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Starting an accounting major, what specific jobs should I take?

I am committing to an accounting major, which I start my first year of college this fall. As I go through college, are there specific jobs that would benefit me from my major?

college-major accounting
Thank you comment icon I think internship with an accounting firm or look into if there are any small entry-level bookkeeping or finance jobs in your area. namra musani
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Holly’s Answer

I would recommend either an internship with an accounting firm or look into if there are any small entry-level bookkeeping or finance jobs in your area. You could look into an A/P or A/R Clerk or something similar. Any of these options should help benefit you!
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Jake’s Answer

I would try to get an internship at an accounting or business management firm. This would give you insight into possible career options. Auditing, tax, business management, consulting.. the opportunities are limitless.

You should work with your school’s career center to practice interviewing skills as well.
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Christopher’s Answer

Hi Matthew.

I would try getting various internships whether it be audit or tax to help give you an idea where you want to go. Even a bookkeeping job is applicable experience for any industry.

If you are interested in tax accounting, I would consider volunteering in your local VITA program. This gives a taste of what we do as a tax accountant by preparing tax returns for free for various people.
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Gregory’s Answer

Begin by securing an internship.
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Anima’s Answer

Give it a go with an internship in the public accounting field! It will open doors to different experiences in the corporate world. Plus, you'll get the chance to see if you enjoy Tax, Audit, Consulting, or maybe something else entirely.
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Allison’s Answer

During college, I spent a few summers working at a temp agency. This experience exposed me to various types of businesses, which significantly enhanced my understanding of business acumen. It also helped me identify what I enjoyed and what I didn't
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Jin’s Answer

I would recommend get an internship with an accounting firm and improve your real-life experience.
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Cyndi’s Answer

Many accounting firms offer internships, which are awesome and great experience to add to your resume, and often times can lead to future job offers. I would also recommend an assistant position at a firm, to get your foot in the door. I was an administrative assistant for several years and and often these firms also have entry level admin or tax assistant part time positions where you can learn the basics of accounting and expenses until you get more knowledge under your belt. This can benefit you by learning a lot of the language, vocabulary, and provide some real life application. It also helps prepare you with more understanding of the office atmosphere and etiquette. Good luck!
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Amanda’s Answer

Hi Matthew - those first years as an accounting major will give you such a great foundation in business. You could literally any job dealing with business and numbers and it would benefit you. Here are some ideas:
Internships: Many accounting firms offer internships to students. These positions can provide hands-on experience in accounting practices and exposure to the industry.

Bookkeeping Assistant: Working as a bookkeeping assistant for small businesses can help you understand the basics of financial record-keeping and accounting software.

Campus Jobs: Positions such as working in the university's finance department or as a student assistant in the business school can be beneficial.

Tutoring: If you excel in your accounting courses, consider tutoring other students. This can reinforce your own knowledge while helping others.

Retail or Hospitality Jobs: These jobs often involve handling money and basic financial transactions, which can be useful experience.

Freelance Accounting Services: Offering basic accounting services to local businesses or individuals can be a great way to apply your skills and gain practical experience.

Administrative Assistant: Working in an office setting can provide exposure to business operations and financial management.

Balancing work and school can be challenging, so it's important to choose a job that fits your schedule and allows you to prioritize your studies. Good luck!
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Brittany’s Answer

I suggest trying to get an internship with an accounting firm if you can. Lots of firms have summer programs that are great for learning and gaining experience. Make sure to plan ahead, because firms start organizing their internships and picking candidates long before the programs start.

I began my accounting career at a small CPA firm during tax season, helping with tax returns after school. This opened doors to other chances beyond tax work, like accounting and auditing at the same firm. Best of luck!
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Tatyana’s Answer

It will be good to start from basics - Accounts payable Clerk/ Account receivable clerk
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Fang’s Answer

I suggest getting an internship at an accounting firm. The school career center can help with your resume, give advice on finding an internship, and offer interview practice.
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Luke’s Answer

Check if your college has an accounting club. These clubs often hold career fairs once or twice a year, which can help you find an internship in your field of study.
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Faimie’s Answer

I would recommend getting an internship in accounting or finance. I think getting into book keeping might be helpful too because that really allows you to see how the financials are made and what you're actually looking at when you get to the other side (tax/audit)
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Scott’s Answer

