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

2014 Recruiting Tip #1: Be Sure to Apply for an Internship

Obtaining an internship is one of the most important steps you can take for finding work in accounting following your graduation. Studies show that graduates who did not take an internship in college have a higher unemployment rate than those who previously interned. This preference is understandable: Interviewing candidates is expensive, as is training them after hire. Those who have already experienced professional work through an internship are seen as easier to train. Interning will give you valuable experience in your career field that cannot be replaced.

This fall, Monroe Shine will be interviewing for 2015 Tax Season Internship positions. Please register through your college career center websites.

On-campus interview dates for 2014 are scheduled as follows:

• University of Louisville: Monday, September 22nd     
• Bellarmine University: Tuesday, September 30th
• Indiana University, Southeast: Thursday, October 2nd
• Indiana University, Bloomington: Thursday, October 9th
• University of Kentucky: Tuesday, October 21st

 

2013 Recruitment Tip #4: Join the Accounting Club

For an accounting student, there is simply no better way to gain exposure to the industry than by joining your school’s Accounting Club. The interaction with industry professionals while gaining valuable experiences and skills will last a lifetime. Take part in their professional presentations, tours, and networking events. Employers love to see your involvement with school activities, especially Accounting Club. All the benefits of membership in the Accounting Club are magnified when you’re an active member or become an officer!

Here is a list of benefits of joining Accounting Club:

·        Increase your chances of securing a job after graduation

·        Improve your leadership, teamwork, and people skills

·        Receive current accounting job postings via e-mail

·        Enhance your resume and scholarship applications.

·        Be eligible for Accounting Club scholarships

·        Meet new people, make new friends, and get to know classmates and professionals   

Here is a video: Join the Accounting Club presented by Roger CPA Review.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NETL6FFAkrk

2013 Recruitment Tip #3: Attend Meet the Firms/Accounting Career Day

It is important for an accounting student to never understate the value of events that allow you to meet firms and other professionals.  Ranging in size from small affairs to conference hall filling extravaganzas, these events are designed to bring students together with professionals from a variety of public, private and governmental firms. It offers a great opportunity to hear from professionals from a variety of areas. It may allow you to hear about a career opportunity that interests you. Many universities offer these types of events called “Accounting Career Day” or “Meet the Firms.” Numerous professionals from the surrounding areas attend, hoping to find interns or even future employees. Many firms attend during their recruitment process and it gives students an opportunity to meet them before on-campus interviews. You should always bring you resume and business cards because you never know when an opportunity will present itself! Be ready to learn about firms that you find interesting.

Monroe Shine will be attending several events this fall. We hope to see you there!

• University of Louisville - Accounting Social: Thursday, August 29^th
• University of Kentucky - Beta Alpha Psi "Meet the Firms": Thursday, September 12^th
• Indiana University, Southeast- Accounting Career Day: Friday, September 13^th
• Bellarmine University - Accounting Club Presentation: Wednesday, September 18^th
• University of Kentucky - "Diversity In Accounting" Networking Reception: Tuesday, September 24^th
• Indiana University, Southeast - School of Business Golf Scramble: Friday, September 27^th

2013 Recruitment Tip #2: Polish Your Networking Skills

Networking is arguably your most important professional skill. Every person you meet and interact with is a potential employer, contact, colleague, or opportunity. Make the most out of every networking event by practicing your social skills as often as possible.

 Here are a few tips to improve your networking skills:

-  Don’t think of it as “networking,” but that you are meeting a new friend. Networking should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

- Don’t be afraid to approach smaller groups. Sometimes starting at a full room of potential contacts can be overwhelming. You might be tempted to join the largest group but look for smaller groups of people. You stand a better chance of engaging in real conversation.

- Don’t feel like you need to do all the talking. Often people just want someone to listen. So be a listener as well.

- Don’t be afraid to practice your “elevator pitch.” You are trying to connect with people and form new business relationships. Your elevator pitch needs to reflect who you are, what you’re about, and what you can do to help.

Make sure to carry a professional business card everywhere you go. You never know when a chance to network will present itself!