Job prospects in the accounting industry are keeping up with the national average, providing a positive outlook for upcoming graduates with an accounting degree. Employers are now realizing that accounting has a significant impact on all areas of business. Accounting’s impact on businesses has led to the indispensability of skillful accountants in every industry.
Working at a large firm can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, especially in the accounting industry, where the Big Four firms are renowned for their excellence. Public accountants benefit from working collaboratively in teams, developing specialized skills, receiving regular promotions, and enjoying company perks such as remote work options.
Are you curious about what accounting recruiters seek in graduates? Here are the seven employment tips for new accounting graduates.
1. Plans to earn your CPA license
When applying for a job, having a CPA license is not a requirement. This is because obtaining the license requires work experience. However, recruiters generally prefer to see that you are making progress towards obtaining the license. This could mean completing the necessary 150 academic hours, taking as many parts of the exam as possible, and demonstrating your passing scores.
Often, accounting firms prefer new hires to finish their licensure within the first two years. Many even offer incentives or bonuses for reaching that goal within a specific time frame.
2. Dedication to education
Having a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business can give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one. Additionally, entry-level work experience in accounting and finance, internships, and being a member of an accounting society demonstrate your dedication to excellence in the industry and can make a great impression on your resume or in an interview.
3. Technology proficiency
In the field of accounting, technology plays a crucial role. While most graduates possess fundamental Excel skills, modern-day accountants are required to perform tasks beyond documentation and spreadsheet reporting. To make your resume stand out, it’s recommended to highlight your proficiency in other competencies such as Word, PowerPoint, or Power BI.
Employers are interested in assessing a job applicant’s ability to quickly grasp company-specific software. To demonstrate your adaptability, it’s advisable to list your experience with various technologies, technology classes, and program certifications on both your resume and during your interview.
4. Competent communication
Today’s graduates need to write and speak confidently and effectively, as accountants are crucial to all aspects of business. They must skillfully update their team on project progress and professionally communicate with clients through proposals.
5. Diverse interests
Employers want well-rounded accountants since accounting impacts all business areas. Accountants should have diverse hobbies and interests to showcase their versatility to potential employers.
It’s perfectly acceptable to include work experience from industries outside of accounting on your resume. Don’t hesitate to list jobs that may not be directly related to your academic background. Highlighting challenging electives you took in college can also demonstrate your engagement in various experiences and skills that you bring to the table as a potential employee.
6. Collaborative qualities
The best accountants are those who work well collaboratively with diverse groups of people in different settings to achieve goals within time constraints. It’s important to highlight this experience in your job applications, including both professional and volunteer work.
7. Professional presentation
It’s important to show professionalism from the very beginning when dealing with potential employers. Make sure your verbal and nonverbal communication aligns with their expectations. To ensure consistency, use a properly formatted email template when submitting your resume and cover letter. Before sending any applications or emails, take a break and proofread your work. It’s also helpful to have a trusted mentor review your resume before submitting it.
When you know what employers and recruiters want in a candidate, you can showcase the qualities they’re looking for. By becoming a member of accounting organizations like The Ohio Society of CPAs, you demonstrate your commitment to developing the skills needed to succeed in your field. Being a member not only adds to your resume, but it also makes it easier to meet your CPA continuing education requirements, find job opportunities, network with others, and more.
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