Obtaining a new job can be very stressful — and an accounting job is no exception. Students who are currently studying accounting, or hope to in the future, should follow Florida National University’s (FNU) tips for finding and getting the right job in the field!
Endless Opportunity
Accountants can work in a number of careers among several fields. Here are some of the most popular branches of accounting careers:
- Management Accounting
Management accountants work as part of a company’s management team for general accounting projects, along with preparing more specific financial reports.
- Public accountants work with various clients, offering services such as auditing, management consulting, and tax advice.
- Internal Accounting involves examining and evaluating a company’s financial, informational, and management systems to ensure that records are accurate and that controls are protecting against fraud and extraneous waste.
- Government Accounting
Governmental Accountants work throughout the municipal, county, state, and federal levels of the government, specializing in bureaus within the government.
- Accounting Education
Finally, accountants can work in the education field. They can choose to educate students as an adjunct professor, or by providing a special program to high schools and trade schools.
Good News
It is evident that accounting job opportunities are ample in the US, and it is likely to stay that way. US News ranks this position as the third best job, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that accountants can expect a yearly salary of $63,550, along with a positive job outlook; jobs are projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Join a Professional Accounting Organization
As they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. In other words, networking is a key part of getting a job. Joining a professional organization can help make networking an easily accessible practice. Students living in Florida can join the Florida Society of Accountants (FSA). The FSA was founded by a group of non-certified accountants from Dade County to protect their right to practice their profession honorably.
Another helpful networking tool is LinkedIn. This networking social media tool is the world’s largest professional network with 300 million members in over 200 countries around the globe.
Joining the National Society of Accountants can also be beneficial, as this society gives accountants access to their library and forums, enabling the ability to communicate and connect with others in the accounting and financial field.
Obtain Experience and Certification
Gaining experience through education or an internship can help advance your career while before graduation. Because corporate executives often prefer that students are prepared in budgeting, product costing, and asset management, becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a great idea after graduation. This is the only professional certification designed specifically for management accountants and financial managers.
To become a CMA, candidates must pass a four-part examination. The exam is split in a two-day period and is offered twice a year: in June and December. Start studying now!
Upon graduation, students can also apply to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). To practice as a CPA, you must pass a four-part examination prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The examination is offered the first two months of each quarter. While FNU does not currently offer the CPA preparation courses, our university does offer courses that will assist the student in preparing for the exam through our programs.
Improve Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
One’s CV should include a cover letter; a resume with previous related work experience, qualifications, skills, education history, and personal references; and often a portfolio. Reformatting one’s CV to cater to a specific job is a must — it enhances the chances of it leaving a lasting impression on a potential employer. New graduates who have no prior accounting experience should highlight his or her accounting education, GPA, and educational awards before unrelated work history.
One should also include university clubs attended that involve business or finance, which serves to demonstrate that this individual’s extracurricular actives also focused around his or her new career. Try to keep it short and sweet; a one-page resume is ideal.
Interview Ready
Take the time to learn more about a potential workplace before an interview. The goal is to have the ability to talk further about the company, making the interviewer feel like as though one is already involved, or is truly interested in the company. Having a full understanding of the position will help move the conversation in the right direction, as well. Note that being prepared to answer technical accounting questions is very important.
At the end of an interview, the employer will ask if there are any questions. That is the interviewee’s opportunity to show an interest in the position, while gaining a better understanding of what one’s responsibilities would be.
Students looking to further prepare for an interview should contact FNU’s Job Placement Office, which is designed to assist in students and alumni in researching and preparing for a career:
- Hialeah Campus: (305) 821-3333
- South Campus: (305) 226-9999
- Online Learning: (305) 821-3333
- Training Center: (305) 231-3326
Gain Education
One of the most important aspects to any job is gaining the education and skills needed to succeed. By learning from an accredited program, students better prepare for their future. If you are interested in accounting, you should consider FNU’s online accounting program, which was rated as one of the Top 20 in the United States. Our online program offers more flexibility for busy, working adults.
Another benefit is that our professors who are active in the field — that means they know what the job market and work field currently looks like at any given moment. Students who are ready to learn can choose from three options, including:
- Associate of Arts: designed for students planning to pursue a higher-level degree in Accounting as well as to prepare the student for employment as an entry-level accountant, bookkeeper or general accounting clerk.
- Associate of Science: prepares students for employment as an entry-level accountant, bookkeeper or general accounting clerk.
- Bachelor of Science: provides students with a solid academic foundation for entry into professional careers in accounting-related areas of business and government. The program also prepares students to pursue advanced education in accounting and accounting related fields.
- Business Administration Masters: designed to provide Bachelor students with an opportunity to continue on to the Masters level and students with work experience an opportunity to enhance their careers with higher-level education in Business Administration. Gaining this degree can help prepare students with an accounting degree to enter management positions.
Florida National University: Helping You Prepare
Gaining an accounting degree at FNU is a great start to your future. Want to absorb ample information about accounting before opting to gain certification? Then enroll in one of our programs. If you are ready to take the first step toward your career, apply now!
