8 answers
Santee
Student
Baltimore, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
785 views
How do I start my career in accounting?
I am a student In the 12th grade and I am looking into pursuing in accounting after high school. However, I have no idea where or when to start.
Login to comment
8 answers
Sara H
Recruiter
2
Answers
Nether Providence Township, Pennsylvania
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hello! If you decide to pursue a college degree after high school, you can tailor your classes around accounting and get a really strong foundation - and classes may count towards a CPA. Lots of companies offer entry level accounting jobs or rotational programs to train you in accounting after college.
Often big companies look for individuals who are planning to become a CPA - (certified public account). Some states don't let you sit for the exam without a bachelors degree, so definitely do your research!
You can also look at an accounting certificate and check out small businesses with roles like bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or auditing clerk. Sometimes looking at these job descriptions will also help you figure out what skills you need to get to break into the field.
Often big companies look for individuals who are planning to become a CPA - (certified public account). Some states don't let you sit for the exam without a bachelors degree, so definitely do your research!
You can also look at an accounting certificate and check out small businesses with roles like bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or auditing clerk. Sometimes looking at these job descriptions will also help you figure out what skills you need to get to break into the field.
Charlie Page, CPA, CA
Accountant, Audit
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Although it can be awkward at first, go to career fairs at your school or others. Companies come to those to meet people and usually have a number of positions that they need to fill. Some of the companies are looking just for "fit" and not experience so don't underestimate your character. Be confident and put yourself out there.
Haley Rose
PwC Cyber, Risk and Regulatory Associate
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Hi!
This is a great question! I would start by looking at colleges or universities that offer a good accounting program. A lot of schools have partnerships with the Big 4 Accounting Firms as well. This would help you stand out when you start applying for jobs in the future! Some universities also offer accelerated MBA programs that would help you get your 150 credit hours to allow you to sit for your CPA as well!
I'm sure this might sound really intimidating, however, the most important thing is going to a school that offers accounting. The rest isn't entirely important until you know what you want to do in accounting. When you start taking classes in college you will find your niche and then you can start looking into taking the CPA or working at a big 4. I would also look to join business, diversity and inclusion, and career development clubs at your university. Accounting firms look for applicant who are very involved in extracurriculars!
Best,
Haley
This is a great question! I would start by looking at colleges or universities that offer a good accounting program. A lot of schools have partnerships with the Big 4 Accounting Firms as well. This would help you stand out when you start applying for jobs in the future! Some universities also offer accelerated MBA programs that would help you get your 150 credit hours to allow you to sit for your CPA as well!
I'm sure this might sound really intimidating, however, the most important thing is going to a school that offers accounting. The rest isn't entirely important until you know what you want to do in accounting. When you start taking classes in college you will find your niche and then you can start looking into taking the CPA or working at a big 4. I would also look to join business, diversity and inclusion, and career development clubs at your university. Accounting firms look for applicant who are very involved in extracurriculars!
Best,
Haley
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1509
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for the question. I am glad that you have decided to pursue in accounting.
Since accounting is an profession career, it requires to meet the requirement to achieve the professional qualification.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the entry criteria of accounting subjects in the college. Make sure the academic result is good enough to enter the account subjects as the major
2. Identify any intern opportunities
3. Find out the CPA qualification requirement
4. Explore any graduate program with the big accounting firms
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Since accounting is an profession career, it requires to meet the requirement to achieve the professional qualification.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the entry criteria of accounting subjects in the college. Make sure the academic result is good enough to enter the account subjects as the major
2. Identify any intern opportunities
3. Find out the CPA qualification requirement
4. Explore any graduate program with the big accounting firms
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Daaniyaal Hussain
Consulting
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Daaniyaal’s Answer
Hi,
I would first look to search for colleges that offer accounting programs in your network. While in college, I would look to get involved in various organizations to grow my network with professionals in the line of work that I am interested in. Job shadows, leadership programs, and internships will all prove to be valuable to build your resume and experience. Obviously doing well in classes is a good goal to have. Post graduation, it's valuable to look into the CPA exam and various associated requirements. Following these steps loosely should give you a better idea and set you on a path to start your career in accounting.
I would first look to search for colleges that offer accounting programs in your network. While in college, I would look to get involved in various organizations to grow my network with professionals in the line of work that I am interested in. Job shadows, leadership programs, and internships will all prove to be valuable to build your resume and experience. Obviously doing well in classes is a good goal to have. Post graduation, it's valuable to look into the CPA exam and various associated requirements. Following these steps loosely should give you a better idea and set you on a path to start your career in accounting.
Samantha Brooks
Investigations & Forensics Associate
56
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Santee,
If you would like to practice accounting, you’ll likely want to become a certified public accountant (CPA). Depending upon the state you live in and the state you anticipate you will want to work in after you graduate, you may need a master’s degree to meet the required number of credit hours to become a CPA. Majoring in either or at least something business related for your undergraduate degree is ideal. Make sure you are consulting with the CPA requirements for your state as you pick your major and your classes, to ensure you are completing all of the educational requirements you’ll need to be eligible to take the CPA exams and become a CPA. Regardless of your college major, you may need to go to school for up to 5 years (4 years of undergraduate, and 1 year for a master’s degree in accounting) to be an accountant. However, there are also many schools that offer accelerated programs that may let you earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in 4 years. This is more likely to be possible if you major in accounting for your undergraduate degree. Additionally, if you take any AP classes or other college credit earning classes in high school, you may be able to apply these credits to your undergraduate degree, which may allow you to graduate earlier than expected. If it’s possible for you, I would definitely look into trying to get both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 4 years. It will save you time and money and will position you well to take the CPA exams. If you aren’t able to major in business or accounting for your undergraduate degree, there are definitely still master’s programs that are options for you. However, they may take a bit longer than a year or might require you to take some prerequisite classes at local or online colleges before enrolling in the master’s program. Best of luck! Accounting is a great field, and although the path to getting there can sometimes seem tough, I love being an accountant and know many others who agree.
