TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to land your first accounting job in five steps. It covers essential aspects such as the necessary education, the importance of internships, resume building, leveraging recruiters, and mastering the interview process. The video emphasizes practical advice and actionable steps to help students and career switchers successfully enter the accounting field.
- Get a bachelor's degree in accounting.
- Obtain an internship to strengthen your resume.
- Craft a compelling resume highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- Utilize recruiters to find and apply for positions.
- Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions and showcasing your strengths.
Intro [0:00]
The video addresses common questions from students and career switchers about how to secure their first accounting job. It aims to clarify confusion around degree requirements, the necessity of internships, the choice between Big Four and corporate accounting, and the timing of CPA certification. The video outlines a five-step process based on the hiring manager's perspective to help qualified individuals confidently apply for entry-level accounting positions.
My Accounting Background [0:42]
Kelly Randolph introduces herself as a financial reporting manager with over 10 years of experience in corporate accounting, working for both Fortune 200 and Fortune 500 companies. She shares her insights from the perspective of someone who reviews resumes, interviews candidates, and hires entry-level accountants.
Why Accounting is Such A Great Career [1:08]
Accounting is presented as a great career for several reasons, including high earning potential with the ability to make six figures, significant job security due to constant demand, and numerous opportunities for career growth. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to transition to related fields such as treasury, investor relations, or FP&A.
Should You Work in Big 4 or Corporate Accounting [1:40]
While Big Four accounting firms are often highlighted as a desirable career path, the video advises considering corporate accounting positions as well. Applying to both broadens opportunities for landing an initial accounting job.
What is an Entry-Level Accounting Job [2:15]
Entry-level accounting positions include roles such as staff accountant, accountant one, financial analyst, cost accountant, and project accountant. In public accounting, positions like audit associate or tax associate are common. The video recommends audit over tax for more transferable experience into corporate accounting, unless one has a strong passion for tax. It is important to apply for positions without "senior" in the title.
Step 1) Get Your Degree [3:16]
The first step to getting an accounting job is to obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting. A bachelor's degree is sufficient to start applying for positions and gaining experience. It's recommended to pursue CPA eligibility after securing a job and deciding to stay in accounting long-term. Master's degrees are generally not recommended due to their high cost; more cost-effective options like community college can be used to gain the necessary credit hours for CPA eligibility. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement and will pay for CPA exam fees and study materials. A finance degree can also work, but an accounting degree is preferred.
Step 2) Get An Internship [5:04]
If you are still in school, pursuing an internship is highly recommended to strengthen your resume with applicable experience. However, graduating without an internship is not a major setback. In such cases, emphasize transferable skills like attention to detail on your resume.
Step 3) Identifying Accounting Jobs and Preparing Your Resume [5:39]
The third step involves identifying suitable roles and tailoring your resume accordingly. The video uses an accounting analyst position at PepsiCo as an example, highlighting the importance of matching your experience to the job description. Even without direct experience, skills are teachable. The resume should include your bachelor's degree, school, and accounting major, as well as proficiency in Excel and other relevant software like SAP (a general ledger system) and HFM (a consolidations and reporting tool). If lacking accounting or internship experience, creatively frame other experiences to align with the job's qualifications, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical skills, and attention to detail. Do not include personal interests or hobbies on your resume. If you lack experience, include a brief professional summary. Consistency in tense, punctuation, and formatting is crucial.
Common Resume Mistakes [9:09]
Maintaining consistency in tense, punctuation, and formatting is crucial on a resume. Accountants and hiring managers pay close attention to detail, so inconsistencies can undermine your claims of being detail-oriented.
Step 4) Apply to the Position Using a Recruiter if Possible [10:18]
The fourth step is applying for positions, preferably through a recruiter. Create a professional LinkedIn profile with a professional picture, your college, graduation date, and any internship experience. In your bio, state that you are a recent college graduate seeking an entry-level accounting position. Recruiters specializing in accounting positions can be very helpful.
Benefits of Using A Recruiter [11:09]
Good recruiters often have relationships with the companies they are recruiting for and possess inside details about the position, team dynamics, salary range, and potential bonuses. They can negotiate on your behalf to secure a higher salary and additional benefits like vacation days. Recruiters also provide feedback on your interview performance. Using a recruiter is free, as they earn a commission upon successful placement. If a recruiter is not an option, apply directly through the company's website.
Step 5) Interview and Get Hired :) [12:10]
The final step is to interview and get hired. A strong resume gets you the interview, but a successful interview lands you the job. Hiring managers focus on soft skills, professionalism, and the ability to articulate answers, especially for entry-level positions. Demonstrate attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and familiarity with the position and company. Confidently discuss your resume, be friendly, and know three strengths you can articulate with examples, such as attention to detail, ability to multitask, and ability to meet deadlines.
How to Correctly Answer "What Are Your Weaknesses?" in An Accounting Interview [13:23]
When asked about weaknesses, avoid negative reflections. Instead, frame a weakness as a compliment. For example, describe yourself as an extreme perfectionist who triple-checks their work, requiring you to consciously move on to the next task to manage time effectively.
5 Steps to Getting Your First Accounting Job Recap & Outro [14:20]
The video recaps the five steps to landing your first accounting job: get your degree, get an internship if possible, write a strong resume, apply to the position using a recruiter preferably, and interview and get hired.
