Accounting Internships
Interested in accounting? Here are some tips to help you secure an accounting internship at a top firm.
Finding an accounting internship can be a great way to gain experience and skills in the field, as well as make connections and build your resume. An internship can also provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of an accountant, and help you determine if a career in accounting is right for you.
Here are some steps to help you find an accounting internship:
1. Identify your goals. Before you start your search, it’s important to know what you want to gain from an internship. Do you want to learn specific skills, gain experience in a particular area of accounting, or make connections with potential employers? Knowing your goals will help you focus your search and target companies or organizations that align with your interests.
2. Network with other accountants or accounting professionals. Attend job fairs, join professional associations, or reach out to your school’s career center to learn about opportunities and make connections. Networking can be a great way to learn about internships that may not be publicly advertised and to gain insights from people who are already working in the field.
3. Search online job boards or career websites. Many companies and organizations post internships on these sites, so it’s a good idea to regularly check for new listings. Some popular websites for finding internships include LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed. When searching online, be sure to use keywords related to accounting and internships, and consider using advanced search filters to narrow your results.
4. Leverage your school’s resources. Many colleges and universities have relationships with companies and organizations that offer internships. Check with your school’s career center or internship office to learn about available opportunities and to get help with your job search. Your school may also have career advisors who can help you craft a resume or cover letter, or provide other job search support.
5. Apply directly to companies or organizations that interest you. Even if they don’t have an active internship program, it’s worth reaching out to them to see if they would be open to hosting an intern. When applying, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific internship and highlight any relevant experience or skills. We definitely recommend you check out our guides on how to write the perfect cover letter and resume.
6. Be persistent and don’t be afraid to follow up. The job search process can be competitive, so it’s important to be proactive and persistent in your search for an internship. If you don’t hear back from a company or organization after applying, don’t be afraid to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when looking for an accounting internship
Be flexible. Internships can be full-time or part-time and may be paid or unpaid. Consider a range of options and be open to different types of internships to increase your chances of finding a good fit.
Start early. The job search process can take time, so it’s a good idea to start looking for internships early in the academic year. This will give you more time to explore your options and apply to multiple companies or organizations.
Be proactive. Don’t just wait for internships to be advertised – reach out to companies or organizations that interest you to see if they would be open to hosting an intern. This can be a great way to learn about opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
Prepare for interviews. If you’re invited to interview for an internship, be sure to prepare. Research the company or organization, review common interview questions and practice answering them out loud. We compiled a list of some must know finance interview questions that you should definitely check out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting
What are the top accounting firms right now?
The "Big Four" refers to the four largest accounting and professional services firms in the world: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. These firms are known for providing audit, consulting, tax, and other services to a wide range of clients, including many of the largest and most well-known companies in the world. They are considered the leading firms in the accounting industry and are often at the forefront of developments in the field.
What does the recruitment process for accounting positions look like?
The recruitment process for accounting positions can vary depending on the specific firm and the level of the position. In general, however, the process typically involves the following steps:
1. Submission of an application, which may include a resume, cover letter, transcripts or other relevant documents
2. Initial screening of applications by the firm's recruiting team
3. Interviews with members of the firm, which may include both individual and group interviews
4. Assessments or testing, such as aptitude or skills tests
5. Reference checks and verification of credentials
6. An offer of employment, followed by negotiation of salary and other terms
The recruitment process for accounting positions is generally competitive, and firms may receive a large number of applications for a single opening. As a result, the process is often rigorous and can take several weeks or even months to complete. We typically recommend university students and young professionals to check out our Excel for Business & Finance Course to prepare for incoming interviews!
What happens in an accounting internship?
An accounting internship is a temporary position that allows individuals to gain practical experience in the field of accounting. As an intern, you would typically work under the supervision of experienced accountants and perform tasks such as assisting with audits, preparing financial statements, and performing data entry and other administrative tasks.
During an accounting internship, you would have the opportunity to learn about the various aspects of the accounting profession, including auditing, tax, and financial reporting. You would also have the chance to develop your skills and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Many accounting internships are paid positions, and they may be full-time or part-time. In some cases, internships can lead to permanent job offers at the firm where you interned. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in the accounting field.
How do I prepare for an accounting position?
1. Research the firm where you will be interning and learn about its services and clients. This will help you understand the company's culture and the work you will be doing.
2. Brush up on your accounting knowledge. This may involve reviewing concepts you learned in school or taking a refresher course.
3. Familiarize yourself with the tools and software commonly used in the accounting field, such as spreadsheet and accounting software programs. We definitely recommend you check out our comprehensive Excel for Business & Finance Course that will teach you all the Excel formulas, charts, and shortcuts you need to stand out in any business and accounting role.
4. Dress professionally for your internship and be punctual.
5. Be open to learning and ask questions. An internship is a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, so don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance.
6. Take advantage of networking opportunities. An internship is a great way to build relationships with other professionals in the accounting field.
7. Be proactive and take on additional tasks or projects when possible. This will show your supervisors that you are eager to learn and contribute to the team.
8. Keep track of your accomplishments and experiences during your internship. This will be useful for future job applications and interviews.
Additional Resources
Want to level up your accounting? Consider checking out our Financial Accounting Essentials where we teach students how to build a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement from scratch based on a set of transactions. You'll also learn to find, read, and analyze the financial statements of real companies such as Microsoft and PepsiCo. Students who have taken this course have gone on to work at Barclays, Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs, EY, and many other prestigious companies. Get started now!
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