Online Business Accounting

What is the best way to start a career in Accounting?

I am a sales guy for last 7 years and want to move on to accounting. I plan to take MBA in accounting or finance. But my question is how to find an accounting job before i start my MBA so that i can get a feel of the profession.

Public Comments

1. Typically people start out as an accounting clerk or lesser accounting jobs like in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or Billing. I doubt you want to move from sales to there though. I do know that some people have transitioned from sales to doing financial analysis. Perhaps that is a start.
2. well..i'm not sure if this helps..but oddly enough i'm starting a FREE accounting course tomorrow with H&R block...(have to pay 99 dollars for the workbook, but the course is usually more) supposedly they help with placement and stuff afterwards if you are interested in getting your foot in the door...maybe there is a course near you? they start soon..day and evening classes...11 weeks twice a week..good luck!~
3. Simple; take an entry level job with a company either in the Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable department. Once you get a good six months experience under your belt, then you can branch out and get a position as an entry level bookkeeper and off you go! Good luck!
4. Best wishes to you in your new endeavor. The best way to get exposure to the accounting profession is to work for an accounting firm, however, they typically require an accounting degree. As others have suggested, it would good to find an entry level position in accounts payable or accounts receivable as a clerk. I would get familiar with using a 10 key and try to take a course in Quick books or another popular software program. For these jobs they typically require basic knowledge of a software package. Also consider working for a professional services firm such as Resources Global(http://www.resourcesglobal.com/us/index.html) as a business development manager. You can use your sales skills while also getting some exposure to accounting opportunities and accounting professionals. Hope that helps.