If you would like to practice accounting, you’ll likely want to become a certified public accountant (CPA). Depending upon the state you live in and the state you anticipate you will want to work in after you graduate, you may need a master’s degree to meet the required number of credit hours to become a CPA. Majoring in either or at least something business related for your undergraduate degree is ideal. Make sure you are consulting with the CPA requirements for your state as you pick your major and your classes, to ensure you are completing all of the educational requirements you’ll need to be eligible to take the CPA exams and become a CPA. Regardless of your college major, you may need to go to school for up to 5 years (4 years of undergraduate, and 1 year for a master’s degree in accounting) to be an accountant. However, there are also many schools that offer accelerated programs that may let you earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in 4 years. This is more likely to be possible if you major in accounting for your undergraduate degree. Additionally, if you take any AP classes or other college credit earning classes in high school, you may be able to apply these credits to your undergraduate degree, which may allow you to graduate earlier than expected. If it’s possible for you, I would definitely look into trying to get both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 4 years. It will save you time and money and will position you well to take the CPA exams. If you aren’t able to major in business or accounting for your undergraduate degree, there are definitely still master’s programs that are options for you. However, they may take a bit longer than a year or might require you to take some prerequisite classes at local or online colleges before enrolling in the master’s program. Best of luck! Accounting is a great field, and although the path to getting there can sometimes seem tough, I love being an accountant and know many others who agree.
Christos Samouilidis
Central Banking / Analyst
4
Answers
Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
Updated
Christos’s Answer
Working in accounting can be an exciting and interesting career. That said accounting has a lot of career pathways that you can follow (internal audit, assurance, management accounting etc.).
A bachelor's degree in accounting or a relevant discipline is a great way to kick-start your career. A tip for your bachelor’s studies is selecting courses relevant to accounting like management accounting or financial accounting.
I will suggest doing an internship in audit and assurance while you are studying for your bachelor’s. I am suggesting this discipline because it will give you broad accounting & financial knowledge.
After your bachelor’s, you can opt for a CPA, an MSc or even an MBA in your desired field.
Lastly, be sure to learn an accounting software like SAP because almost every job posting requires it.
Have a great day,
Chris
A bachelor's degree in accounting or a relevant discipline is a great way to kick-start your career. A tip for your bachelor’s studies is selecting courses relevant to accounting like management accounting or financial accounting.
I will suggest doing an internship in audit and assurance while you are studying for your bachelor’s. I am suggesting this discipline because it will give you broad accounting & financial knowledge.
After your bachelor’s, you can opt for a CPA, an MSc or even an MBA in your desired field.
Lastly, be sure to learn an accounting software like SAP because almost every job posting requires it.
Have a great day,
Chris
Orain McLeggon
PwC Cyber, Risk and Regulatory Manager
29
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Orain’s Answer
Hello Christos,
I hope all is well with you.
This is a great question. See my recommendations below:
1. There are alot of career path in Accounting. I would suggest researching to see which of those career path interest you. For example you can be an Accountant, bookkeeping, IT audit, Financial audit, CPA, Tax etc
2. Once you understand which Accounting career path you are most interest in then gear your college major choice towards it. You can major in Accounting in college and minor in Computer Science for example if you want to be an IT auditor. If you would like to do Financial Accounting then you could major in Accounting in preparation for CPA and/or IA certification
3. Once in college try to get an internship in Sophomore/Junior year - alot of the big 4 such as PwC, Deloitte, E&Y, KPMG do have a structured internship program.
4. Once you finish with college you will want to complete your certification while working or in Master school. For example: the CPA requires you to have 150 college credits in order to obtain the license. Since master school along with bachelor credits normally get you to that 150 credits. Alot of time people goes directly to master school to satisfy that requirement.
I hope this helps
Thanks
O.M
I hope all is well with you.
This is a great question. See my recommendations below:
1. There are alot of career path in Accounting. I would suggest researching to see which of those career path interest you. For example you can be an Accountant, bookkeeping, IT audit, Financial audit, CPA, Tax etc
2. Once you understand which Accounting career path you are most interest in then gear your college major choice towards it. You can major in Accounting in college and minor in Computer Science for example if you want to be an IT auditor. If you would like to do Financial Accounting then you could major in Accounting in preparation for CPA and/or IA certification
3. Once in college try to get an internship in Sophomore/Junior year - alot of the big 4 such as PwC, Deloitte, E&Y, KPMG do have a structured internship program.
4. Once you finish with college you will want to complete your certification while working or in Master school. For example: the CPA requires you to have 150 college credits in order to obtain the license. Since master school along with bachelor credits normally get you to that 150 credits. Alot of time people goes directly to master school to satisfy that requirement.
I hope this helps
Thanks
O.M