As others have noted, there should be a number of public accounting firm internship opportunities as you progress in your academic path. However, typically a student is a couple years into their course work before those internship opportunities open up. In the meantime, any entry level accounting job opportunity - such as accounting clerk, accounts payable or receivable clerk, etc.. would be great experience. If you do not have an opportunity for full or part time employment during the semester, another thing you could do would be to work during holiday or summer breaks for an accounting temp service provider - like Robert Half to gain some experience. I did that over several holiday breaks and found it valuable. Accounting is a great career field - good luck!
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NiCole’s Answer

I suggest finding an internship or part-time job at a small CPA firm. This is a great way to get real-world experience from the start. Plus, it will help you figure out which skills you need to improve before trying out different specialty areas.
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Christopher’s Answer

To start a career at an Accounting or Consulting Firm, aim for internships. Apply early, as finance and accounting internships often have earlier deadlines. Reach out to local professionals to learn about the field and what a typical day involves. Once you understand basic accounting procedures, search for entry-level jobs like bookkeeping and clerking.
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Jordan’s Answer

Hi Matthew,

Great question! Accounting is a rewarding career with many possibilities. Besides the usual roles like handling numbers or doing taxes, there are also opportunities in consulting and IT. As businesses expand, they need help with growing their networks. I suggest you look for an internship with a small accounting firm or investment advisor. This will help you understand what a junior employee does every day and give you a chance to practice interacting with customers. It will show you the different paths you can take in an accounting career.
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Alina’s Answer

An internship is a fantastic way to explore what you want to pursue in your career and discover which areas of accounting excite you the most. I often suggest beginning with smaller companies instead of big corporations. With a supportive mentor, you can learn about different parts of the business and how to translate them into financial insights. Another great choice is an internship with an audit firm, where you'll gain experience in various industries, meet diverse clients, and strengthen your accounting skills. I hope this advice inspires you. Good luck on your journey!
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Asma’s Answer

Hi Matthew! Sometimes it feels hard when going to get an internship or any position in general, there's so much competition and very limited spaces. My recommendation to you would be to go for any firm larger or small and get whatever you can get your hands on. Sometimes when starting at a smaller firm, you gain so much more knowledge and hands on experience, that when you go to a larger firm they are more willing to hire you just based off of experience. When I first started my career, the first job I got was at a small accounting firm with one CPA, one attorney, and two other colleagues. Due to this smaller environment, I got to work directly with the CPA and attorney and gain not only basic knowledge, but in-depth knowledge on all topics. Since they were the "partners" at the firm, I got to see their side of work and shadow what they do on a daily as well. At the end of the day, don't be afraid to start small, sometimes that's what gets you to the higher places faster. I wish you the best in your career!
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Jamey’s Answer

I would suggest looking for internships or part-time jobs at local accounting firms. You'd be amazed at how much experience you can gain and how much it helps with understanding the concepts you're learning in school.
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Mel’s Answer

- With an accounting major, you have the opportunity to start your career in roles such as an accounting clerk, bookkeeper, or accounting assistant.
- You can also explore exciting positions like an intern, staff accountant, or payroll specialist/clerk.
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Cathleen’s Answer

Begin by exploring internships, particularly with companies that offer a variety of accounting areas for you to discover. Additionally, attend career fairs to speak with accounting professionals and inquire about their career journeys in the field.
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Pedro’s Answer

Remote accounting, intermetal preparer assistance, junior financial analyst, grant accounting, non-profit accounting, and financial intern.

All these options are great choices! Enjoy what you do, have fun, and find a balance in life. Remember, you only have one life, so it's not just about work!
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Pam’s Answer

Hi Matthew!

I suggest looking into an internship with an accounting firm or starting with entry-level positions like accounts payable or receivable clerk. Many bookkeeping companies are searching for part-time entry-level workers and can offer flexible schedules. Any chance to work in accounting will be a great boost for you!
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Marin’s Answer

Hi Matthew! In your first year of college, take any job you can get to start building your resume, especially if you don't have prior work experience. I worked at my campus bookstore and worked my way up to student manager by my sophomore year. From there, I was able to use that experience to land a part-time job at a local CPA firm, where I worked through graduation and then received a full-time offer from EY.

As you move into your junior and senior years, start looking for teacher's assistant and tutoring roles for your university's accounting classes as well. The pay isn't great, but it's not usually a huge time commitment, and Big 4/other firms love to see experience like this on a resume. Good luck!
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William’s Answer

I highly suggest getting an internship if possible—it's a great way to gain real-world experience and discover what you like. Begin by visiting your college's career services or internship programs; they often have connections that can help you secure a position.

