Thread: Working in accounting

I'm 18, going on 19, and I was wondering this today:

What are my options considering employment? I'm currently in college for Accounting, and I really want to get some type of job in the field so that I can keep fresh on it and have working experience since this semester is almost over and it's a longggg time until next semester. I feel it would help me more to actually be out in the field doing it on a daily basis as opposed to just reading the book every once in awhile.

So far, I have taken 2 Accounting courses. We have covered 14 chapters & when I'm done this semester it will be 17. What we have covered in these chapters is:

Chapter 1 - Accounting in Business
Chapter 2 - Analzying and Recording Transactions
Chapter 3 - Adjusting Accounts & Preparing Financial Statements
Chapter 4 - Completing the Accounting Cycle
Chapter 5 - Accounting for Merchandising Operations
Chapter 6 - Inventories & Cost of Sales
Chapter 7 - Accounting Information Systems
Chapter 8 - Cash & Internal Controls
Chapter 9 - Accounting for Receivables
Chapter 10 - Plant Assets, Natural Resources, and Intangibles
Chapter 11 - Current Liabilities and Payroll Accounting
Chapter 12 - Accounting for Partnerships
Chapter 13 - Accounting for Corporations
Chapter 14 - Long-Term Liabilities (mostly bonds)
Chapter 15 - Investments & International Operations
Chapter 16 - Reporting the Statement of Cash Flows
Chapter 17 - Analysis of Financial Statements

The website for the book is www.mhhe.com/wildFAP18e

So, based on what I've learned so far, what do you think my chances are of getting SOMETHING in the field under a private accountant or something? Are there any chances? What could I do? I just really want to do the work so I have hands on experience instead of just classroom experience.

What are your suggestions?

Since you are going to school, the best thing to look for in terms of experience would probably be an internship. Contact your career center for opportunities. You may not have adequate experience now, but its because you're not done with school yet. In accounting, they tend to look at GPA so as long as it is decent you should have no problem finding these internships you're looking for. They are also great ways to get letters of recs and most importantly, your foot in the door. Best of luck.


Dan

I'd have to second @m1str2's advice to speak with a counselor at your career center for internship opportunities, which will provide you with actual experience in accounting rather than just talking about it in school. I was looking into being one, so I've been looking up accountant salary everywhere I can. Another idea I just had would be to simply call a couple of firms and ask if they had an opening for you.

Best of luck,

John

My suggestion is to try for part time work with an accounting and or bookkeeping firm. Many firms find their resources strained when tax season arrives and some would do part time throughout the year. Any role that you might be used in would be beneficial. You might be exposed to actual trial balances, use of a 10 key, tax or accounting programs, actual bank reconciliations, inter company accounts, tax assembly work, capital gain calculations, payroll calculations, deposit requirements, payroll reconciliations, accruals, reversals, work paper referencing or a multitude of other basic stuff. It would be worthwhile whether you do tax, audit or write up work. If your in Vegas you could try that one accounting firm that just got censured for using high school grads to do actual audit work.

Originally Posted by m1str2

they tend to look at GPA so as long as it is decent you should have no problem finding these internships you're looking for.


Dan

What is the gpa range that they are looking for? I currently have a 3.43 and it should increase to above a 3.5 soon (trying to get my 3.6 back.. ended up joining a frat and my gpa went downhill that semester ).

I agree with m1str2. Use the university placement center to get some kind of internship. It's your best bet and will provide valid experience as you start building your resume.

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Daryl James
Accounting/Bookkeeping and Virtual CFO Services

You're doing OK with your GPA. The higher it is, the better, but many of the larger firms require at least a 3.2 (if you have a great personality to go with it). If you can, try for an internship during the January to April time period when firms are desperate for help. Since you don't yet have your degree, they'll probably give you mundane tasks like AP/AR entry or that kind of thing. It's not really what an accountant does, but the best part is that you are making good contacts in the field. If you do good on the internship, they will often consider you when you are ready to graduate.
Don't forget to work on your personality skills as well. Even experience doing bookkeeping for a non-profit or doing something working in a tem helps since they want people who will work well as an audit team member.

Caitlind Alexander, Author: 101 FAQs About Becoming an Accountant