Off the Ledger
Your days as a college student are almost numbered. The working world is calling. As you get ready to embark on your career, you have to be thinking, “What am I going to do when I graduate?” “Is a job in public accounting right for me?”
Where do you want to go?
You have so many options. Big firm or small? How do you decide? Where can you go to get the real, honest look at a career in public accounting? What is it REALLY like to be an intern? What will my life be like as a staff accountant?
See your future...
At Porter Keadle Moore, LLP (PKM) we’re here to help. We’ve created this blog site just for you! To help you find answers to these and other questions about working in a public accounting firm. Real interns and brand new staff accountants chronicle their experiences with our firm. Read what they have to say. Ask questions, share your opinions and we’ll respond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers in Accounting Answered
Jayce Simpson - Audit Intern
Over the years, Monster.com has received thousands of questions related to careers in accounting. They thought it would be beneficial to answer the most commonly posted questions all in one place for our convenience. Here are some of those questions you’ve been burning to know the answers to…
Can I advance in accounting without a CPA or CMA designation? While employers tend to prefer a CPA to non-CPA candidate, plenty of accountants work without one. Those with a CPA tend to receive higher salaries as well. The average salary for an accountant with either certification is $102,400 versus $80,700 for those without a CPA or CMA.
What jobs can I get with an accounting degree, but no experience? In public accounting, entry-level positions include that of a staff accountant or junior auditor. Before you graduate, you should be able to find work as an accounting assistant or accounting clerk. When you reach your junior year, you should have no trouble finding a summer internship.
How hard is the CPA exam? Very hard, so hard that fewer than half of those taking the test in the first quarter of 2007 passed any section. Don’t let this discourage you - there are plenty of study options available.
What do I have to do to become a CPA? First, you will need to choose where you want to practice. Each state sets its own rules for CPAs. Most require 150 hours of education and at least a year of accounting experience. They differ on whether that experience has to be public accounting or gained under the supervision of a CPA. They also differ on how long you must work before you are eligible to be licensed.
For more questions and answers view the entire article.
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