But don't just rely on that! If your school doesn't have options, take action by contacting local companies or organizations in your area of interest. Even sending a cold email or making a call can open unexpected doors. Being proactive and determined will benefit you in any career!
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Willy’s Answer

Hi Matthew! Choosing a career in accounting is a fantastic decision, so congratulations on your commitment. There are so many different paths you can take in this field, which is one of the reasons I chose to study accounting in college. I recommend trying out various internships or jobs in tax and auditing. As you progress in your studies and career, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what you enjoy working on. You can explore positions in accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax, or even roles in external or internal auditing. Keep exploring and learning, and you'll find the right fit for you. Best of luck!
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Mandy’s Answer

Hi Matthew! It is so great that you are thinking ahead. I was a member of my accounting club at my college, which annually held an event called "Meet the Firms", which brought in different accounting firms and businesses (ranging from small to large) that let us meet them in a more business casual setting and get a feel for what what seemed like the best fit before applying for internships/full-time positions. If your school holds something similar, like a career fair event, I would highly recommend attending, as it helped me find the firm that I have worked at for the last 5+ years. The career offices at your college are also a great resource to see what companies are out there!
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Kimberly’s Answer

As an accounting major, you have a world of opportunities waiting for you! Look into roles at public accounting firms, especially the BIG 4, and explore private CPA firms, as well as tax and audit positions. You can also consider becoming a financial advisor, financial analyst, investment advisor, or working in family offices. If you have a business idea, entrepreneurial ventures are an exciting path too. The possibilities are limitless! Follow your interests and passion, and you'll find a career that makes you happy. Best of luck this fall!
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Santiago’s Answer

Any financial internship you can do will help you gain an understanding. You already have lots of options so I would say stay away from governmental accounting (unless you want to focus on that) it's a niche
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Xiaojie’s Answer

1. Accounting Assistant: Help accountants with everyday jobs like making reports and updating spreadsheets.
2. Accounting Clerk: Handle financial papers, check for accuracy, and create reports.
3. Account Manager: Keep an eye on client accounts, talk with clients, and build strong customer relationships.
4. Auditor: Check financial records to make sure everything is correct and follows the rules.
5. Tax Advisor: Assist people and businesses with preparing and filing taxes, and offer advice on tax issues.
6. Financial Analyst: Look at financial data to help businesses make smart choices.
7. Forensic Accountant: Investigate financial issues and fraud, often working with police.
8. Management Accountant: Work on internal financial tasks like budgeting and evaluating company performance.
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Daniel’s Answer

When I was in college I made certain assumptions about how different accounting jobs would be like based on the class content, even the personality of the professor. I found that those assumptions didn't really give an accurate feel for what the work was actually like.

The best option is to get as much experience as you can, so you can form your own opinions. So get a tax internship, an audit internship, a summer job in the accounting department of a company, etc. To do all this, it is good to start early. An added benefit is that through all this early job experience you can work on soft skills that aren't always learned at the university itself.

Good luck! You got this!
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Crystal’s Answer

Hey Matthew!

Wishing you all the best as you start your first year of college!

Consider looking for summer internships at small accounting firms. You could also reach out to programs or non-profits to volunteer your skills in managing finances or assisting with bookkeeping. This will not only give you valuable experience but also let you contribute to a good cause.

Once college begins, explore on-campus job opportunities, like in the finance department or the bookstore. Many campuses have clubs and societies that can help you network with peers and professionals, and maybe even connect with future employers.

When I started my career, I volunteered at my local church, helping the finance team keep their books up to date. The next summer, I worked in the finance department of a gourmet supermarket, which led to a role in bookkeeping and eventually a position at a small public accounting firm. These experiences opened doors for me and deepened my understanding of public accounting.

Best of luck this fall!
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Megan’s Answer

I suggest joining an accounting club or Beta Alpha Psi. These groups can help you start building your professional network early and show you the different career paths an accounting degree can offer. In your first year of college, try to find a job as an accounting clerk, or in accounts payable or receivable, at a local company. This will give you a foot in the door and experience in basic private accounting. Smaller public accounting firms might offer internships the summer after your sophomore year. For Big 4 public accounting, internships are usually available the summer after your fourth year, assuming you plan to do a fifth year to meet CPA exam requirements.
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