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Public Accountant

Chantal Mosley

+What is a Public Accountant?

An accountant whose services are available to the public at large, in contrast to one employed on a full-time basis by a company. Breakdown: Audit, Tax and Advisory* (depending on the

firm)

Certified Public Accountant license in necessary before practice and especially before job promotion

Education Requirements Bachelors Degree (generally Accounting or Business Admin) Masters of Accounting Degree (usually a one-year program)

Includes preparation for CPA exam

+Practices of Accounting

Tax – use of specific accounting practices to minimize a company’s tax burden

Audit – a systematic and independent examination of data, statements, records, operations and performances of an enterprise for a stated purpose

+Who did I interview?

Catherine Morris, CPA

Recruiter for Dixon Hughes Goodman (Top 15 Accounting Firm)

Campus Recruiter for 7 years; Tax Accountant for 6 years

Manages the campus recruitment functions at colleges

Helps with the planning of orientation and getting new hires on board with the company

+What types of skills will help you succeed in this career?

Ability to communicate well (Both written & verbal)

Ability to present presentations in public

Ability to gain and balance different priorities

Ability to think through technical information and summarize

Ability to build and maintain relationships (client service business)

+What challenges and opportunities should you prepare for? Definitely a good job ($$$)

Opportunity to grow from being a doer to a learner

Challenge to transition as you climb up the career ladder

Opportunity to encourage and strengthen others

Challenge to depend on the constant assistance of your team

+What advice would you offer?

First – focus on classwork and keeping up your GPA

Hold leadership positions

Show that you can balance work, school and clubs

Don’t be afraid to get exposed to the profession to establish relationships

Be comfortable and learn to network!