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Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Song!
I'm glad you are showing inter interest in accounting and finance.
While I do not have personal experience in finance, I have worked in the accounting industry for a few years now. Depending on the stage of your career you are in, there are different starting places. Please see a few options below:
1. If you are in highschool, do your best to be part of clubs and professional societies. It is also important to socialize and build a strong reputation for yourself. During your Summer break, I reaching out to small accounting firms and seek an internship opportunity. The more experiences you have the more skills you will have for the future.
2. If you are in college, you should make sure you are enrolled in the correct accounting courses. Meet with a guidance counselor to make sure you are enrolled in appropriate classes, and if there is career services available to you, make an appointment, build your resume, and continue to apply for internships. Be sure to join Beta Alpha Psi or any other accounting honors society and make sure to go to the recruiting events with the firms.
I'm glad you are showing inter interest in accounting and finance.
While I do not have personal experience in finance, I have worked in the accounting industry for a few years now. Depending on the stage of your career you are in, there are different starting places. Please see a few options below:
1. If you are in highschool, do your best to be part of clubs and professional societies. It is also important to socialize and build a strong reputation for yourself. During your Summer break, I reaching out to small accounting firms and seek an internship opportunity. The more experiences you have the more skills you will have for the future.
2. If you are in college, you should make sure you are enrolled in the correct accounting courses. Meet with a guidance counselor to make sure you are enrolled in appropriate classes, and if there is career services available to you, make an appointment, build your resume, and continue to apply for internships. Be sure to join Beta Alpha Psi or any other accounting honors society and make sure to go to the recruiting events with the firms.
Brian - Great Advice! You could also try to find internships paid or unpaid to get your foot in the door and gain additional experience.
Jake Dauerman
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
This is a great question. It sounds like you are in college, thinking about doing accounting as a career. I've been doing this for 7 years, here is my story and advice.
My story:
I didn't join the accounting club until my junior year of college, which was late because I should have already been looking for internships. I also didn't keep up a good GPA, which then made it hard to get noticed by the more desirable accounting firms. I did get a job with a small accounting firm right before I finished my Masters of Accountancy degree. I worked there for two years, then a friend of mine at Big 4 referred me there. After a year in Big 4, I moved back to a smaller firm, and then back to Big 4, at which point I realized that public accounting wasn't for me because of the hectic schedule. I then spent a year planning my move to industry (while building up skills that would be relevant), which led me to my current job in industry where I am happy now. Summary is, I wish I had realized earlier that I didn't like public accounting, and there are so many more accounting jobs/options out there besides public accounting. Not that public accounting is bad, it just wasn't for me.
Do an internship! You need to see if you like it. And be honest and critical after the internship, you are making a very important career decision.
Look at the lives of the seasoned people in the career/company you are interested in. Is that something you would want for yourself?
Work hard, and set bold goals (you don't have to share them publicly). But the catch is, don't get your heart set on timing. Just keep moving forward, slowly, and you'll get there.
Be nice to people, and be social. So many opportunities in my career have come because I knew somebody, or even just made friends or talked with people. This will come back to benefit you greatly.
My story:
I didn't join the accounting club until my junior year of college, which was late because I should have already been looking for internships. I also didn't keep up a good GPA, which then made it hard to get noticed by the more desirable accounting firms. I did get a job with a small accounting firm right before I finished my Masters of Accountancy degree. I worked there for two years, then a friend of mine at Big 4 referred me there. After a year in Big 4, I moved back to a smaller firm, and then back to Big 4, at which point I realized that public accounting wasn't for me because of the hectic schedule. I then spent a year planning my move to industry (while building up skills that would be relevant), which led me to my current job in industry where I am happy now. Summary is, I wish I had realized earlier that I didn't like public accounting, and there are so many more accounting jobs/options out there besides public accounting. Not that public accounting is bad, it just wasn't for me.
