With literally thousands of opportunities cropping up in the financial sector, it is evident that job seekers may have a range of questions that require clarification for accurate career decision making. Here is a list of some of the most commonly raised questions among individuals looking for accountant jobs.
Whether you choose to work with a private or a public firm primarily depends on the state in which you intend to seek accountant jobs. If your state expects all its CPAs to acquire public accounting experience, it makes more sense you get it at the beginning of your career. It tends to be a lot harder to switch sectors later into the career. On the other hand, if your state does not require you to gain any public accounting experience consider private, nonprofit or government work.
As a beginner in this sector you can find yourself jobs in public accounting as a staff accountant or a junior auditor. If you are applying to private companies, you may be put on jobs that involve working on internal audits and monthly reports. You may also be able to find a job that allows you to work with the budget department that is responsible to conduct financial forecasts and analysis for mergers and acquisitions. If you are proactive enough, you may be able to land an accounting internship even before you graduate in your sophomore year.
There are a surprisingly large chunk of accountants who work without the CPA designation. At the same time, even if a CPA and a non CPA may have the same expertise and experience, a number of employers would give preference to a CPA. Also, with that designation you are able to command a premium of at least 5% over non CPAs.
There is no easy way to say it, but the CPA exams can get really hard. The low pass rate is testimony to how hard the exams are. At the same time, with plenty of study resources available out there, with some hard work acquiring that designation isn't impossible.
This again, primarily depends on which part of the United States you intend to practice. Each state has its own set of rules. Majority of them expect you to acquire 150 hours of education and at least one year of accounting experience. Each state separately defines whether the experience has to be in public accounting or can be gained under the supervision of a CPA.
For more information on making a career in accounting, refer to the various online resources, speak to existing professionals and get in touch with professors for guidance.
- Should I be working with a Private or a Public Firm after acquiring my Bachelor's degree in Accounting?
Whether you choose to work with a private or a public firm primarily depends on the state in which you intend to seek accountant jobs. If your state expects all its CPAs to acquire public accounting experience, it makes more sense you get it at the beginning of your career. It tends to be a lot harder to switch sectors later into the career. On the other hand, if your state does not require you to gain any public accounting experience consider private, nonprofit or government work.
- What prospects do I have as an entry level job seeker in the accounting industry?
As a beginner in this sector you can find yourself jobs in public accounting as a staff accountant or a junior auditor. If you are applying to private companies, you may be put on jobs that involve working on internal audits and monthly reports. You may also be able to find a job that allows you to work with the budget department that is responsible to conduct financial forecasts and analysis for mergers and acquisitions. If you are proactive enough, you may be able to land an accounting internship even before you graduate in your sophomore year.
- Can I get accountant jobs without a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation?
There are a surprisingly large chunk of accountants who work without the CPA designation. At the same time, even if a CPA and a non CPA may have the same expertise and experience, a number of employers would give preference to a CPA. Also, with that designation you are able to command a premium of at least 5% over non CPAs.
- How hard is it to appear for the CPA exam?
There is no easy way to say it, but the CPA exams can get really hard. The low pass rate is testimony to how hard the exams are. At the same time, with plenty of study resources available out there, with some hard work acquiring that designation isn't impossible.
- How Do I Become a CPA?
This again, primarily depends on which part of the United States you intend to practice. Each state has its own set of rules. Majority of them expect you to acquire 150 hours of education and at least one year of accounting experience. Each state separately defines whether the experience has to be in public accounting or can be gained under the supervision of a CPA.
For more information on making a career in accounting, refer to the various online resources, speak to existing professionals and get in touch with professors for guidance.
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