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What specific skills, experiences, or qualifications are most important or stand out to employers when they are hiring?
As an accounting student with tax, administrative and customer service experience, I want advice on what can I do to make myself a competitive candidate for entry-level accounting or finance positions.
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26 answers
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Aisha’s Answer
Hi! It’s great that you’re thinking about this so early! Beyond having a strong resume and good interview skills, one thing I’ve found is that employers really want to know that you understand the role you are pursuing and have a realistic sense of what the work actually looks like. They want to see that you’ve taken the time to explore the profession and are confident in the path you’re choosing.
My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of any opportunities to get exposure to the field, whether that’s through internships, job shadowing, networking conversations, or part-time work. Spending time with professionals who are actually doing the job will help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities, the skills that are most important, and what areas interest you most. It will also make you a much stronger candidate because you’ll be able to speak more confidently in interviews about why you’re interested in accounting or finance and what you’ve learned from those experiences. In my experience, that will really help you stand out!
Reach out to accounting and finance professionals for informational interviews, job shadowing, or internship opportunities to learn more about their day-to-day work and get some more practical experience yourself.
Pursue volunteer positions or campus leadership opportunities that get you visibility and experience that you can discuss in future interviews (i.e. your college accounting club).
My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of any opportunities to get exposure to the field, whether that’s through internships, job shadowing, networking conversations, or part-time work. Spending time with professionals who are actually doing the job will help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities, the skills that are most important, and what areas interest you most. It will also make you a much stronger candidate because you’ll be able to speak more confidently in interviews about why you’re interested in accounting or finance and what you’ve learned from those experiences. In my experience, that will really help you stand out!
Aisha recommends the following next steps:
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Samantha’s Answer
I really value people skills. Many people have similar knowledge from school and internships, but what makes you special is your real-world experience and how well you connect and communicate with others.
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Eric’s Answer
Great questions - here's a few tips.
Sharpen your knowledge of technical tools. Get genuinely strong in Excel, and pick up familiarity with accounting software. Listing these on a resume tells the employer you can contribute on day one.
Go for internship(s). It's the best experience early and a huge differentiator for entry-level hires, I tried doing one all 4 years of college during summer/winter breaks.
Think about the skills you already have and how you'd present them on your resume, like maybe reframing how you talk about them. Like for example - your tax work shows precision/attention to detail, admin work would show organizational skills, and customer service shows you can explain concepts to other people (i.e., with many people of diverse backgrounds I'm sure), a really important skill.
Lastly - build relationships. Build that network, we talk so much about it at the company. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. Many roles get filled through people who already know you, don't be scared to throw yourself out there! Good things will happen with persistence. Hope that helps!
Sharpen your knowledge of technical tools. Get genuinely strong in Excel, and pick up familiarity with accounting software. Listing these on a resume tells the employer you can contribute on day one.
Go for internship(s). It's the best experience early and a huge differentiator for entry-level hires, I tried doing one all 4 years of college during summer/winter breaks.
Think about the skills you already have and how you'd present them on your resume, like maybe reframing how you talk about them. Like for example - your tax work shows precision/attention to detail, admin work would show organizational skills, and customer service shows you can explain concepts to other people (i.e., with many people of diverse backgrounds I'm sure), a really important skill.
Lastly - build relationships. Build that network, we talk so much about it at the company. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. Many roles get filled through people who already know you, don't be scared to throw yourself out there! Good things will happen with persistence. Hope that helps!
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Chris’s Answer
My advice: pass the CPA exam as early as possible, ideally while you're still in school or right after graduation. It gets much harder once works starts.
Make getting a summer internship a priority. It helps a lot with full-time recruiting and gives you a real feel for the job.
If your school offers tax, business law, legal studies, or a law-related double major/minor, I'd consider it. Tax is basically accounting + law + facts, so that background can help you stand out.
Long term, some CPAs hit a compensation ceiling. A legal background can keep more doors open if you ever decide to pursue law school or a bar exam path later.
And honestly, travel while you're still a student. Once full-time work starts, long trips get much harder.
Make getting a summer internship a priority. It helps a lot with full-time recruiting and gives you a real feel for the job.