Joshua recommends the following next steps:
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We’s Answer
Hi Song,
As a college student, the best way to get started in accounting and finance is to take an introductory accounting course. Typically, this course would be called 'Principles of Accounting' at most colleges and universities. Some institutions break up the course into Principles of Accounting I and Principles of Accounting II. Take this course (or both if offered) as early as you can in your undergraduate career. This allows you to see if you enjoy the subject and if you can handle the content. Additionally, take an introductory finance and business course to get additional exposure to business.
Other prerequisites normally required for an accounting major would be Principles of Economics I and II. One course focuses on microeconomics, and the second course focuses on macroeconomics. Both of these courses are typically taught at the introductory level. Finally, you will need a calculus course and a writing course to round out the prerequisite requirements as most colleges and universities.
Once you enroll in these courses, please work as hard as you can and do your best. If an area doesn't make sense, please take your time to read the content carefully, work the problem sets, review answers to practice problems and go to office hours. These courses form the foundation for the rest of your accounting, finance and business studies. It is critical that you have a firm grasp of the introductory content. Specifically, a strong understanding of basic accounting will allow you to comprehend more complex topics you will encounter as you advance in your degree.
Outside of you formal coursework, please consider joining business-related groups during your first and second years as an undergraduate. For example, there could be an investment group at your college that you can join. There could also be case competitions you can enter either individually or with a group. These would give you additional experience in the field that you can use towards your resume when looking for internships.
As you near the end of your second year and especially in your third year, start attending career fairs, networking events and information sessions with companies that recruit at your school to learn about the different opportunities available at their firms and start applying for internships.
As a college student, the best way to get started in accounting and finance is to take an introductory accounting course. Typically, this course would be called 'Principles of Accounting' at most colleges and universities. Some institutions break up the course into Principles of Accounting I and Principles of Accounting II. Take this course (or both if offered) as early as you can in your undergraduate career. This allows you to see if you enjoy the subject and if you can handle the content. Additionally, take an introductory finance and business course to get additional exposure to business.
Other prerequisites normally required for an accounting major would be Principles of Economics I and II. One course focuses on microeconomics, and the second course focuses on macroeconomics. Both of these courses are typically taught at the introductory level. Finally, you will need a calculus course and a writing course to round out the prerequisite requirements as most colleges and universities.
Once you enroll in these courses, please work as hard as you can and do your best. If an area doesn't make sense, please take your time to read the content carefully, work the problem sets, review answers to practice problems and go to office hours. These courses form the foundation for the rest of your accounting, finance and business studies. It is critical that you have a firm grasp of the introductory content. Specifically, a strong understanding of basic accounting will allow you to comprehend more complex topics you will encounter as you advance in your degree.
Outside of you formal coursework, please consider joining business-related groups during your first and second years as an undergraduate. For example, there could be an investment group at your college that you can join. There could also be case competitions you can enter either individually or with a group. These would give you additional experience in the field that you can use towards your resume when looking for internships.
As you near the end of your second year and especially in your third year, start attending career fairs, networking events and information sessions with companies that recruit at your school to learn about the different opportunities available at their firms and start applying for internships.
Updated
Arietta’s Answer
Hello Song,
I obtained my BBA in Accounting and based on my experience here are the things I'll advise you to do:
-If you have not done so already, take one or two introductory classes in Accounting and/or Finance to get an overview: Although the introductory classes won't tell you all you need to know about working in an accounting or a finance field, you will still get a feel of the fields.
- Join a club: some of the clubs I will recommend are NABA, ALPHA and Beta Alpha Psi. Joining one or more of these clubs will help you connect with people already working in the field and grant you opportunities to get a good internship.
-Get an internship: The benefit of having an internship is that you get to feel what it is like working in your prefered field. You also have access to ask questions about what working in your prefered field entails. This can help you decide if you are interested in the field or might like to try something else. Many people I know come to the conclusion that they are not interested in the field they have chosen after completing an internship.
