2014 Recruiting Tip #5: Know Your Industry

Discover the differences between public, private, and governmental accounting. Each of the three different areas will attract different personality types.

Are you an aggressive, outgoing individual willing to work very hard early in your career? Public accounting may be for you! Or are you interested in a more stable environment with great benefits and job security, but willing to accept a potentially adversarial relationship with clients? If so, governmental accounting is a great option! Perhaps you'd thrive in a smaller business environment, working as an in-house accountant for a company with a goal of eventually getting into upper management? Private accounting could be your best choice!

Try to learn as much as possible about all areas of the industry before you decide which path to travel.

Here is an article about job outlook & career opportunities in accounting: http://blog.aicpa.org/2012/09/accounting-offers-more-career-opportunities-if-you-know-how-to-find-them.html

 

2014 Recruiting Tip #4: Understanding the CPA Exam

CPA requirements vary by state, but most require 150 semester hours of instruction, which is 30 hours beyond the typical four-year bachelor’s degree. That means you have to decide whether you will focus in another area or get a master’s degree.

The CPA exam consists of four separate exams, which are taken one at a time. Candidates may take the exams in any order however, once you pass the first exam, you must pass the other three within 18 months.

Audit and Attestation (AUD): This is the longest section, at 4.0 hours. It covers topics like performing audits, evaluating evidence, professional responsibilities, ethics and communicating audit findings.

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): This section is 4.0 hours and covers topics such as typical financial statements, specific transactions, governmental accounting and non-profit accounting.

Regulation (REG): This section is 3.0 hours long and tests candidates on tax ethics, business law, federal tax procedures and more.

Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): This section is 3.0 hours and is still tough, covering things like corporate governance, information systems and strategic planning.

 

Candidates may sit for the CPA exam during the first two months of every quarter: January/February, April/May, July/August, October/November. Months when the exam is not offered are referred to as “black out dates.”

It’s important to plan ahead and decide how you will get your 150 credit hours before graduation. Most employers will want you to already have a plan in place to earn your CPA certification.

 

2014 Recruiting Tip #3: Make Sure You Come Prepared for Your Interview

A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do is going to either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention. Be personable and connect with your interviewer during the interview. Give them a reason to remember you!

Here are a few interviewing tips: 

Practice Interviewing:

Take the time to review typical interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview. This will help give you a framework for your responses and also calm your nerves. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually in a job interview.

Research the Company:

Take the time before your interview to research the company you are interviewing with. By doing this you can stand out from the people that don’t take the job as seriously as you do. By showing interest in the company, you will make a positive impression and show understanding of what you’re applying to. 

Thank You Notes:

Taking the time to say thank you after a job interview not only is good interview etiquette, it reinforces your interest in the position. You can also use your thank you letter to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview.

2014 Recruiting Tip #2: Don't Forget to Dress for Success!

It's not always what you know, or who you know… sometimes, it's what you WEAR that makes the difference. Learn how to make a great first impression by being well-groomed and professionally dressed. If you’re in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is best to be conservative. Make sure your first impression is your BEST impression!

 Here a few tips for women’s and men’s interview attire:

Women's Interview Attire

·         Solid color, conservative suit

·         Coordinated blouse

·         Moderate shoes

·         Limited jewelry

·         Neat, professional hairstyle

·         Tan or light hosiery

·         Sparse make-up & perfume

·         Manicured nails

·         Portfolio or briefcase

Men's Interview Attire

·         Solid color, conservative suit

·         Long sleeve shirt

·         Conservative tie

·         Dark socks, professional shoes

·         Very limited jewelry

·         Portfolio or briefcase