Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success in Accounting

When it comes to launching a successful career in accounting, there’s a lot more to it than crunching numbers. From finding the right mentors and building a network to navigating the intense demands of public accounting, job seekers need to be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. In this Q&A, we talk with Nicholas Sneller, CPA , a financial analyst who started his career in public accounting. Whether you're looking for tips on securing your CPA, navigating job interviews, or simply standing out as an accountant, Nick’s perspective offers actionable takeaways for anyone entering the profession.

What advice would you give to undergraduates considering the field?

Find mentors. Having someone who’s a few years ahead of you to guide you is invaluable. They’ve already navigated the challenges you’re about to face and can provide insights on everything from internships to networking.

Also, networking is crucial. Early on, focus on learning rather than pay. Take any accounting-adjacent internship because you never know how that might help you down the road. In my case, I worked as a purchasing intern after my sophomore year at a manufacturing company, and when I interviewed for my internship at Elliott Davis, the partner who interviewed me specifically mentioned that she loved that I had manufacturing experience. So that (what I thought was random) purchasing internship actually helped me land the internship at Elliott Davis.

The other key thing is to think ahead about the CPA. If you know you’re going to pursue it, plan out how to meet the requirements early so you’re not scrambling later. It makes the transition into your career much smoother.

How did you transition out of public accounting, and would you recommend starting there?

I spent almost four years at Elliott Davis, starting with an internship and later joining full-time after graduation. Public accounting is an incredible learning experience—I’ve heard it compared to getting a mini-MBA because of how much you learn in a short time. During that period, you develop a solid foundation in accounting, learn about business operations, and get exposure to a wide range of industries, especially if you're working in audit. However, the busy seasons can be intense, and over time, I realized I wanted more work-life balance. Public accounting teaches you a lot, but it’s tough to maintain balance, and I knew I needed that for the next phase of my career.

Would I recommend public accounting to others? Absolutely. It’s the best place to start because you learn so much in a short time, and it opens doors for your career. But it’s also okay to recognize when it’s time to make a shift.

What should accountants look for in company culture and leadership when considering a role?

When I was at Elliott Davis, one of the things that stood out to me during my internship was how approachable and caring the leadership was. Partners would stop by and ask how we were doing, not just about work, but about life in general. That kind of leadership makes a big difference in creating a positive work environment. You want to look for leaders who care about you as a person, not just about the work you’re doing.

At MFG Chemical, the emphasis on work-life balance was clear from the beginning. My boss leads by example—he has an active life outside of work, and he encourages everyone else to do the same. It’s important to find a company where leadership models the kind of balance you’re looking for. If you’re interviewing for a role, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the company’s culture, how they handle busy periods, and what their leadership values are. You’ll spend a lot of time at work, so make sure it’s an environment where you feel supported and where your well-being matters.

What makes top-performing accountants stand out?

Critical thinking and problem-solving. In my experience, the best associates and interns were the ones who didn’t just follow instructions blindly but tried to understand the purpose behind the task. When they encountered a problem, they’d say, "I tried this and that, but it didn’t work. Can you help me figure out what I’m missing?" That kind of initiative shows that they’re not just doing the job, but they’re thinking about the why behind it. It’s a huge asset in accounting because you’re often dealing with complex issues, and the ability to think through those problems critically is essential.

Another thing that makes great accountants stand out is their eagerness to learn. Asking questions is a big part of that. In accounting, especially in your first couple of years, you should never be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. When you’re new, there’s no such thing as a dumb question because you’re still learning how things work in practice, which is different from what you learned in school. The key is to ask questions thoughtfully and show that you’re making an effort to understand, so you’re not coming back with the same question over and over again.

Do you have any tips for accounting job seekers going into interviews?

Be prepared to talk about teamwork. In one of my interviews, the interviewer kept pushing me to explain how I got a position on the student government in college. I talked about how I campaigned and put up posters, but he kept asking, "Yeah, but how did you really get there?" Finally, I mentioned that I had help from friends, and that was the point he was getting at—that I understood the value of working with a team. Employers want to see that you’re a team player, so be ready to share examples of times when you collaborated with others, whether it’s from sports, student government, internships, or previous jobs.

Another tip is to research the company before the interview. Go beyond just knowing what they do—look at their insights or news section to see what trends they’re involved in. For example, when I interviewed at MFG Chemical, I saw that they had won a sustainability award, which I knew was a hot topic in accounting. I brought that up during the interview, and it showed that I’d done my homework. Not only does this demonstrate that you care about the role, but it also helps you stand out by showing your genuine interest in the company’s work.

Lastly, if you're preparing for a career in accounting, stay up to date with industry trends. Visit accounting firms' websites, sign up for newsletters, and read about current topics like ESG reporting or new regulations. This helps you bring relevant talking points to interviews, showing that you're invested in staying current with the field.

Thank you so much for sharing, Nick!