Employers

Accountants and auditors are employed by large mutual fund complexes (T. Rowe Price, Fidelity Investments, etc.), mutual fund supermarkets (Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade), securities broker-dealers and financial planners (Capital Group), robo advisory firms, smaller fund companies, and broker-dealer firms. They also work for public accounting firms (such as Deloitte and KPMG) that provide accounting services to mutual fund companies. Outside the mutual fund industry, accountants and auditors work in the alternative investing industry (hedge funds, private equity, venture capital) and for nonprofits, businesses of all sizes, and government agencies such as the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce.   

Starting Out

Many mutual fund companies and accounting firms participate in recruiting events and information sessions on campus. These are excellent ways to get your name out there and learn more about particular employers. Your college’s career services center is another good job-search resource. Some host recruiting events and offer resume critiques, interviewing techniques sessions, help finding internships, and one-on-one job search coaching. Participating in an internship will help you to learn about potential career paths and make networking contacts. Many high-performing interns receive job offers at the conclusion of their internships. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants provides advice on maximizing your accounting education at https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/make-the-most-of-your-education. The Career Options section of its Web site (https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/career-options) provides information on various accounting roles and steps to take for different specializations. Use LinkedIn to network and search for jobs. Consider joining groups such as Accounting and Finance Professionals and Accounting & Audit. Other job-search strategies include contacting companies directly regarding openings and using the services of recruiters.

The typical advancement path for qualified and experienced accountants and auditors is from chief accountant or chief auditor (who manage the work of others), to controller (who prepares financial reports and manages accounting and audit departments), to chief financial officer (high-level financial professionals who are responsible for the accuracy of their employer’s financial reporting and focus on issues such as compliance and financial strategy). Some accountants and auditors become portfolio managers, mutual fund top executives, or CEOs or chief operating officers at corporations.

Visit the AICPAs Young CPA Networks site for useful information about networking and job hunting: https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/youngcpanetwork.html.

Read Start Here Magazine (https://www.startheregoplaces.com/students/games-tools/start-here-magazine) for tips on becoming an accountant.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings and career advice:

• http://www.accountingjobstoday.com
• https://www.accountingcrossing.com
• https://www.efinancialcareers.com
• https://jobs.imanet.org