Accounting Careers 101

• A degree in Accounting offers diverse career paths as it prepares you for a variety of roles
• You can work for Accounting Firms, Commercial Banks, in Financial Analysis and Planning, or the business office of any company  
• Entry level roles include Accountants/ Staff Accountants, cost accountants, junior internal auditors, Grant Accountants, Tax Specialist, Project Accountants and Auditors

 As An Accountant You’ll: 

• Examine and prepare financial data for businesses or individuals focused on accuracy and alignment with regulations and laws 

• Inspect accounting documents and systems for efficiency and adherence to accepted accounting practices and identify potential risks for fraud 

• Auditors review financial statements for accuracy and compliance. They can work internally, as external consultants or for government agencies

• Accountants may need a CPA while Auditors may need CPS or Certified Internal Auditor 

• Accountants can advance into management roles or become consultants 

Things to Consider 

• Requires strong analytical and math skills 

• Usually work regular business hours but have some busy seasons with longer hours. They may work as many as 60 – 80 hours a week during tax season, especially those that work at larger firms 

• Requires strong communication and organizational skills 

Why Pursue a CPA? 

Type of work you can do:  

• Preparing tax documents and providing tax advice 
• Comb through a government agency’s financial records to search for evidence of fraud or other criminal misbehavior 
• Consult with a business on its financial strategies 
• Compile a company’s yearly financial reports 

Only CPAs Can:  

• Represent client in IRS proceedings, External and SOC Audits,  
• File financial statements with SEC in publicly traded company 
• Increased salary range and increased likelihood to get a promotion 
• Many go to work for one of the Big 4 Accounting firms  

Requirements to get CPA:

Where You Could Work as an Accountant: 

Key Internship Employers

In-Demand Skills & Terms to Know

Interview Preparation 

Sample Interview Questions 

• 20 Accounting Interview Questions from the Forage

• Wall Street Prep Accounting Interview Questions 

Interview Tips: 

• HireVue is a digital interview tool where you record your answers to interview questions, it is often used for the first round interview

• Record yourself practicing to see how you do

• Read the body language of the interviewer

• Know your why: Be specific about why this career and why this company

• Research more than just the company website

• Search for recent news about the company or news that could impact the company such as new regulations

• Don’t ask questions that could be answered though a Google search

• You should be actively reading financial news

Types of Interviews & Questions 

• Behavioral Questions – most commonly asked

• Knowledge-based questions to see if you know the terms from above

• Be ready to apply your skills to answer case questions

Timeline for Applying to Summer Internships 

• Internships at large companies like the Big 4 are open in spring, late summer and early fall – the sooner you apply typically the better

• Small to medium size companies will post their internships in the fall or spring

• Pro Tip: Apply early since it could increase the number of times they review your application 

Differences: Big 4 & Mid-Sized

Additional Resources