Harvard ManageMentor — CAREER MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Informational Interviewing WorksheetUse this form to help you prepare for an informational interview.

ObjectivesWhat do you really want to get out of this interview? What would make it successful for you?

MarketplaceWhat are your projections for this type of work or industry? Is it stable, growing, declining?

The accounting industry is growing. Right now the industry is projecting that there will be a shortage of accountants to fillopen positions – partly because companies are ramping up as the economy is rebounding and partly because fewer collegegraduates are choosing accounting degrees.

What are the key trends or issues? New developments? Key challenges?

New laws and regulations continue to change methods of accounting and tax regulations. Accountants must keep on top ofall the changes to keep up with current practices. The profession is also evolving into more consulting – advisory roles ratherthan simply providing traditional reports.

What and where are the opportunities?

The most common path for accounting graduates is to work for one of the Big Four accounting firms. These firms are in largercities and service the largest public companies. This gives new accountants opportunities to be mentored by the best accountantsand to be exposed to the most complex accounting issues. Most new accountants only stay with the Big Four for a few yearsbefore they jump into jobs with clients they worked with, smaller accounting firms where they have a greater opportunity tobecome partners, take government positions, or go into business for themselves.

What are typical salaries in this type of job, entry-level to experienced? What are the opportunities for career growth?

I am just guessing – entry level from $38,000 to $55,000 per year. Experienced can be from $60,000 to $150,000.The accounting industry has a lot of opportunity for growth. As I alluded to a little in the last question, there are a lotof different paths an accountant can take and many opportunities to specialize, but all of them have pretty good potentialfor growth as the individual gains more expertise in their areas.

Entry into PositionWhen and how did you get involved in this work?

I graduated from BYU in 1995 with by Bachelor’s in accounting. My first job was with Van Orden and Associates in Blackfoot.I learned how to do monthly accounting, compilations, reviews, audits, and taxes for individuals, partnerships, and corporations.I was there for 5 years before moving into industry and becoming a Controller.

What was your training and background? Is this typical for people in your position and in similar positions?

My only training and background in accounting came from college. I think this is fairly typical for others in my position.

How important are specific credentials for entry or success?

Most companies and the Big Four will hire candidates straight from college. Now most states require a Masters Degree tobe eligible to sit for the CPA exam. To succeed, you will need to pass the CPA exam, and depending on your path may need aCMA or CIA designation also.

Job SpecificsWhat’s a typical day like for you or someone in a similar position?

I try not to have typical days. I oversee all of the billings we send to customers, review the job costing on all the jobs, overseethe accounts payable and accounts receivable. I bid jobs and meet with customers, meet with insurance agents for liability, auto,workers comp., etc. I prepare monthly financial statements and prepare all of the payroll checks and payroll reports. I workwith suppliers on pricing.

What do you like most about your work?

I like finding ways to make our jobs more profitable and interacting with our customers.

What do you like least?

Any of the work that is repetitive or the same each time.

What talents or skills do you think are the most crucial to success in this work?

You need to be able to focus on details and be able to analyze trends and financial reports. Good communication and the abilityto be self-motivated are important also.

What attitudes or values are important?

Ethics are very important in all aspects of accounting, and the industry has focused more on this in recent years. Honesty andloyalty are important.

Who doesn’t do well in this type of work?

I hear people tell me regularly that they could never sit behind a desk all day. I suppose whatever type that is wouldn’t do wellin an accounting position.