By Lauren O’Byrne, CPA
Senior Accountant, ParenteBeard
NJSCPA member
Starting a career is challenging in any profession, but for those in public accounting, there are many unique nuances that can make this new beginning very overwhelming. This is especially true when this new career is your first position after graduating college. The transition to the public accounting workplace can be daunting, between gaining an understanding of a firm’s processes and procedures, gaining valuable client experience and preparing for the CPA exam. Now working in public accounting for three years, here are a few tips I can offer to those just starting.
Utilize Down Time, Mix Up your Work, Volunteer Often
Depending on the timing of your start date and the nature of the industry you will be primarily working with, there may be a lighter workload for a limited time until you build up a client base. Utilize this opportunity to volunteer for firm projects in different industry lines or to work with different managers. Textbook accounting problems are nothing like real life client issues, and accounting is something you can only learn by hands-on experience. The more exposure and experience you gain, and the more client interaction you can have, the more you are able to hone your skills. In the process, you are also able to build a network of peers and colleagues and determine the types of work best suited to your skills and interest. This diversification is invaluable for completing the industry experience required for licensure and for when you will likely be asked to become more focused in your career path.
First Busy Season – Ask More Questions
Your first busy season is not a race, it is a marathon. It is possible you will never learn as much in one condensed period of time as you will over your first busy season. Never hesitate to ask questions. Remember that all of your managers and partners were in your shoes at one point. But ask with caution, realizing that asking the same questions multiple times can be seen as disruptive. A great habit to start is keeping a running “cheat sheet” of things you have learned along the way that you can reference later on. Productivity will rise as will your confidence.
CPA Exam
If you intend on sitting for the CPA exam, start preparing as soon as you can after receiving your degree. Life never seems to get any less busy and studying/sitting for the exam requires a large time commitment. You are in the best study mode immediately after graduation. Be realistic and set attainable goals, especially with your new position and its requisite learning curve. Acknowledge the best way that you study and what tools you may need to purchase or find. Since some firms may delay the start date for new hires until the late summer or early fall, use this time wisely to start studying and passing sections of the CPA exam.
If you’re a new accounting graduate and have a question for Lauren, she can be reached at Lauren.Obyrne@ParenteBeard.com.