All the accounting or bookkeeping jobs that I am looking at require some experience. How can I get a job then?
I have associates degree in business from my community college. I took elementary, intermediate, advanced accounting courses plus auditing course while I was there. But I have no experience in accounting. How can I get it if all the accounting positions require at least 2 years experience? Should I look for a position where I can work without getting paid for couple of months to gain experience if such a position is available? If such a position is available, how do I find it?
1. Do you know anyone in business? Ask them if you can do work experience with them. I have found this leads to both experience, contacts and jobs.
2. Find a community committee that you can join and become the treasurer of. Their are loads out their – anything that you are involved with. Again you will get experience, contacts and jobs.
Where are you located? Their are lots of bookkeeping jobs here in Australia. Perhaps look for companies that offer bookkeeping services, and apply directly to them.
Here in Australia – the H&R training sessions cost about $1000…someone else has suggested it is free.
Try an accounting internship
Try H&R Block… take their free tax program and get paid while getting the experience that accounting and bookkeeping firms look for.
Having an Associates Degree is definately a plus.
I would look in the classifieds and find out what companies are looking for. Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks are high on the list. Can you use either of these programs?
On your resume I would focus on what you did in school, the courses you took and give a brief explanation of what you learned. I would list your skills and focus on what you have to offer.
I would recommend applying for a job at a small company where you can get some experience. The bigger companies will have more applicants – the better the pay and benefits the more people will apply.
Some things to consider – becoming a QuickBooks Pro Advisor. You can check it out at www.quickbooks.com.
Also, if you are interested in tax accounting, H & R Block offers classes each fall and they do hire for tax season. Either of these would look great on a resume.
For more bookkeeping skills try the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers at www.aipb.com. They have GREAT books and you can become a certified bookkeeper.
Another course that would be good to take at your local community college would be Payroll Tax. That way you would have a good understanding of payroll and paying payroll taxes.
Be sure to check with your school. Most community colleges have a jobs board and can refer you to companies that are hiring. Also, see if they might have co-op jobs available. When I was in college I worked for a company adding up columbs in their general ledgers (back before Windows). I didn’t get paid, but I got experience.
Good luck!