How to Get Your First Accounting Job

When you work in accounting, your job will deal mainly with the financial aspect of the company or department that you work with. When you pursue your undergraduate degree in accounting, there are several different fields you can consider in this industry, such as:

• Assurance, which is assessing companies to make sure they comply with performance standards
• Auditing the financial records either as an internal or external auditor
• An advisory capacity providing advice to businesses
• Areas of corporate finance
• Financial accounting
• Management accounting
• Tax accounting
• Forensic accounting

When you start your search for your first accounting job, your best place to start is with the online recruitment sites. Narrow your search to the particular city or state where you would like to work and look at the type of jobs that are advertised. Look at each job title and the job description as well as the qualifications the employer has listed for the job. This criteria is what the employer will be looking for in the applications for the positions, so it is essential that you meet these criteria when you apply.

Your cover letter and curriculum vitae are important facets of the application process when you want to land your first accounting job. You do have to sell yourself to the potential employers so you need to demonstrate how you can be an asset to the company if you are successful in obtaining the position. Employers like to see experience listed on your job application and this is possible for recent graduates with the paid internships that are part of the accounting degree programs. You should contact your employers for these internships and ask for letters of reference that you can submit with your application. Many employers also have an online application format, which makes it easier to apply for jobs.



When you list your educational skills for your first accounting job, you should demonstrate that you have what it takes to perform well in this position. In accounting, you do need to have good numeracy skills and be able to do analytical work. Time management and organizational skills are also essential. You should demonstrate that you are a team player and for this you need good interpersonal skills. Because you will have to write reports and give presentations about the financial reports you prepare, you will also need to possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

When you obtain your first accounting job, you should expect to start at the entry level. This means that you will have to perform routine tasks under the supervision of a certified accountant. As you gain experience, you will progress to more challenging tasks. You should not assume that once you obtain your first job that your days of studying are over. You will have to become certified and this means taking courses leading to the certification you need for your area of specialization and pass a comprehensive exam. During your university years you may decide which area of accounting you wish to specialize in or you may decide this once you start working in the field.