Accounting and Finance are both broad fields with various areas or groups, an internship will also help you observe some of the various groups so you can choose the one the interest you the most.
- Find a mentor: You can do this by attending networking events on campus or reaching out to individuals on linkedIn who work in your prefered field.
Reach out to a career advisor on campus for further guidance and resume building/review
Maintain a good GPA
Apply for internships
I obtained my BBA in Accounting and based on my experience here are the things I'll advise you to do:
-If you have not done so already, take one or two introductory classes in Accounting and/or Finance to get an overview: Although the introductory classes won't tell you all you need to know about working in an accounting or a finance field, you will still get a feel of the fields.
- Join a club: some of the clubs I will recommend are NABA, ALPHA and Beta Alpha Psi. Joining one or more of these clubs will help you connect with people already working in the field and grant you opportunities to get a good internship.
-Get an internship: The benefit of having an internship is that you get to feel what it is like working in your prefered field. You also have access to ask questions about what working in your prefered field entails. This can help you decide if you are interested in the field or might like to try something else. Many people I know come to the conclusion that they are not interested in the field they have chosen after completing an internship.
Accounting and Finance are both broad fields with various areas or groups, an internship will also help you observe some of the various groups so you can choose the one the interest you the most.
- Find a mentor: You can do this by attending networking events on campus or reaching out to individuals on linkedIn who work in your prefered field.
Arietta recommends the following next steps:
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Howard’s Answer
In the typical business there are a number of functions that make up 'Finance', each of which is a specialization.
- Financial Planning and Analysis - focused on understanding how the company is performing and how to improve performance
- Tax - focused on ensuring a company is meeting obligations for paying local, state, country taxes
- Treasury - focused on managing the companies cash, investments, and if the company has overseas operations managing foreign currency requirements
- Accounting - focused on ensuring that the companies record keeping meets Generally Accepted Accounting Practices and complies with relevant standards
- Finance Transactions - this is processing Orders from customers, or collecting payment on customer invoices (Accounts Receivable), paying the bills for the company (Accounts Payable), buying supplies/products for the company (Procurement)
All of these represent opportunities for someone interested in a career in Finance or Accounting.
Research online how Finance organizations are structured or organized so you can see the many dimensions to a career in Finance
- Financial Planning and Analysis - focused on understanding how the company is performing and how to improve performance
- Tax - focused on ensuring a company is meeting obligations for paying local, state, country taxes
- Treasury - focused on managing the companies cash, investments, and if the company has overseas operations managing foreign currency requirements
- Accounting - focused on ensuring that the companies record keeping meets Generally Accepted Accounting Practices and complies with relevant standards
- Finance Transactions - this is processing Orders from customers, or collecting payment on customer invoices (Accounts Receivable), paying the bills for the company (Accounts Payable), buying supplies/products for the company (Procurement)
All of these represent opportunities for someone interested in a career in Finance or Accounting.
Howard recommends the following next steps:
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Simeon’s Answer
Make sure that whatever degree you get is affordable. Which college you go to is less important than making sure you're not stuck financially as far as career goes. Then, I'd focus on networking; join clubs and go to social events, even ones that aren't connected to your field of study. Everyone you'll get to know will make surprising life choices. It's not only fun to widen your horizons by meeting new types of people with new interests, but you'll also open doors for each other that your fellow accounting/finance people would not be able to since they will generally know all the same people.
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Athena’s Answer
Hi Song -
When I was in middle school I decided I needed to start my career path and I got a job at a boutique in retail. The experience you gain from starting from the ground up helps to show you have knowledge and are willing to put the work in. By working retail, I was able to see how the customer shops and see first hand how we can improve to offer the customer a better experience while also creating an easy environment for the employees so they can focus on the customer.
