UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE FALL ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT (For Articling Positions) 2013 STUDENT GUIDE

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Pages 5-7 Page 8 Page 9 A Message from Career & Co-op Services U of L Contact Information Accounting Recruitment information Sessions & Events CES On Campus Recruiting Procedures for Articling Students An important Note to U of L Edmonton Students Accounting Recruiting Process for Management Co-op Students

3 MESSAGE FROM CAREER AND CO-OP SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE Career & Co-op Services is excited to bring to you the University of Lethbridge Online Student Recruitment Guide. The information will guide your through the intense Fall recruitment of new grads, co-op and summer students for articling positions in Approved Training Offices and entrance to the CPA Professional Education Program. Each year in September and October, approved training offices will submit postings for articling positions, screen applicants, interview and make offers for jobs that will begin in the next year. Imagine the feeling of securing a full time New Grad, Summer or Co-op position by December! The challenge of Fall accounting recruitment is that it begins almost immediately when you return to campus. This year, the postings go live on September 3rd with deadlines on the 19th. You will need to have your resumes and cover letters ready to go, order transcripts and start preparing to meet employers. The Regional Meet the Approved Training Office events in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton invite students from all institutions to participate. In addition to the trade show booths, you will have the opportunity to attend information sessions by firms on the day. This will be the first time sessions are offered during the Lethbridge event, and will eliminate the many evening information sessions held by firms in the past. The sessions are significant opportunities to interact with company representatives and make comparisons between firms so SAVE THE DATES on your calendar!! As you go through the recruitment process, you re also taking classes, completing assignments and exams - the pressure can be overwhelming!! The Online Student Recruitment Guide is a tool to help you understand Accounting recruitment and to take the panic out of the process by helping you to get organized. Ultimately, its goal is to facilitate your success in securing a position with a training office. Under the umbrella of Career & Co-op Services, both Career & Employment Services and the Management Co-op Program are small units committed to helping current U of L students explore careers and succeed in making a transition to the workforce. CES also continues to provide services to graduates. We welcome enquiries from all students across the three University of Lethbridge campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton. Use this Guide as a key resource for Accounting recruitment but don t hesitate to contact us if you have questions regarding the process or your own job search strategies. Best wishes to all of you during this exciting time. Employers are as anxious to recruit you, as you are anxious to reach your goal to be a professional accountant. Best regards, Pat Tanaka, Director Career & Employment Services Steve Craig, Director Management Co-op Program Page 2

4 UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE CONTACTS CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CES) Website: Student Inquiries: Graduates Inquiries: Tel: (403) CES Team: Pat Tanaka, Director: (403) , Megan Kienzle, Program Assistant: Career & Employment Advisor (to be announced) FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT CO-OP PROGRAM Website: Student inquiries: Tel: (403) Management Co-op Team: Steve Craig, Director: Andrea Spackman, Coordinator: Field Advisor Calgary (to be announced) Susan Price, Program Assistant: ACCOUNTING CLUBS U of L Edmonton Campus, Accounting Club: Maisam Darabi, President and ICAA Campus Rep maisam.darabi@uleth.ca U of L Calgary Campus, Accounting Club: Abraham Rahim, VP Finance contact@ulethaccountingclub.com U of L Lethbridge Campus, Accounting Club: Janelle Dobing, President janelle.dobing@uleth.ca. Page 3

5 ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT EVENTS & INFORMATION SESSIONS ALL students are welcome to attend information sessions and events MEET THE APPROVED TRAINING OFFICE EVENTS (Recruitment for Articling Positions) A career fair for students entering the CPA Professional Education Program in Alberta. The Institute of Chartered Accountants will again coordinate regional events to be open to students from all institutions at no cost. Held across the province, each of the Meet the Approved Training Office events is an excellent opportunity to meet firms who are actively recruiting for new grad, co-op or summer opportunities. Similar to a career fair, approved training offices will host booths and information sessions to provide students with information about their organizations. Firm representatives may include Partners, Line Managers, Articling Students and HR representatives. PREPARING TO ATTEND: To put your best foot forward, dress professionally and think about what you want to communicate to recruiters. If available, attend a networking workshop or conduct some online research to ensure you make the most of the opportunity. You can bring a resume but you will want to target your cover letter for applications after the event. Prepare questions you would like to ask the recruiters what information do you need? What s important to you when making a decision about the right fit? Here are the 2013 Alberta event dates: Friday, September 6 - Edmonton and area Northlands Expo Centre, Avenue NW 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Edmonton breakout schedule Edmonton employers attending Wednesday, September 11 - Lethbridge and area Students Union Ballroom A & B, University of Lethbridge 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Lethbridge breakout schedule Lethbridge employers attending Friday, September 13 - Calgary and area BMO Centre, 1410 Olympic Way SE 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Calgary breakout schedule Calgary employers attending LETHBRIDGE CAMPUS: Although Accounting firms will be hosting their sessions during the Meet the Approved Training office events, other companies may hold information sessions aimed at recruiting accounting students. Nexen and Cenovus are already scheduled to host sessions in September Check our website for a schedule of events. EDMONTON CAMPUS: By invitation of the U of A Business Career Services, U of L Edmonton students are welcomed to attend their employer information sessions. You are asked to identify yourself and your school to firm representatives. (See the section for Edmonton students for specific information on accessing U of A BCS events pg 8). OTHER SESSIONS On request, CES will arrange sessions for employers on the Calgary and Edmonton campuses. As well, some companies may conduct activities off campus that are open to students from all schools. We will strive to let you know of those events as we become aware of them. CHECK THE CES WEBSITE REGULARLY FOR CURRENT INFO AND NEW EVENTS!! Page 4

