[COMMUNICATED] In anticipation of their upcoming accounting course, PCS spoke to Mordechai Sidell, an alumnus from 2011.
Q: Can you tell us about your current position? How did the PCS accounting course prepare you.
A: It was amazing; I learned everything that I needed to know in such a short period of time. I am working alongside coworkers that were in school for five years and spent over $100,000 on their education—and it all gets us to the same place. Initially, I thought that I’d be behind the others that went to school for five years. I quickly leaned, however, that I was up to speed.
I am a senior auditor at Ernst and Young- one of the big four accounting firms. We audit companies in various industries; currently we are working with banking and pharmaceutical companies.
Q: Can you tell us about the current job market? How did PCS help you find your first job?
A: Finding your fist job can be tough; at times you may need a connection. PCS helped me get an internship which was very helpful in building my resume; afterward I did my own networking.
PCS also assists their students with resume preparation and mock interviews. They taught us about the recruiting process- how and exactly when to submit our resumes. They encouraged us to network and accept internship positions. Of my classmates who actively pursued jobs in public accounting, all were successful in finding employment.
Once you have a bit of experience, the world is open to you. After working for about a year, a day doesn’t go by in which a recruiter does not contact me about potential positions.
For who would recommend the field of accounting?
Some people mistakenly assume that one must be good at math in order to be an accountant. That is not necessarily true. These days, the computer programs take care of the heavy math. Accountants must have an excellent grasp of accounting concepts. They must understand how the money flows through a business.
I would recommend this field for someone with good interpersonal skills. The accountant is no longer the shy guy in the corner. Today, accountants are expected to meet with businesses and relate to their clients.
Good writing skills are also important in order to communicate properly (though, they can be picked up). An accountant should also have good organizational skills.
In general, accounting is a very structured field; you know that your career is pretty set. Accounting is an excellent choice for someone who wants to attain a valuable skill that can bring about the menuchas hanefesh of a steady pay check for many years to come.
Accounting is a very stable field. The regulatory environment is only increasing so the need for accountants is growing.
PCS is launching the next cohort of its acclaimed M.S. in accounting program, in conjunction with FDU. 94 % of the graduates are currently working in the field. The open house will take place on tomorrow evening, May 10 at 7:30 PM at PCS. For more information contact 732-905-9700 x 665
http://www.pcsnynj.org/event/ms-accounting-open-house-lakewood-tuesday-may-10-730-pm/