8 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Rose Hill, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What does an average accountant's day to day workday look like?
I want to know more about what the work really is like every day.
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8 answers
Rebecca Gitomer
Fundraising, Partnerships, and Art
33
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
Being an accountant can be different depending on what area you choose. You might become a bookkeeper, auditor, or tax specialist, and each has its own daily routine. No matter what you pick, you'll need to be organized, pay attention to details, communicate well, and be willing to read up on the laws that guide this career. It might seem boring at times, but with patience, you'll get the hang of it.
I started as an auditor at a big accounting firm. My job was to check the financial records of public companies to ensure everything was accurate. During the busy season, which lasted about 4-6 months, my workdays were long, from 9 AM to 11 PM. I worked at the client's office (which can be cool!) with my team, and we'd split the tasks to finish our review. As a junior member, I checked accounts for accuracy, reviewed documents, did calculations in Excel, and sometimes talked to clients if I needed more info. In the off-season, I worked 9-5 in the office and helped out when needed. I often just kept myself busy reading or even watching TV. As you move up, the off-season becomes busier with more responsibilities. I eventually got burned out, but other paths in accounting, like bookkeeping, might offer a better work-life balance.
Accounting can be very rewarding, especially if you find the right role and balance. It often provides consistency and satisfaction because there are clear answers, which is a nice perk compared to some other jobs that have a lot of gray and things without clear-cut answers!
Research the types of accounting careers there are and choose 1-3 that are intriguing.
Look on LinkedIn to see if you're connected with any accountants in that speciality and set up an informational interview to learn about their day to day (as a bonus, by doing this you're also building a relationship with that person!)
Being an accountant can be different depending on what area you choose. You might become a bookkeeper, auditor, or tax specialist, and each has its own daily routine. No matter what you pick, you'll need to be organized, pay attention to details, communicate well, and be willing to read up on the laws that guide this career. It might seem boring at times, but with patience, you'll get the hang of it.
I started as an auditor at a big accounting firm. My job was to check the financial records of public companies to ensure everything was accurate. During the busy season, which lasted about 4-6 months, my workdays were long, from 9 AM to 11 PM. I worked at the client's office (which can be cool!) with my team, and we'd split the tasks to finish our review. As a junior member, I checked accounts for accuracy, reviewed documents, did calculations in Excel, and sometimes talked to clients if I needed more info. In the off-season, I worked 9-5 in the office and helped out when needed. I often just kept myself busy reading or even watching TV. As you move up, the off-season becomes busier with more responsibilities. I eventually got burned out, but other paths in accounting, like bookkeeping, might offer a better work-life balance.
Accounting can be very rewarding, especially if you find the right role and balance. It often provides consistency and satisfaction because there are clear answers, which is a nice perk compared to some other jobs that have a lot of gray and things without clear-cut answers!
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Elizabeth
Gian Sitindjak
Senior Auditor
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Gian’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth!
Accounting offers many paths, so your daily experience can vary based on the one you choose. From my time in audit at a Big 4 firm, I can share some insights!
What I love most is that no two days are the same. We work with different clients across various industries, so your tasks change depending on the client you're helping. Some days, you'll be in meetings with a client's team, learning about their business processes. Other days, you'll focus on reviewing financial documents and checking transaction accuracy.
When you start, you'll gather and organize documents, use Excel for data, and document your findings. This helps you build a solid foundation and understand the details of the work. As you progress, you'll review team work, manage projects, coordinate timelines, delegate tasks, and be the main client contact.
We have a Busy season, usually from January to March, which is fast-paced and demanding, but it's when you learn the most. Outside of that time, things slow down, allowing for training, networking, and planning.
Overall, this role keeps you engaged and encourages critical thinking every day!
If you are serious about pursuing a career in accounting, I would strongly encourage you to plan on completing your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) as early as possible. Once you meet all the requirment.
Reach out to Big 4 employees in linked in! most of the time they are happy to meet and chat about their career. Build your connections!
