stay curious and open to opportunities to grow your career outside of the more "traditional" path, including pivoting to a specialty within your field, for example compliance roles involving emerging technology such as AI and automation. Regardless of where you begin, prioritize building relationships and maintaining your network, since it's often those relationships that lead to your next role.

Best of luck!

Anne
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Isaiah’s Answer

The Big 4 is a great starting spot because it really teaches you the way accounting works outside of college and it teaches you very fast, setting you up for success if/when you decide to move on. That being said, it isn't the only option to get started out of school. There are many small, local firms around the country and then also some mid to larger firms as well. It all depends on what your goals are and what you are looking for. The big 4 is fast paced and can be stressful, so if you value a more relaxed work-life balance the big 4 may not be for you. Whatever you choose it will take some getting used to and that is ok, every employer understands there is a learning curve. Whatever you choose, work hard and ask as many questions as you can. Good luck!
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