12 answers
1
Question
Updated
514 views
For professionals in accounting or finance, what is something you wish you understood earlier about balancing technical skills with real-world experience, and how did that affect your career growth?
I’m a high school senior planning to study accounting, and I’ve already gained experience through an internship where I worked on reconciliations and financial tasks. I’m trying to understand how to best prepare early, balance technical knowledge with real-world experience, and avoid common mistakes as I pursue a career in finance.
Login to comment
12 answers
Updated
Ismael’s Answer
As an accountant, I have been fortunate to work in various areas, including finance. I recommend looking for an internship opportunity in the area that interests you. This will help you better understand the terms and clarify any doubts about calculations or results. Additionally, if you are still studying, you can reach out to your teachers for guidance. This way, you will have the opportunity to learn from both your supervisors and your professors
Updated
David’s Answer
Initially, having good technical skills and a some experience (like the internship you mention and maybe more of them) is the balance you need to land your first job.
Early in your career, strong technical skills are most important to stand out from your co-workers. That is what is going to get you noticed and promoted.
Over time, the more real world experience you gain, the more you will be able to have context for how to better apply those technical skills to the business you are working in and how to navigate things like tight deadlines, incomplete data, and difficult people. It’s also good here to understand the “why” behind the things you are being asked to do. That will help accelerate your on the job education.
So work hard to build your technical skills first, then as you work longer you will maintain those skills while learning how to best apply them in the real world.
Early in your career, strong technical skills are most important to stand out from your co-workers. That is what is going to get you noticed and promoted.
Over time, the more real world experience you gain, the more you will be able to have context for how to better apply those technical skills to the business you are working in and how to navigate things like tight deadlines, incomplete data, and difficult people. It’s also good here to understand the “why” behind the things you are being asked to do. That will help accelerate your on the job education.
So work hard to build your technical skills first, then as you work longer you will maintain those skills while learning how to best apply them in the real world.
Updated
Alan’s Answer
As a financial advisor, if I could go back to college, I would really focus on gaining real-world experience. While the academic world is wonderful and I enjoyed it, the hands-on jobs and internships I did made my school learning even better. Plus, you get to build important relationships that can really help you in your career or if you ever need to switch jobs. Learning from roles that are closer to the job you want and networking with others in your field outside of school gives you a great advantage.
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
As an accountant, what helped me explore all the areas that finance and accounting work in was working and studying at the same time. This allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained in school to my professional practice on a daily basis. It also helped me identify which area interests me the most so I can focus on developing my skills in that field.
Updated
Guillermo’s Answer
Hello Solomon,
I may go against the grain here, but as a professional that worked in both public accounting and industry my best advice for work/life balance is - pick the employment role that fits your desired life style. No one area is the be all end all.
Public accounting hours are long, and depending on the area require quite a bit of travel. It tends to conflict quite a bit with say - not missing elementary school plays. That being said, you will always have a new assignment coming up and learn new skills. You will also actively learn task prioritization and time management.
On the other hand industry roles have a good bit more flexibility. However you do have to be very selective as while some industries have a varied set of work, some have the same tasks being done day in and day out - a good thing for some, but not all.
Also - just because you study accounting does not mean you have to stay an accountant. There are many roles for which accounting is a good base, like fraud examination.
Best of luck to you!
I may go against the grain here, but as a professional that worked in both public accounting and industry my best advice for work/life balance is - pick the employment role that fits your desired life style. No one area is the be all end all.
Public accounting hours are long, and depending on the area require quite a bit of travel. It tends to conflict quite a bit with say - not missing elementary school plays. That being said, you will always have a new assignment coming up and learn new skills. You will also actively learn task prioritization and time management.
On the other hand industry roles have a good bit more flexibility. However you do have to be very selective as while some industries have a varied set of work, some have the same tasks being done day in and day out - a good thing for some, but not all.
