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How can I explore Accounting jobs and get experience before graduating college ?
I am a 9th grader wanting to major in accounting. I want to gain experience and find jobs but I want to find a more accounting based jobs to explore to see if accounting is really for me.
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4 answers
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Joe’s Answer
Exploring accounting jobs and gaining experience before graduating college is a smart move — it builds your resume, confirms your interest in the field, and increases your chances of landing a strong job after graduation. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you:
Know the Types of Accounting Roles
Start by understanding the main areas in accounting:
1. Public Accounting (audit, tax, advisory – e.g., Big Four firms)
2. Corporate Accounting (internal finance roles in companies)
3. Government Accounting (federal, state, or local)
4. nonprofit Accounting
5. Forensic Accounting or Internal Audit
Use websites like:
O*NET; Accounting.com; LinkedIn or Glassdoor (look at job descriptions for internships)
Get Experience Through Internships
1. Summer internships at accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies
2. Virtual internships or job simulations from sites like Forage (free Big 4 simulations)
3. Part-time bookkeeping jobs at small businesses or non-profits
Start applying early (fall or winter) for summer internships — especially for public accounting firms.
Join Clubs & Student Organizations
Join your college’s Accounting Club or Beta Alpha Psi (national accounting honor society).
These offer:
1. Networking events with recruiters
2. Resume and interview workshops
3. Guest speakers from accounting firms
Network with Professionals
1. Go to career fairs, accounting firm open houses, or Meet the Firms events.
2. Connect with alumni from your school who work in accounting (use LinkedIn or your career center).
3. Attend local CPA Society student events (many states have them).
Get Technical & Software Skills
1. Advanced Excel (especially pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros); Excel is extremely powerful tool for financial modeling and rarely ever fully exploited by users
2. Accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle
3. Basics of data analysis (Power BI or Tableau can be helpful)
Use Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning offer short, free or cheap courses.
Volunteer for Accounting-Related Work
1. Help a student organization manage their finances.
2. Volunteer during tax season with programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — you can prepare tax returns for low-income individuals (IRS provides training).
Talk to Your Career Center or Accounting Faculty
1. Ask for internship leads, resume reviews, and referrals.
2. Some professors or departments get direct offers from local firms and small businesses.
OVERALL REMEMBER:
Start early and aim to do at least one internship or real project before your junior year ends. Even entry-level volunteer or freelance bookkeeping will give you a head start over most students.
Know the Types of Accounting Roles
Start by understanding the main areas in accounting:
1. Public Accounting (audit, tax, advisory – e.g., Big Four firms)
2. Corporate Accounting (internal finance roles in companies)
3. Government Accounting (federal, state, or local)
4. nonprofit Accounting
5. Forensic Accounting or Internal Audit
Use websites like:
O*NET; Accounting.com; LinkedIn or Glassdoor (look at job descriptions for internships)
Get Experience Through Internships
1. Summer internships at accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies
2. Virtual internships or job simulations from sites like Forage (free Big 4 simulations)
3. Part-time bookkeeping jobs at small businesses or non-profits
Start applying early (fall or winter) for summer internships — especially for public accounting firms.
Join Clubs & Student Organizations
Join your college’s Accounting Club or Beta Alpha Psi (national accounting honor society).
These offer:
1. Networking events with recruiters
2. Resume and interview workshops
3. Guest speakers from accounting firms
Network with Professionals
1. Go to career fairs, accounting firm open houses, or Meet the Firms events.
2. Connect with alumni from your school who work in accounting (use LinkedIn or your career center).
3. Attend local CPA Society student events (many states have them).
Get Technical & Software Skills
1. Advanced Excel (especially pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros); Excel is extremely powerful tool for financial modeling and rarely ever fully exploited by users
2. Accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle
3. Basics of data analysis (Power BI or Tableau can be helpful)
Use Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning offer short, free or cheap courses.
Volunteer for Accounting-Related Work
1. Help a student organization manage their finances.
2. Volunteer during tax season with programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — you can prepare tax returns for low-income individuals (IRS provides training).
Talk to Your Career Center or Accounting Faculty
1. Ask for internship leads, resume reviews, and referrals.
2. Some professors or departments get direct offers from local firms and small businesses.
OVERALL REMEMBER:
Start early and aim to do at least one internship or real project before your junior year ends. Even entry-level volunteer or freelance bookkeeping will give you a head start over most students.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Shay
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Shay,
it's great you are already thinking about your future. One thing I would potentially do is speak to your guidance counselor. There may be accounting courses taught at your school and potentially taught by someone who is an actual accountant. They may be able to provide some direct guidance to you as you work your way through high school. You could also begin reaching out to local accounting firms to see if you might be able to shadow them. This may be easier if you are a member of any community circles like a church or something as there may be some folks there that might be willing to connect you.
it's great you are already thinking about your future. One thing I would potentially do is speak to your guidance counselor. There may be accounting courses taught at your school and potentially taught by someone who is an actual accountant. They may be able to provide some direct guidance to you as you work your way through high school. You could also begin reaching out to local accounting firms to see if you might be able to shadow them. This may be easier if you are a member of any community circles like a church or something as there may be some folks there that might be willing to connect you.
Updated
Pearl’s Answer
Thus a good decision,you've made,sometimes it good to have an on hand practice or career couching before you pursue a career,therefore l recommend you start getting expirence by volunteering to work in accounting departments,it can be within the local councils in your locality or even at church depanding on your religion.this will help you decide if you really want to work within the accounting sector.GoodLuck in your next step.
Updated
Marc’s Answer
That’s amazing that you’re already thinking about your future in accounting and starting early gives you a big advantage! Here are a couple of tips:
1. Talk to Your School Counselor or Teachers
Let them know you’re interested in accounting. They might know of local programs, clubs, or professionals who can help you learn more.
2. Reach Out to Local Accounting Firms or Small Businesses
You can write a short, polite email or letter asking if they offer job shadowing or volunteer opportunities. Even spending a day observing can teach you a lot about what accountants do. They might even have a short internship available during the summer.
1. Talk to Your School Counselor or Teachers
Let them know you’re interested in accounting. They might know of local programs, clubs, or professionals who can help you learn more.
2. Reach Out to Local Accounting Firms or Small Businesses
You can write a short, polite email or letter asking if they offer job shadowing or volunteer opportunities. Even spending a day observing can teach you a lot about what accountants do. They might even have a short internship available during the summer.
I appreciate your support, Marc
Shay