Accounting offers many paths, so your daily experience can vary based on the one you choose. From my time in audit at a Big 4 firm, I can share some insights!
What I love most is that no two days are the same. We work with different clients across various industries, so your tasks change depending on the client you're helping. Some days, you'll be in meetings with a client's team, learning about their business processes. Other days, you'll focus on reviewing financial documents and checking transaction accuracy.
When you start, you'll gather and organize documents, use Excel for data, and document your findings. This helps you build a solid foundation and understand the details of the work. As you progress, you'll review team work, manage projects, coordinate timelines, delegate tasks, and be the main client contact.
We have a Busy season, usually from January to March, which is fast-paced and demanding, but it's when you learn the most. Outside of that time, things slow down, allowing for training, networking, and planning.
Overall, this role keeps you engaged and encourages critical thinking every day!
Gian recommends the following next steps:
VIJAY NARAHAR REDDY KONDURU, CPA
Tax Senior
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
VIJAY NARAHAR REDDY’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
An accountant's day mainly involves helping people understand their finances. They review numbers, organize bills and records, ensure everything is accurate, and assist businesses in planning wisely. Some tasks are done on the computer, some involve talking with colleagues or clients, and much of it involves solving "money puzzles."
Many people think accountants need to be math experts, but the math used in accounting is actually simpler than middle school math.
In reality, accounting isn't just about boring math; it's about helping others manage their money safely and wisely. If you enjoy being detail-oriented, curious, and helpful, accounting could be a great career for you.
There may be days when you question your career choice, but the joy of saving money for a client makes it all worthwhile.
An accountant's day mainly involves helping people understand their finances. They review numbers, organize bills and records, ensure everything is accurate, and assist businesses in planning wisely. Some tasks are done on the computer, some involve talking with colleagues or clients, and much of it involves solving "money puzzles."
Many people think accountants need to be math experts, but the math used in accounting is actually simpler than middle school math.
In reality, accounting isn't just about boring math; it's about helping others manage their money safely and wisely. If you enjoy being detail-oriented, curious, and helpful, accounting could be a great career for you.
There may be days when you question your career choice, but the joy of saving money for a client makes it all worthwhile.
Jonathan Tambourine
CPA
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth, being an accountant offers a lot of variety. Some accountants work for companies and help them keep track of their financial records. These records, known as financial statements, show how well a company is doing and are important if the company wants to attract investors. They reveal details like how much cash the company has, its debts, and its assets.
Many accountants begin their careers at accounting firms, where they help clients with financial records or taxes. This experience is valuable because it teaches you about different businesses and industries and helps you build a network. You might want to check out the Big 4 accounting firms, which are large and have offices worldwide. Colleges often have accounting clubs where you can meet professionals from these firms.
There's a lot you can do as an accountant, and no two days are the same. Some days involve emailing clients, reviewing spreadsheets, or collaborating with your team. Other days, you might be at a client's office for meetings and workshops. It's a career with many opportunities and can be very rewarding.
Check if your current college or where you want to go has an accounting club
Do some research on the Big4 - there is a lot of information out there!
Many accountants begin their careers at accounting firms, where they help clients with financial records or taxes. This experience is valuable because it teaches you about different businesses and industries and helps you build a network. You might want to check out the Big 4 accounting firms, which are large and have offices worldwide. Colleges often have accounting clubs where you can meet professionals from these firms.
There's a lot you can do as an accountant, and no two days are the same. Some days involve emailing clients, reviewing spreadsheets, or collaborating with your team. Other days, you might be at a client's office for meetings and workshops. It's a career with many opportunities and can be very rewarding.
Jonathan recommends the following next steps:
Donna Cashman
2
Answers
Updated
Donna’s Answer
If you're an accountant, your daily tasks can vary based on where you work. In a smaller company, you might handle journal entries, pay invoices, and prepare reconciliations. At a large public company, you might focus on one specific area, like researching technical issues or managing internal controls.
