After learning everything there is to know about being an accountant and getting certified, it’s now up to you to go out into the real world and get some experience to help boost your resume. Nobody hires these days for the good jobs without a quality CV full of worthwhile experience, so getting that experience is paramount to actually moving up in the industry. This means you might have to stomach a less than ideal job for a period of time, but it’s all part of putting in the hours necessary to prove that you’re worth hiring.
For those just looking to get their feet wet, here are what most entry level accountants end up finding in the job market:
CPA Temps
As opposed to getting a dedicated and long-term position, you’re highly likely to get a temp job first to be used on an as-needed basis for a larger company or organization. A CPA temp for a public accountant needs to be a licensed CPA since they provide those accounting services to others. It’s a great way to get your feet wet in a very relevant fashion since you’re pretty much doing exactly what you’d do as a full-time accountant, you just aren’t in it for the long run. There are lots of agencies or even services such as https://www.taxfyle.com/cpa-jobs-temp-accounting-jobs that connect business owners with people looking to temp for them; finding gainful employment shouldn’t be an issue. Because of the temporary nature of the job, you also aren’t locked into anything too early. It’s a great way to figure out what kind of working environment suits you best.
Government Accounting
One more gainful option for those just starting out would be to work for the government. Typically, these accountants have a better base pay as well as a healthier benefits profile than those just starting out in private industry. Working for your government’s local tax agency is the most likely place for you to find employment. Typically employment starts on a contract basis and if you make a solid impression you’ll be offered a full-time position. Some people even ride this career path all the way to retirement because of how beneficial it can be.
Non-Profit Accounting
For those who want to feel as if their work is contributing to an overall greater cause, choosing to work for a non-profit is a great way to get experience that looks excellent on a resume. While pay is often more variable than in other industries, these are still organizations that need accounting work done for them all the same. So long as you make sure that you aren’t being overworked and underpaid, it’s perhaps one of the most emotionally satisfying ways to get started in the huge world of accounting.
Conclusion
There you have it, three options that capture thousands of new graduates each and every year. Figuring out which one works for you is largely dependent on personal choice. Temp agencies are the best if you don’t want to be locked in for the long term and want to see lots of different working environments, while government jobs are best for those who want a robust payment package right off the bat. In the end, it’s all about how you sell yourself and how able you are to find a workplace congruent with your style. Perhaps once you have good experience under your belt, you can start your own accounting business. Until then, one of these options should be a good fit for setting you on the road to success.