See if there are any jobs open in a field you are interested in, this is a good first place. Ask your parents for any contacts they have that would be able to mentor you and help start your career. Finally, you can volunteer to gain more experience. There are tons of non-for-profits that are looking for extra hands and new ideas. Reach out to a local library, ASPCA, or any other non-for-profits to see how you can step up and join the cause.
Hope this helps!
Athena
When I was in middle school I decided I needed to start my career path and I got a job at a boutique in retail. The experience you gain from starting from the ground up helps to show you have knowledge and are willing to put the work in. By working retail, I was able to see how the customer shops and see first hand how we can improve to offer the customer a better experience while also creating an easy environment for the employees so they can focus on the customer.
See if there are any jobs open in a field you are interested in, this is a good first place. Ask your parents for any contacts they have that would be able to mentor you and help start your career. Finally, you can volunteer to gain more experience. There are tons of non-for-profits that are looking for extra hands and new ideas. Reach out to a local library, ASPCA, or any other non-for-profits to see how you can step up and join the cause.
Hope this helps!
Athena
Updated
chelsey’s Answer
Hi Song! I don't have experience in the Finance field, but I have been in Accounting for awhile. It is a great field to choose! It is very rewarding and I absolutely love my job. Starting with education, it is very important to study and maintain good grades. Accounting firms, especially the Big Four and other large firms, look at GPA when hiring. Maintaining a good GPA is very, very important. Aside from that, my biggest recommendation is to get involved and network. Try to get an internship and be involved in the school's accounting organizations. Go to as many events as you are able to. Networking and getting to know people is really important and gets your name out there. I hope this helps some!
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Song,
I would recommend finding an internship in finance or accounting. Internships allow you to see what day to day work looks like in the industry, network with finance professionals, and learn about the company. Many different companies have finance and accounting internships. Another way to network with finance professionals and to see day to day finance/accounting responsibilities is through a job shadow. A job shadow is usually one day where you follow someone around virtually or in person to see what they are working on. You could ask a professor to see if they know anyone that you could job shadow.
Apply for an intenrship.
Find someone to job shadow.
Take introductory finance and accounting courses.
I would recommend finding an internship in finance or accounting. Internships allow you to see what day to day work looks like in the industry, network with finance professionals, and learn about the company. Many different companies have finance and accounting internships. Another way to network with finance professionals and to see day to day finance/accounting responsibilities is through a job shadow. A job shadow is usually one day where you follow someone around virtually or in person to see what they are working on. You could ask a professor to see if they know anyone that you could job shadow.
Katie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
H’s Answer
Hi Song,
If you're not already in college, one option is to go to a community college and take a couple accounting and business-related courses. This would be a good way to see if you like the technical aspect of the accounting field. Then, if you find that you like it, you can plan to transfer to a university that offers a strong program.
If you are already in a university, you can sign up for an accounting course there just the same. I think it's a good idea to take courses in fields you have some interest in to see if it's something you actually enjoy.
You can also show up to some of the club activities to learn what other students are thinking about, such as career directions and steps to move forward. You might meet a lot of future colleagues that way as well!
If you're not already in college, one option is to go to a community college and take a couple accounting and business-related courses. This would be a good way to see if you like the technical aspect of the accounting field. Then, if you find that you like it, you can plan to transfer to a university that offers a strong program.
If you are already in a university, you can sign up for an accounting course there just the same. I think it's a good idea to take courses in fields you have some interest in to see if it's something you actually enjoy.
You can also show up to some of the club activities to learn what other students are thinking about, such as career directions and steps to move forward. You might meet a lot of future colleagues that way as well!
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Hi! I think it is great that you have interest in starting a career in accounting or finance. There are a few recommendations I have as you begin the process. If you are still a student, focusing on grades and courses are both important. You will want to maintain a good GPA and take classes related to your potential fields. While in college, there are a few suggestions I have in addition to the classwork itself, as listed below. These can help you to find the right career for you. Best of luck!
Try to join various clubs or events related to accounting/finance your school might offer.