I started in public accounting as an auditor and still enjoy it. New hires in auditing often attend internal control walkthroughs, document and test these controls, and perform audit steps like bank confirmations and expense testing. The tasks can vary depending on the client.
If you're in tax, you might work on tax returns and provisions, which are the tax amounts on financial statements. Our team also enjoys mentoring, joining groups, and participating in activities like sports teams to boost morale.
I started in public accounting as an auditor and still enjoy it. New hires in auditing often attend internal control walkthroughs, document and test these controls, and perform audit steps like bank confirmations and expense testing. The tasks can vary depending on the client.
If you're in tax, you might work on tax returns and provisions, which are the tax amounts on financial statements. Our team also enjoys mentoring, joining groups, and participating in activities like sports teams to boost morale.
Pooja Patel
Tax Accountant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Pooja’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
I've been working at a big four firm in international tax for two years in New York. A day for an international tax consultant usually a mix of technical compliance work, client support, and collaboration with internal specialists and client teams. You might start by checking emails and deadlines, then move into analyzing cross-border issues like entity structures, withholding taxes, permanent establishment risk, transfer pricing inputs, or local tax compliance implications. A big chunk of the job is turning messy facts into a clear recommendation: reviewing legislation, preparing memos, drafting slides for clients, and helping managers shape advice. You’ll also spend time in meetings with internal teams and sometimes clients, because international tax work is highly collaborative and often depends on input from legal, accounting, transfer pricing, and local-country specialists. The pace can be fast around filing deadlines or deal activity, and slower periods often go into research, training, and polishing workpapers. In practice, the role is less “sit and calculate tax all day” and more “learn the fact pattern, research the rule set, document the position, and communicate it clearly.”
I've been working at a big four firm in international tax for two years in New York. A day for an international tax consultant usually a mix of technical compliance work, client support, and collaboration with internal specialists and client teams. You might start by checking emails and deadlines, then move into analyzing cross-border issues like entity structures, withholding taxes, permanent establishment risk, transfer pricing inputs, or local tax compliance implications. A big chunk of the job is turning messy facts into a clear recommendation: reviewing legislation, preparing memos, drafting slides for clients, and helping managers shape advice. You’ll also spend time in meetings with internal teams and sometimes clients, because international tax work is highly collaborative and often depends on input from legal, accounting, transfer pricing, and local-country specialists. The pace can be fast around filing deadlines or deal activity, and slower periods often go into research, training, and polishing workpapers. In practice, the role is less “sit and calculate tax all day” and more “learn the fact pattern, research the rule set, document the position, and communicate it clearly.”
Raj Krishnan
Tax for Investment Banking
7
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Raj’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth!
Rebecca shared some great perspectives on what it’s like to work in audit, and I’d be happy to give you a sense of what a career in tax can look like.
I started my career at a small accounting firm with about five to seven people. Our schedule was generally 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, with a half day on Saturdays during the busiest parts of the year, usually for about six to eight weeks. We worked fully in person, even after COVID.
When I first started, my main responsibilities included using QuickBooks and other client-provided documents to prepare supporting workpapers and tax returns. At first, it felt very nerve-racking because I felt a huge sense of responsibility from day one. However, my team was incredibly supportive. They gave detailed review comments and encouraged me to make the revisions myself rather than simply correcting things for me. That approach helped me learn quickly and build confidence with each return I completed.
In addition to preparing tax returns, I also helped with client emails, tax research, and archiving documents. If I had to describe the day-to-day experience, I would say it felt like spending eight hours with a close-knit work family, mostly working at a computer, attending a few meetings throughout the day, and then going home with the ability to fully disconnect from work.
I now work at one of the Big 4 public accounting firms, and the experience is quite different. The hours are longer, and my schedule varies much more depending on the time of year. Some weeks, I may work all seven days, while during other periods I may work only 20 to 30 hours per week. One of the biggest differences is that I am often working with multiple teams at the same time, so success depends heavily on being able to manage competing priorities and deliver work to different managers on time.