If your school offers tax, business law, legal studies, or a law-related double major/minor, I'd consider it. Tax is basically accounting + law + facts, so that background can help you stand out.
Long term, some CPAs hit a compensation ceiling. A legal background can keep more doors open if you ever decide to pursue law school or a bar exam path later.
And honestly, travel while you're still a student. Once full-time work starts, long trips get much harder.
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Trissha’s Answer
Experience matters in finance/accounting, so internships, co-ops, or even part-time roles can set you apart early on. Beyond credentials, employers also look for people who have demonstrated the ability to work with real data, and solve actual business problems - so any project or research experience that shows applied thinking is worth highlighting.
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Kevin’s Answer
Hello Marvelis,
Having strong communication skills, relevant certifications, and internship or work experience can significantly improve your prospects during recruiting season. A strong resume that highlights a solid GPA, meaningful work experience, leadership involvement, and professional credentials can help you secure an interview. However, landing the interview is only the first step. Your ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and confidently discuss your experiences with interviewers is often what ultimately helps you secure the job. While technical knowledge and qualifications are important, employers are also looking for candidates who can articulate their ideas clearly, collaborate with others, and represent the firm professionally. Developing these interpersonal and communication skills will serve you well throughout both the recruiting process and your career.
Having strong communication skills, relevant certifications, and internship or work experience can significantly improve your prospects during recruiting season. A strong resume that highlights a solid GPA, meaningful work experience, leadership involvement, and professional credentials can help you secure an interview. However, landing the interview is only the first step. Your ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and confidently discuss your experiences with interviewers is often what ultimately helps you secure the job. While technical knowledge and qualifications are important, employers are also looking for candidates who can articulate their ideas clearly, collaborate with others, and represent the firm professionally. Developing these interpersonal and communication skills will serve you well throughout both the recruiting process and your career.
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Sumith’s Answer
In addition to the technical skills needed for the job, strong communication skills can really help you impress recruiters. Even if you don't know the answer to a question, admitting it and showing confidence in your ability to learn and solve problems demonstrates your potential.
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Kate’s Answer
Being able to talk to people! I've found that people value people skills over technical skills when hiring. The technical skills can be taught, but the people skills most often come naturally.
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Taylor’s Answer
Some kind of relevant internship, leadership, job experience, or some combination of the three, will be very helpful to you in interviews, as employers will want to understand the perspective and skills you would bring to the position. It can also help them get an idea of the type of work you can do and if that aligns with what they're looking for.
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Monica’s Answer
When creating your resume, tailor it to the job by using keywords from the job ad and include numbers or percentages to highlight your achievements.
For the interview:
- Arrive on time
- Dress in professional attire
- Stay positive, flexible, and confident
- Avoid speaking negatively about others
- Answer questions clearly without over-explaining
- Save most of your questions for the end
- Provide real examples that demonstrate your skills, such as being proactive and adaptable
For the interview:
- Arrive on time
- Dress in professional attire
- Stay positive, flexible, and confident
- Avoid speaking negatively about others
- Answer questions clearly without over-explaining
- Save most of your questions for the end
- Provide real examples that demonstrate your skills, such as being proactive and adaptable
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Pierre’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
When a company hires someone new, they focus on two key things:
- Does the person have the right technical skills for the job?
- Will they be a valuable team member by fitting in well, sharing company values, taking initiative, being a team player, and showing curiosity? These are all about soft skills.
While many people focus on their technical abilities, it's often hard to stand out since others may have similar qualifications or experience.
Ultimately, companies choose you because they enjoy working with you and value your personality, enthusiasm, and motivation.
So, don't hesitate to show who you really are. It's important that the job is a good fit for you too. Being genuine ensures you find a role where you can truly thrive.
When a company hires someone new, they focus on two key things:
- Does the person have the right technical skills for the job?
- Will they be a valuable team member by fitting in well, sharing company values, taking initiative, being a team player, and showing curiosity? These are all about soft skills.
While many people focus on their technical abilities, it's often hard to stand out since others may have similar qualifications or experience.
Ultimately, companies choose you because they enjoy working with you and value your personality, enthusiasm, and motivation.
So, don't hesitate to show who you really are. It's important that the job is a good fit for you too. Being genuine ensures you find a role where you can truly thrive.
