My professional topic page covers a career in Accounting, and what is means to go into a traditional route of Big 4 Accounting Firms. I not only cover the importance and payoff of a career in Accounting, but provide resources for students to learn about interviewing at large firms and what they may expect upon working in the field. This is ideally for use of students who are at least through their mid point of their collegiate careers and are considering Accounting as a possible career path.
The Interview Process:
This video provides a short, to-the-point idea on how a traditional interview in Big Four Accounting will go. The viewer will gain insight into what to expect when going in for an interview at KPMG, EY, Deloitte, or PwC, which may also be extrapolated to other large accounting firms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nauDXUFbOb8
Professional Organization that may be helpful:
A Society of CPAs is important to become involved with and join once you become or looking to become a Certified Public Accountant. They can provide resources to help a student pass the exam, and can be a platform for CPAs to network with others in their same field.
Ohio Society of CPAs – https://www.ohiocpa.com/
Book that may be helpful:
All You Need To Know about Accounting and Accountants: A Student’s Guide to Careers in Accounting by Robert Grottke
This book provides an in-depth dive into the world of accounting for the graduating student. It looks into different career paths Accounting can afford a student and how one can best prepare for a career in Accounting.
An Article on the Stability of Accounting Jobs:
Why Robots Won’t Steal Accounting Jobs
If a student is hesitant on the stability of an Accounting career, this article will help convince that the Accounting profession is a stable and reliable career path that will be necessary for years to come.
Figuring out if Accounting (And the Big 4) is Right for You:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzSYyThKLPI
Similar topic, more widespread view: http://news.efinancialcareers.com/us-en/205325/why-youll-love-and-hate-life-at-pwc-deloitte-ey-and-kpmg/
Again, figuring out if Accounting is right for you is a huge step. Another big step is seeing if Big 4 is the right move for you as well. This video dives into a personal recollection of experience working in Big 4 and can provide a more personal view that wouldn’t be otherwise available via Big 4 or Career workshops.
The article below the video provides more of a workshop style viewpoint, although allows the reader to contrast the benefits with the cons of working a demanding, yet rewarding career. This too will allow the student to have a more informed decision while choosing where to head in their career.
Ohio State Resources That Can Help You:
Fisher’s Office of Career Management – https://fisher.osu.edu/careers-recruiting
OSU’s Writing Center (For Resume Critiques and Job-Search Writing Advice) – https://cstw.osu.edu/writing-center
These are two essential Ohio State Resources that can help an aspiring Accountant get to where they want to go. The Office of Career Management can be a great tool to get in touch with employers and dive deeper into career opportunities. The writing center can be a great resource to prepare for interviews and making sure that you are coming off on a great foot starting with the first email to an employer.