4. Apply for accounting jobs

After you graduate with a degree in accounting, you are ready to take your first real job.  The process of finding that job, however, should begin before your graduation date.  Finding a good accounting position may take time so it is better to start your search while you are in school.

As with any jobs, you will need to decide what specific accounting job you want, what industry or companies you are interested in, and start looking for jobs there.  Often, you will already have some experience from your accounting internships which will help you decide what you want to do in your accounting career.  The same internships will also allow you to build connections and network with accounting professionals which is a great way to look for and apply for jobs.  A lot of companies with internship opportunities even extend job offers to promising candidates before they graduate (i.e., another benefit of getting an internship while you are in college).  However, even if you have not done the internship route, you can still successfully apply for and get accounting jobs (i.e., remember that accounting jobs are in demand).  Again, any connections in your network will be great help.  You can find information about accounting job postings by searching company websites or job search websites, attending conferences, or becoming a member of an accounting professional organization.

5. Get certified and obtain accounting licenses

Finally, you will want to consider getting certified and obtaining any applicable accounting licenses.  This is certainly not a requirement, but it is a good way to distinguish yourself from other accounting professionals without such certifications or licenses.  Licenses also give you an edge in finding jobs in the future and getting better pay.

You will want to get certified and have licenses in the area of your accounting specialization.  Getting certified usually involves passing an exam and work experience in your area.  Passing exams typically requires studying (i.e., investing your time and money) so choose wisely which license you want to have and how it will help you in your career. Some employers offer financial incentives or support to their employees for successful training and licensures (e.g., reimburse CPA exam costs if you pass the CPA exam in the first few years on the job as a staff accountant; reimburse CPE costs for practicing CPAs).

Some of the more common accounting licenses in the U.S. are listed below, but keep in mind that there are a lot more of them (in the U.S. and in other countries):

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accounting (CMA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Enrolled Agent (EA)

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