Sign In/Register How to gain work experience
Every jurisdiction’s experience requirements for your CPA license will vary, so check with your board of accountancy to make sure yours will qualify.
Prepare for your job search
Ideally, you’ll gain work experience after your senior year of college. Most states require at least two years of experience in public accounting before allowing you to practice as a CPA. Many also accept accounting experience in other areas such as industry or government, but that usually means they require that you practice for more years. Internships are a good idea, too. While you don’t have to have one to become a licensed CPA, internships help you build a résumé and are the main way organizations find new hires.
Are you ready to get to work? AICPA & CIMA's Global Career Hub lists job vacancies in finance, business and management from recruitment agencies, advertising agencies and direct employers across the world making it as simple as possible for you to find the ideal job.
Discover your next internship or job opportunity by visiting Jooble. Over 80 million candidates use Jooble every year. With over 71 countries represented, you’ll be sure to find the role that’s right for you.
Aside from passing the CPA Exam beforehand, which is great, but not absolutely necessary, here’s how you can make sure that when you walk into your next recruiting session or interview, your skills and experience stand out.
LinkedIn is a viable path to professional networking, through integrated connections and activities.
The key to scoring that first job out of school is finding a way to stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips that, if implemented correctly, will help you better distinguish yourself and launch you into an outstanding career in accounting.
The possibilities are endless
Many aspiring CPAs struggle with whether to start with a large global firm – in many cases a so-called “Big Four” firm – or to go with a smaller regional or local firm, a government agency or a small private company. Working for a large firm can take you anywhere in the world you want to go. You can also expect to join a group of coworkers who are your age and share a lot of your interests. Plus, some people like having a big name on their resume, wherever they end up taking their career. On the other hand, working for a smaller firm can give you greater responsibility earlier in your career. Not to mention more access to the senior people who can make a big difference in your career growth and professional development. Many CPAs choose to work for smaller firms because they find it easier to maintain the work/life balance they’re looking for.
Many people end up working at the places they intern. Amanda Brown, a recruiter at Big Four firm KPMG, affirms that “our internship program is our main pipeline for full time hires.”
"Big Four" company representatives visit campus during Winter and Spring on the lookout for Juniors to be summer interns, and then they’re back in the Fall looking for people to hire after graduation.
Still unsure? Get some help deciding where you’ll fit best with our Plan Your Career tool.