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Erin’s Answer
Hello!
With your accounting background and experience, you're off to a great start. To boost your chances for entry-level accounting or finance jobs, consider these tips:
1. Improve your technical skills. Online courses, such as those on LinkedIn Learning, can help you enhance these skills and make you more noticeable in interviews.
2. Gain practical experience. Telling employers that you plan to pursue a CPA can leave a positive impression, showing your dedication to the field.
3. Stay confident!
With your accounting background and experience, you're off to a great start. To boost your chances for entry-level accounting or finance jobs, consider these tips:
1. Improve your technical skills. Online courses, such as those on LinkedIn Learning, can help you enhance these skills and make you more noticeable in interviews.
2. Gain practical experience. Telling employers that you plan to pursue a CPA can leave a positive impression, showing your dedication to the field.
3. Stay confident!
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Brian’s Answer
As an accounting student, aiming for a CPA can really boost your career, especially if you pass it before starting an entry-level job. Developing critical thinking skills is important too. Consider doing an internship to gain valuable experience in your field. Joining a student organization and applying for a board position can help you connect with other motivated students and learn from those who already have job offers or internships. Attending networking events is also a great way to meet recruiters and industry professionals.
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Ibraheem’s Answer
Hi there,
Gaining internship experience or any relevant work can really help you reach your dream job. When I had an internship, it made getting a job much easier. Also, having strong soft skills is important. Being able to clearly talk about your goals, skills, and experiences with passion can make a big difference. Keep going, and you'll achieve your goals!
Gaining internship experience or any relevant work can really help you reach your dream job. When I had an internship, it made getting a job much easier. Also, having strong soft skills is important. Being able to clearly talk about your goals, skills, and experiences with passion can make a big difference. Keep going, and you'll achieve your goals!
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Catherine’s Answer
Hi! In this competitive market, getting an internship is a great step forward. Also, improving your Excel skills through online courses can be really helpful. Don't forget to create a strong resume that highlights all your skills. You've got this!
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Jan’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
Both technical and soft skills are important.
Technical skills are crucial for any job. Look up similar job openings to see what skills are in demand. This will help you identify the skills you already have and the ones you need to improve.
On the other hand, soft skills are also key because employers want team players. Even if someone has excellent technical skills, it's hard to succeed if they can't communicate well. Practice communication, teamwork, and leadership through activities like volunteering.
Both technical and soft skills are important.
Technical skills are crucial for any job. Look up similar job openings to see what skills are in demand. This will help you identify the skills you already have and the ones you need to improve.
On the other hand, soft skills are also key because employers want team players. Even if someone has excellent technical skills, it's hard to succeed if they can't communicate well. Practice communication, teamwork, and leadership through activities like volunteering.
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Joseph’s Answer
Hello,
In job interviews or talks with potential employers, it's crucial to showcase your soft skills. These include effective communication, being a self-motivated hard worker, and having a strong desire and ability to learn. On the technical side, it's important to be familiar with software like Excel and PowerPoint, as these are commonly used in many jobs and can give you an edge. Demonstrating both your technical and soft skills through your experiences can help you stand out for any job.
In job interviews or talks with potential employers, it's crucial to showcase your soft skills. These include effective communication, being a self-motivated hard worker, and having a strong desire and ability to learn. On the technical side, it's important to be familiar with software like Excel and PowerPoint, as these are commonly used in many jobs and can give you an edge. Demonstrating both your technical and soft skills through your experiences can help you stand out for any job.
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Mahak’s Answer
Hi there,
Gaining experience is definitely valuable, so try to get some internships if you can! I've noticed that employers appreciate someone they can have a good conversation with. Besides skills, they also look for a personality that fits well with the company or team.
Best,
Mahak
Gaining experience is definitely valuable, so try to get some internships if you can! I've noticed that employers appreciate someone they can have a good conversation with. Besides skills, they also look for a personality that fits well with the company or team.
Best,
Mahak
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Linor’s Answer
Hello! Make sure to join any in-person networking events you can find. Gain experience through a job, volunteering, joining clubs or sports, or helping with a family business. Keep your resume straightforward, highlighting responsibilities and achievements you can discuss easily in an interview. You've got this, and I wish you the best of luck!