Build your professional brand through career fairs, resume creation, interview prep, etc. College career centers can be a huge help.
Look into some firms that interest you and see if they offer any programs for college students.
Apply for internships.
Kristina recommends the following next steps:
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Rebecca’s Answer
I would suggest you can do research online on the areas you are interested on and also start reading book in the relevant areas. The next step you can also try to explore any summer intern. This would be help for you to determine whether the area is really what you are interested and expect. If it is different, you can explore another subject early.
Hope this helps!
Online Research
Read books on relevant subject
Summer Intern
Hope this helps!
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
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Regina’s Answer
Hello Song!
To add to the other people's comments above , I suggest taking short courses in udemy.com or coursera.com or Lynda.com to see if this field really interests you.
Then after, look at community colleges that offer certificates in accounting. These usually take one to two years to complete. After certificate completion, you can go out and look for jobs. This is the route I took because I got accredited in less time and spent half of the cost of tuition with a degree in university. Currently, I work for ADP, payroll service company, as an HCM Consultant.
OR you can go and apply to get your degree in university.
Best,
Regina
To add to the other people's comments above , I suggest taking short courses in udemy.com or coursera.com or Lynda.com to see if this field really interests you.
Then after, look at community colleges that offer certificates in accounting. These usually take one to two years to complete. After certificate completion, you can go out and look for jobs. This is the route I took because I got accredited in less time and spent half of the cost of tuition with a degree in university. Currently, I work for ADP, payroll service company, as an HCM Consultant.
OR you can go and apply to get your degree in university.
Best,
Regina
Updated
Juexiao’s Answer
Hi Song! Here are a few advices that in my opinion are good starting points to get started in a career in Business/Finance/Accounting:
First of all, enrolling in a college program with a degree in finance or accounting is key. This will ensure you to have a solid foundation for your future career through systematic trainings and well-rounded curriculum.
During college, I would highly recommend you to join a club or professional fraternities where you can broaden your network and get access to events and first hand career advice and opportunities.
Last but not the least, make sure to utilize the career center or similar services provided by your college. Personally, I've find it very helpful through attending the resume/interview workshops, career fairs, and info-sessions hosted by employers on campus. Hope this helps!
First of all, enrolling in a college program with a degree in finance or accounting is key. This will ensure you to have a solid foundation for your future career through systematic trainings and well-rounded curriculum.
During college, I would highly recommend you to join a club or professional fraternities where you can broaden your network and get access to events and first hand career advice and opportunities.
Last but not the least, make sure to utilize the career center or similar services provided by your college. Personally, I've find it very helpful through attending the resume/interview workshops, career fairs, and info-sessions hosted by employers on campus. Hope this helps!
Updated
Stephany’s Answer
Hi Song,
From a perspective of someone who came to the US after high school, I would say it's important to get a good understanding of how things work. I found leveraging my peers and reading about the industries I was interested on helped me a lot. Make sure you are getting involved in your faculty activities (i.e. Accounting Society), you will be able to make valuable connections, get great advice from your peers, educator or from activity guests, internships, etc.
Make sure the program you are enrolled for it's appropriate for your goals
Make sure you know your faculty members and get involved in any faculty society/group
Learn about companies within the industry that provide internships and APPLY
From a perspective of someone who came to the US after high school, I would say it's important to get a good understanding of how things work. I found leveraging my peers and reading about the industries I was interested on helped me a lot. Make sure you are getting involved in your faculty activities (i.e. Accounting Society), you will be able to make valuable connections, get great advice from your peers, educator or from activity guests, internships, etc.
