A career in accounting can be very rewarding. Not only are accountants in high demand, but the career offers a great salary and excellent advancement opportunities. If you’re wondering when you’ll actually get a job, the answer may surprise you (in a good way). Keep reading for answers to all your burning search questions. And for more info, check out our No-Nonsense Guide To Accounting Jobs!
How do I make my resume stand out?
To secure an entry level job, it’s crucial to highlight your best attributes. You can do this by polishing up your resume and following these tips:
- Highlight your education and training: Include any relevant degrees, courses, or programs that you’ve completed, as well as certification or licensure you may have.
- List work experience: If you don’t have any direct experience working in accounting, that’s okay! Just list any other relevant work experience that you may have. This could include internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteering experiences. Accounting is a highly transferable skill, so any experience working with numbers and financial data will be helpful. If you have experience using accounting software like QuickBooks, be sure to include that as well.
- Customize your resume for each job application: One mistake a lot of job seekers make is sending out the same generic resume to every single job application. When you’re applying for an accounting position, take the time to tailor your resume specifically to the job opening. This means including key phrases and keywords from the job listing, as well as highlighting the specific qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the role.
What job do I go for?
If you’re searching for an entry level accounting job, there are several different types of positions that might be a good fit for you. Here are some of the most common:
- Bookkeeper: One of the most popular entry-level accounting jobs is bookkeeping. Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping track of an organization’s financial transactions. This includes recording, storing, and retrieving financial data. If you’re interested in this type of job, you should have strong math skills and be detail oriented.
- Audit Associate: As an audit associate, you’ll be responsible for auditing a company’s financial statements. This will involve reviewing documents, conducting interviews, and performing tests to ensure that the statements are accurate. You’ll also be responsible for preparing reports that detail your findings. This is a great entry level job for new grads because it will give you a chance to learn about different types of businesses and get hands-on experience with the auditing process.
- Tax Associate: A tax associate is responsible for preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses. This job will require you to have a good understanding of tax laws and regulations. You’ll also need to be able to use tax software in order to complete your work. As a tax associate, you’ll need to be detail-oriented and have excellent time management skills in order to meet deadlines.
- Accounts Receivable Specialist: An accounts receivable specialist is responsible for managing a company’s financial transactions. This includes issuing invoices, recording payments, and reconciling bank statements.
- Payroll Specialist: Payroll specialists are responsible for calculating and processing employee paychecks. They also often handle other benefits such as health insurance and retirement accounts.
I know what I want to do – now what?
The next step is to prepare for the interview process. The better prepared you are, the higher your chances of landing the job. Here are some tips:
- Research: This means that you need to know everything you can about the company, the position you are interviewing for, and the person who will be interviewing you. Start by going to the company’s website and reading through their About Us page. Then, take a look at the job listing and make a list of the qualifications they are looking for. Finally, try to find out who will be conducting your interview and see if you can find any information about them online. By taking the time to do your research, you will already be ahead of most of the other candidates who will be interviewed for the job.
- Preparation: Have a firm understanding of your qualifications and how they match up with the job requirements. Take some time to sit down and make a list of all of your experience, skills, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Then, match those up with the qualifications listed in the job posting. If there are any areas where you are lacking, now is the time to brush up on those skills so that you can confidently speak about them in your interview.
- Practice: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions so that you are prepared for anything that comes your way. A great way to do this is by reasoning through each question out loud and then coming up with a concise answer that hits all of the key points. Another helpful tip is to record yourself answering questions so that you can listen back and identify any areas where you need improvement. By taking the time to practice beforehand, you will help ensure that you deliver a confident and polished performance on interview day.
Something to remember in your job search process – stay positive. No matter how many rejection letters you receive or how many interviews don’t go as planned, don’t lose sight of your goal. The right job is out there for you, and if you keep working hard, you’ll find it sooner than you think! So, what are you waiting for? Start your search today!