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Bisi’s Answer
I would say critical thinking and problem solving - interviewers want to see that you're capable of thinking through complex business problems and provide apt solutions.
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Rachel’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
The top skill that is often hard to interview for and that is not seen on a resume is critical thinking skills. This is one area that I see the most need for especially with the use of AI. Ensuring that our staff are understanding what they are do not just doing it.
The top skill that is often hard to interview for and that is not seen on a resume is critical thinking skills. This is one area that I see the most need for especially with the use of AI. Ensuring that our staff are understanding what they are do not just doing it.
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Patil Indrasena’s Answer
That's a great question! The first thing that catches the talent team's attention is your resume. Make sure it includes all the skills related to the job you're applying for. If you've worked on any projects using those skills, be sure to mention them. Clearly explaining each skill is important. Highlight how you've used these skills to solve real-life problems.
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Isaac’s Answer
My advice to make yourself stand out is to get any certifications that may be relevant in the work you would like to purse. A CPA will go along way in both entry level jobs for both accounting and finance. But there are also other certifications and certifications you can obtain, for example, you can get a certification in QuickBooks, if you are interested in a book keeping type job. Also, being friendly on interviews will go along way! People like a person they can easily talk too. Best of luck!
Patti Wilkie Proietti
Advise companies on global talent and managing compliance
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Patti’s Answer
Both technical and soft skills are key to success. As we move into the AI era, critical thinking will be crucial, along with the ability to understand what's technically right and add a personal touch. Technical skills and work experience can open doors, and it's important to highlight these in interviews. Being friendly, showing empathy, and being genuine really count.
When I interview someone, I'm curious about how they learn, what they enjoy doing outside of work, and what it would be like to work with them.
If you're just starting out, don't worry about knowing everything. What matters is your eagerness to learn, your ability to work well with others, and your curiosity.
When I interview someone, I'm curious about how they learn, what they enjoy doing outside of work, and what it would be like to work with them.
If you're just starting out, don't worry about knowing everything. What matters is your eagerness to learn, your ability to work well with others, and your curiosity.
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
29
Answers
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Steven’s Answer
Marvelis,
In addition to the above, identify a skill that you have that might be of benefit to your potential employer. In the case of finance positions, it would be AI knowledge and capability as that skill is becoming increasingly important in all positions. As I'm sure that you've seen in the news, many companies are taking the view that AI is an addition to their teams' tool set and that the companies believe that the soft skills that cannot be performed by AI programs will be done well by their staffs. For a description of those soft skills, please take a look at the Journal of Accountancy May issuse..the URL is below.
https://click.e2.aicpa.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ4Njd9AAcAAAAAAPZ-ZbQ2BikjGC03zVIHxXNhjX5qC_CaH0hfMEFYgk4cvCWFziy9ZufwNCiZV0NIC6fe0iBcRmRigQSNjPPUJe-c0a1bdMGpmSyIQkoJb8L9YHb8
If you hit a paywall, please let me know and I'll copy and post the whole doc...
Good luck,
In addition to the above, identify a skill that you have that might be of benefit to your potential employer. In the case of finance positions, it would be AI knowledge and capability as that skill is becoming increasingly important in all positions. As I'm sure that you've seen in the news, many companies are taking the view that AI is an addition to their teams' tool set and that the companies believe that the soft skills that cannot be performed by AI programs will be done well by their staffs. For a description of those soft skills, please take a look at the Journal of Accountancy May issuse..the URL is below.
https://click.e2.aicpa.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ4Njd9AAcAAAAAAPZ-ZbQ2BikjGC03zVIHxXNhjX5qC_CaH0hfMEFYgk4cvCWFziy9ZufwNCiZV0NIC6fe0iBcRmRigQSNjPPUJe-c0a1bdMGpmSyIQkoJb8L9YHb8
If you hit a paywall, please let me know and I'll copy and post the whole doc...
Good luck,
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in finance & accounting.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Possess good accounting and finance knowledge
2. Have experience relevant to the job requirements
3. Good communication skills
4. Open minded and be quick learner
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Possess good accounting and finance knowledge
2. Have experience relevant to the job requirements
3. Good communication skills
4. Open minded and be quick learner
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!