How to Get a Job in Accounting

By now, you've had a taste of all the different kinds of accounting-but how do you get a mouthful? It follows that if you go to school all those years, heading for a degree in accounting, you just might want a job in the field, no?

You're lucky. If, say, you had a degree in elementary education or philosophy, you might have a difficult time getting a job in your field (which is why a lot of unemployed elementary education teachers have become philosophers ... on the unemployment line).

But for now-and that "for now" is important, because job markets change and then change back again-the job market for accountants is wide open. In fact, some colleges and universities can't even keep up with the demand, the great number of students who want to get in so they can get out and get accounting jobs.



This article is not a bible and shouldn't be treated as one. It merely lists a few suggestions. When the time comes for you to start looking for a job in accounting, be sure to check with your college or university placement office; a lot of things may have changed by then.

But there are a few things you should know so that you can gear yourself toward a job in accounting.

First, most employers would prefer to find out about you through your school placement office. True, you might read a want ad in the newspaper looking for accountants. But most likely, you will see your college placement office to find out what jobs are available.

Prospective employers like a written introduction, and they want to know your qualifications before they meet you. They'll want to check your scholastic records, maybe even your high school records. If there is an internship involved, they will want to observe you while you are doing your accounting work. In this way, they can better judge you in relationship to the people already on the staff. So when you are near graduation from college, ask your school to try placing you. Many large employers of accountants send scouts to school campuses to pick likely candidates.

The next most popular way of getting a job is by sending out a resume, a listing of what you have to offer a particular employer. You should have a resume no matter how you apply for a job. A resume gives an employer a chance to have a look at you on paper to partly make up his or her mind about you before you enter the office. If an employer is interested in your resume, perhaps you'll be called in for an interview.

There are many ways to write resumes. The best plan is to get one of the many books or pamphlets on the subject and learn that way, being sure to update your resume every time something should be added to it. Basically, though, here is a short list of things that should be included in any resume:

1. Heading: Give your name, address, and phone number.
   
   
2. Occupational Interest and Goal: Specify the kind of job or field of work in which you are most interested.
   
   
3. Work History: List and describe the jobs you have held (also military history, if you desire and if applicable).
   
   
4. Education: List high schools, colleges, or other academic preparation.
   
   
5. Miscellaneous Information: List other skills you may have, any special courses taken, awards received, etc.
   
   
6. Personal Data: This would include birth date, marital status, dependents. Currently this is considered optional, and many applicants feel that their age and whether or not they are married and have children should have nothing to do with getting a job. But it's entirely up to you.
   

Your resume should be accompanied by a brief cover letter saying that your resume is enclosed and that you would appreciate being given an interview. If possible, address the letter to a specific person. You can always call up and find out the appropriate person to write to.

Another way of approaching an employer is by simply writing and listing your qualifications. Again, the employer gets a chance to look at you before you enter the office.

Employment agencies are often good avenues by which to approach an employer. There are even some agencies, in some cities that specialize in business jobs. But of course you should ask the employment agency first to send a resume of your qualifications to the prospective employer.

What about just walking into an office and saying, "Hi, I'm an accountant, and I'm looking for work."? Well . . . maybe it has worked for some people . . . but an employer doesn't usually like it. It's really best to give some advance notice and to give an employer a chance to "meet" you through your resume.

Of course, while you are being interviewed, be sure that you do a little interviewing as well. Get a good look at the office and get a feel for it. Ask about the working conditions. Find out about salary.

But that's probably a long way away for you. There's a lot of studying and planning and preparing in the meantime and . . . oh, yes . . . first, of course, you'll want to decide if you even want to be an accountant.