Stephany recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sandesh’s Answer
1. Strategy
a. Identify your niche: What is it that you have to offer different than what's being already offered by your competitors
b. Assess your competition. Assess your target market. Create a business plan
2. Finance
a. Pitch the plan and attract investors. If capital requirements are small, self sponsor but remember to keep your losses minimal.
b. Close the deal, make the capital draws
3. Capability
a. Develop your product/Service
b. Identify the target customer. Promote your product/service via website, social media etc. (Some times your need to give out your product/service for free limited trial)
c. Execute on production, marketing, accounting, human resource, business management
a. Identify your niche: What is it that you have to offer different than what's being already offered by your competitors
b. Assess your competition. Assess your target market. Create a business plan
2. Finance
a. Pitch the plan and attract investors. If capital requirements are small, self sponsor but remember to keep your losses minimal.
b. Close the deal, make the capital draws
3. Capability
a. Develop your product/Service
b. Identify the target customer. Promote your product/service via website, social media etc. (Some times your need to give out your product/service for free limited trial)
c. Execute on production, marketing, accounting, human resource, business management
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Mike’s Answer
I would say to try and take any classes or online courses you can in the subject you want to focus in to learn as much as you possibly can. Also reach out to firms who work in the focus you want to work for internships, job opportunities or just simply to have lunch, coffee or a call to learn more about what they do. There is a big difference between what you read in textbooks versus experience in the field.
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Vic’s Answer
Life is a journey where you try things out, evaluate if it is for you and then make decisions based on your experience. Another added level of complexity is that you yourself will also change and what your interests and values are at one point may change and the job that you thought was meant for you no longer is. The bottom line is the idea of something being meant for you is a goal that is unrealistic. Instead reserve time for introspection to figure out what you want in life, career, etc and figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are, tie those together and figure out what careers align with such - this will set you up with more alignment in what you want that may not be something you are conscious of and tie it to a career.
Figure out what your life goals are (ie. work to fund your hobbies, work as your hobby)
Figure out what you want to learn from a job, what you value in a job
Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are
Figure out what jobs align with your personal abilities and your personal & professional goals
Figure out what opportunities are closely available to you (ie. school network, campus recruiting, personal connections, etc)
Figure out what your life goals are (ie. work to fund your hobbies, work as your hobby)
Figure out what you want to learn from a job, what you value in a job
Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are
Figure out what jobs align with your personal abilities and your personal & professional goals
Figure out what opportunities are closely available to you (ie. school network, campus recruiting, personal connections, etc)
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Jesus G’s Answer
Hi Song!
Not sure if you already have a degree in Finance or Accounting, but if you do, then the first step is to look for opportunities is larger companies who may be able to hire someone without a lot of experience.
If you don't have the degrees, then of course, first step is to apply for college and get admitted to the their school of business. It will take you 4 years for accounting and 4 years for finance as well. Hope this helps!
Not sure if you already have a degree in Finance or Accounting, but if you do, then the first step is to look for opportunities is larger companies who may be able to hire someone without a lot of experience.
If you don't have the degrees, then of course, first step is to apply for college and get admitted to the their school of business. It will take you 4 years for accounting and 4 years for finance as well. Hope this helps!
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Jamie’s Answer
Hi Song! In addition to taking the recommended introductory coursework for Finance and Accounting to learn about each subject, I think it is also important to learn about each profession outside of the classroom. In order to do so, I'd recommend networking with professors and other students who have similar interests to you. Professors in the Finance/Accounting departments may have had experience working in these professions prior to teaching and can provide valuable insight as to what your career may look like as well as best practices to prepare for starting your career in these fields. Other students in your classes who are older than you will have knowledge from past internship experiences and will be able to offer advice on what the day to day responsibilities in each job are and can offer tips for applying or networking at firms they have worked at. In order to meet other students with similar interests, you can join professional fraternity or clubs. Other ways to network to both learn more about the profession and to make connections for future job opportunities include the following: (1) reach out to alumni from your school via LinkedIn, (2) attend your school's college career fair and/or on-campus recruiting events even as a first year student and (3) utilize your school's career center and career advisors to learn about opportunities in your field of interest, such as summer internships.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!