Also - just because you study accounting does not mean you have to stay an accountant. There are many roles for which accounting is a good base, like fraud examination.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Pleaseeee listen to me when I say, study for your CPA and try to pass all four parts before starting work. I work in audit at PwC, and the days are very long. I've only passed two parts in 1.5 years at the firm, and I still need to pass the last two parts before my exam expires in a year. I really wish I had passed all or at least two parts before working full-time. If needed, delay your start date. The CPA study materials are a great foundation for the work you'll do. FAR and AUD are essential for my audit job. I regret not studying earlier because having that knowledge would have given me an advantage.
Updated
Ethan’s Answer
As a finance professional a few years out of college, balancing the need for technical skills with real-world experience can be tough. If you're committed to a career in finance or accounting, start by mastering basic accounting skills and recognizing your strengths. These skills are valuable and will open doors to real-world experiences. Focus on building your knowledge; experience will follow.
Updated
Ben’s Answer
You are already ahead of the game by having a finance/accounting internship in high school. My advice at your stage of life would just be to take college seriously, especially your accounting classes, in order to build a basis of accounting knowledge. As a CPA, I can attest that having a foundation of knowledge from succeeding in my college accounting classes was important in obtaining my CPA license and succeeding at my current job. I have friends who did not take their studies seriously, and found the CPA exam much harder.
Other than that, I would not be too concerned about technical skills at the moment. I would make an effort to get involved in extracurriculars wherever you go to college, as these can be very helpful in making connections that lead to jobs. Most employers are not going to try to assess your technical knowledge of accounting in an interview. If you are going for an entry level job, they expect a very basic understanding of accounting, but will certainly be teaching you about their business and your position once you get there. The more important part in the near future for you is getting your foot in the door, and you do that by a) meeting basic criteria (i.e. GPA and major), and b) being liked by the people at the companies you apply to. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, but don't come across as sleazy or self-centered when meeting people. Being yourself and being confident (not arrogant, not timid) is the best bet. People can see through facades when you are making connections and interviewing, especially at entry-level positions.
Other than that, I would not be too concerned about technical skills at the moment. I would make an effort to get involved in extracurriculars wherever you go to college, as these can be very helpful in making connections that lead to jobs. Most employers are not going to try to assess your technical knowledge of accounting in an interview. If you are going for an entry level job, they expect a very basic understanding of accounting, but will certainly be teaching you about their business and your position once you get there. The more important part in the near future for you is getting your foot in the door, and you do that by a) meeting basic criteria (i.e. GPA and major), and b) being liked by the people at the companies you apply to. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, but don't come across as sleazy or self-centered when meeting people. Being yourself and being confident (not arrogant, not timid) is the best bet. People can see through facades when you are making connections and interviewing, especially at entry-level positions.
Updated
tessa’s Answer
One thing I wish I understood earlier is that technical skills help you get in the door, but real-world judgment is what helps you grow. Knowing accounting rules, being accurate, and building strong Excel or financial analysis skills are important, but experience teaches you how to ask better questions, understand what the numbers mean for the business, communicate clearly, and handle imperfect information. That made a big difference in career growth, because people start trusting you with more responsibility when you can connect the work to real decisions. Since you already have internship experience with reconciliations and financial tasks, you’re off to a strong start — just keep building your technical foundation while also focusing on the “why” behind the work, and avoid the mistake of thinking you need to know everything before taking initiative or speaking up.
Updated
Johan’s Answer
As an tax associate and my personal experience, i recommend you that look for a work the first semesters of college because the experience that you are going to gain will help you to understand better the subjects you're going to take and it will help you gain confidence and avoid mistakes, and the professional relationships you're going to build can help you in the future find a better job or be part of an important project, something that boosts your career. Plus, you will graduate with an academic advantage over others who didn´t work during their time in college
Updated
Francisco’s Answer
I think something important it´s to understand that Debit and Credit are origin and application, is a more useful way to see the entries and eventually the financial statements, in mi case i became a really good professional as accountant.
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
As an Associate in the Tax area, I highly recommend starting your career in high school as an intern or trainee at a large company. You will gain a lot of valuable experience by the time you finish, and you will develop a good understanding of corporate structure. After that, it will be easier to secure a good position in the area or sector you are looking for because you will have an advantage over other recently graduated professionals.