No matter which path you choose, accounting is a profession that teaches you how to speak up, ask thoughtful questions, manage your time well, and stay self-motivated. It can be challenging, but it is also a great way to build strong technical and professional skills. We use a lot of MS Excel so you'll become quite the wizard as well!
All the best!
Rebecca shared some great perspectives on what it’s like to work in audit, and I’d be happy to give you a sense of what a career in tax can look like.
I started my career at a small accounting firm with about five to seven people. Our schedule was generally 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, with a half day on Saturdays during the busiest parts of the year, usually for about six to eight weeks. We worked fully in person, even after COVID.
When I first started, my main responsibilities included using QuickBooks and other client-provided documents to prepare supporting workpapers and tax returns. At first, it felt very nerve-racking because I felt a huge sense of responsibility from day one. However, my team was incredibly supportive. They gave detailed review comments and encouraged me to make the revisions myself rather than simply correcting things for me. That approach helped me learn quickly and build confidence with each return I completed.
In addition to preparing tax returns, I also helped with client emails, tax research, and archiving documents. If I had to describe the day-to-day experience, I would say it felt like spending eight hours with a close-knit work family, mostly working at a computer, attending a few meetings throughout the day, and then going home with the ability to fully disconnect from work.
I now work at one of the Big 4 public accounting firms, and the experience is quite different. The hours are longer, and my schedule varies much more depending on the time of year. Some weeks, I may work all seven days, while during other periods I may work only 20 to 30 hours per week. One of the biggest differences is that I am often working with multiple teams at the same time, so success depends heavily on being able to manage competing priorities and deliver work to different managers on time.
No matter which path you choose, accounting is a profession that teaches you how to speak up, ask thoughtful questions, manage your time well, and stay self-motivated. It can be challenging, but it is also a great way to build strong technical and professional skills. We use a lot of MS Excel so you'll become quite the wizard as well!
All the best!
Kinsey Jordan
Tax Accountanting
4
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Kinsey’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
I’ve been working at a big accounting firm for four years, and I focus on state corporate taxes. The day-to-day really depends on which accounting route you go into, but I chose the tax side, and it fits me well since I’ve always liked numbers. When I log on, I usually start by checking and responding to emails and creating a checklist for the day. Since I’m a reviewer, I also make sure the staff below me are keeping work moving on the engagements I’m on, and I spend a lot of time answering their questions as well. I also have meetings about twice a week, so I dial into those too.
Overall, my day-to-day includes preparing and reviewing state corporate tax returns, working with financial data, researching tax rules, and responding to client or team questions. My busy seasons are from September through November 15th and again from March 15th through May 15th. During those times, I usually work about 10 hours a day and a few hours on the weekend, but outside of busy season things are much more relaxed. I usually work 6 to 8 hours a day with no weekends, which is really nice. Starting my day with a workout at 5:30 a.m. helps me feel productive and gives me some quiet time before everyone else logs on.
I’ve been working at a big accounting firm for four years, and I focus on state corporate taxes. The day-to-day really depends on which accounting route you go into, but I chose the tax side, and it fits me well since I’ve always liked numbers. When I log on, I usually start by checking and responding to emails and creating a checklist for the day. Since I’m a reviewer, I also make sure the staff below me are keeping work moving on the engagements I’m on, and I spend a lot of time answering their questions as well. I also have meetings about twice a week, so I dial into those too.
Overall, my day-to-day includes preparing and reviewing state corporate tax returns, working with financial data, researching tax rules, and responding to client or team questions. My busy seasons are from September through November 15th and again from March 15th through May 15th. During those times, I usually work about 10 hours a day and a few hours on the weekend, but outside of busy season things are much more relaxed. I usually work 6 to 8 hours a day with no weekends, which is really nice. Starting my day with a workout at 5:30 a.m. helps me feel productive and gives me some quiet time before everyone else logs on.