CFO: Experience The Key To Breaking Into Finance

College-level accounting students should get that first work experience under their belts before graduation, say chief financial officers. In a recent Accountemps survey, 93% of CFO's say it's important for entry level accountants to have gained experience in the field prior to graduation. Fifty-five percent say that work experience is "very important," while 38% say it's "somewhat important." "While years ago a college degree was sufficient to obtain a first job after graduation, organizations today favor entry-level accountants capable of making an immediate impact in a business environment," says Accountemps Chairman Max Messmer. Accounting students can gain on-the-job training and skills development through internships and temporary work assignments, he says. Accountemps is a temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals.