In the current issue of Jobpostings, we talk a lot of big game about careers in accounting. But for all the industry can offer you, what does it give back? We asked four recent accounting graduates 'who've gotten their foot in the door' that very question. Here's what they told us.
Name: Chloe Boiteau-Marr
Company: Deloitte & Touche
Position: Tax analyst
Length of employment: Nine months
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration
Where did you go to school?
Mount Royal University.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The real-world application. I spent hours reading through my accounting textbooks and learning by being in school. But now, being able to apply what I've learned through university to the real world has been an amazing experience. I have the opportunity to work with so many intelligent individuals whom I learn from on a daily basis. Working in an open environment with people constantly in my surroundings has allowed me to learn something new every day.
What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job within the accounting profession?
Be confident and be yourself. If the accounting profession is where you see yourself working, get connected with firms, attend events, join your university's accounting club, and make an effort to network. The accounting profession is very competitive. If you make an effort to get involved and build relationships, you'll find yourself following the right path. Put the effort all throughout the year to attend all the events the firms offer. And remember it's not just about having good grades in school, it's important to do things that showcase yourself, such as extracurricular activities.
Name: Sophia Berg
Company: Ernst & Young
Position: Staff accountant
Length of employment: Eight months
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Where did you go to School?
University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business.
What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job within the accounting profession?
It truly is all about the people. Accounting firms generally offer the same job experience, but the people you work with will make your personal experience. The firms want to get to know you during the recruiting process, so don't be afraid to put yourself out there. If they don't get to see how you would fit with the firm, it can hurt your chances of getting an offer. I went through recruiting in my third year of school, but was too shy to make any contacts or get to know anyone. Not surprisingly, I didn't get an offer. When I went through it in my final year, I interacted with people and genuinely got to know people at the firms. It helps the firms make a decision about you and helps you make a decision about what firm you want to work for.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Being willing to try new opportunities and experiences offered by the firm. There are lots chances to work in areas you may not have considered or even thought possible. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for three months. It was an amazing experience and I would gladly do it again. It was definitely tough being away from friends and family for so long, but I met awesome EY employees from across America and learnt new skills that I can apply here in Canada.
Name: Katie Shotbolt
Company: KPMG
Position: Staff accountant
Length of employment: Nine months
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Where did you go to school?
Queen's School of Business.
Tell us a bit about your responsibilities.
I've had the opportunity to work for a variety of clients and learn about different businesses. I travel with my audit teams to wherever the client is located. In my first few months, I've spent time in Chicago and Niagara Falls. But even as a first year, you're given sections of the audit to complete on your own, but there's always someone to help mentor you.
What's the most challenging aspect of your position?
During audit season, the schedules are intense and you're expected to put in long hours with your team. We're under strict deadlines. There's a considerable amount of work that needs to get done in a short amount of time  (and at) the satisfaction of both the firm and the client. As a first year, the challenging aspect is striking a balance between working, studying for the accounting exams, and having a social life.
What life skills did you gain during your work experience?
The two life skills I am improving upon are time management and critical thinking. The firm provides us the tools for evaluation and allows us to make independent decisions.
Name: Jasmine Konsorada
Company: PwC
Position: Manager, audit, and assurance group
Length of employment: Five years (plus one year of co-op throughout university)
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (and CA designation)
Where did you go to School?
University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business.
How did you find your current position?
During campus recruiting, I attended a firm night to meet people from all of the firms in order to find a co-op position. I connected with the people at the PwC booth and knew it was the right fit for me. I applied and interviewed. I did both of my co-op terms in the PwC tax department, which was a great experience and I learned so much from the great people in that department. I was offered a full time position during my co-op to start full time after graduation. Gradually, I worked my way up from associate, to senior associate, and then to my current position as a manager.
What's the most challenging aspect of your position?
The most challenging aspect of my position is that not one day is ever the same, so my days are each quite interesting in their own way. However, it's sometimes a challenge to anticipate and plan what you're going to run into on a daily basis. So while this is a challenge, this is also something that keeps me on my toes and always thinking, rising to challenging situations, and always keeping my problem solving role in mind.
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