6 CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT (OCR) PROCEDURES for Accounting Students OCR is the process by which employers recruit students for full-time and summer (non-coop) positions that start in the future. CES may facilitate their recruitment by posting positions, collecting resumes, booking interview rooms, scheduling interviews and arranging information sessions at the employers requests. If you are a registered accounting Co-op student follow the Co-op recruitment procedures Follow our OCR Steps for Success and you will be better prepared to understand and coordinate YOUR SEARCH! Be informed, stay organized, and put your best self forward! Step 1. LEARN ABOUT THE ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT (OCR) PROCESS Attend a CES Accounting Recruitment Workshop in September. Check on our website for scheduled times and locations on all campuses. If you are unable to attend a workshop in person, we encourage you to read the following information carefully and contact us if you have questions. ( ces.students@uleth.ca) Step 2. REGISTER WITH CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CES) Sign-up on our Accounting Recruitment Contact list online: This information will be used only to contact you regarding opportunities, OCR, interviews and other job search or career activities. Step 3. VIEW JOB POSTINGS FOR ARTICLING POSITIONS - STARTING SEP 3, 2013 View the most up-to-date OCR postings by going to the CES online job board and search for accounting Review the Approved Training Office Profiles in this guide, all are actively recruiting articling students scroll down for the list of Training office profiles. Check the Employment Opportunities for Articling students on the ICAA website. CAREFULLY read and follow all instructions found on the job postings regarding application processes. Firms have different requirements and application procedures. Step 4. ATTEND CAREER EVENTS AND INFORMATION SESSIONS Articling Students: attend the Meet the Approved Training Offices events and attend concurrent information sessions by accounting firms Interested in Industry positions? Other companies may hold information sessions aimed at recruiting accounting students. (e.g. oil & gas companies, government departments). Attend Career Fair 2013 September 27th as 100 companies from many sectors will be attending. Check our website for a schedule of events. Page 5

7 Step 5. ORDER TRANSCRIPTS & BE PREPARED WHEN FIRMS REQUEST THEM Most firms request a copy of your transcripts as part of your application. To order transcripts go to: Need Transcripts Immediately? You can print or attach an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript off The Bridge. Just let the employer know, you will provide them with an official copy later. Step 6. DEVELOP A TARGETED RESUME & COVER LETTER Need Help? - Sign up for a resume/cover letter and interview workshop online at Not on the Lethbridge campus? We can arrange to help you over or by phone. Step 7. SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATE AND TIME SEP 19th All postings for articling positions close on Thursday, September 19 th. It is at the discretion of each training office as to what time the posting will close on this day It is YOUR responsibility to ensure all requested information and documents are submitted to the employer by the application deadline, in the proper format, and to the specified location/office. So, CAREFULLY follow the specific instructions provided on each job posting. IMPORTANT NOTE: In your application please indicate your CURRENT LOCATION so we (as well as the employers) are aware when scheduling interviews. STEP 8. BE READY FOR THE JOB INTERVIEWS IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED BY FIRMS If you are shortlisted you will be contacted either by the employer or by CES. If CES is setting the interview schedule we will you to schedule a time. Please note that we will use your uleth address so don t forget to check it during this timeframe. If you are not in Lethbridge we will do what we can to make arrangements with the employer to have you interviewed in Calgary or Edmonton. On campus interviews for OCR will begin on September 30th. If you have been selected for an interview, respond quickly and request a time that works around your schedule. Firms may contact you any time after the application deadline to schedule interviews on site at their offices. It is your responsibility to check your and telephone answering machines often, as employers may attempt to contact you these ways to arrange interviews. Ensure your messages are professional. Be sure to record the date, time, and location of the interview, and arrive EARLY. Be prepared to communicate your strengths to employers with confidence. Sign up to attend a CES Interview Workshop or check out our interview tips at: For statistical purposes, the CES office/staff would be grateful if you would keep us informed of your interviews and offers that are made. DECLINING OR WITHDRAWING FROM INTERVIEWS Withdrawing from or declining interviews should only be done under extenuating circumstances and as early as possible. This will allow time to adjust schedules and perhaps even provide other applicants an opportunity to interview. If you must cancel an interview, contact CES as soon as possible and we will notify the employer. Page 6

8 IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT DATES FOR 2013 The Accounting Recruitment Calendar outlines specific dates to guide approved training offices as they recruit articling students for new grad, summer and Co-op opportunities. It is to your advantage to meet with all interested firms to ensure you are fully aware of your opportunities and can freely choose the firm that is the best fit for you your values, lifestyle and work goals. IMPORTANT! Read the following information carefully to ensure you are well informed. Sep 3- Oct15 at 8am MDT KEY DATES RECRUITMENT SEASON BEGINS BLACKOUT PERIOD NO offers to be extended during this time. September 3 September 6 Job Postings go live (Post by August 20 th to go live on Sep 4 th ) New Grad, Summer and Co- op positions Edmonton Meet the Approved Training Office event Northlands Expo Centre (Booths & Sessions) Pg 8 September11 September 13 September 19 September 27 September 30 October 15 at 8am MDT Late October Lethbridge Meet the Approved Training Office event Students Union Bldg, University of Lethbridge (Booths & Sessions) NEW! Information sessions on event day only. Calgary Meet the Approved Training Office event BMO Centre (Booths & Sessions) Application Deadline (for all training positions) All job postings must close Career Fair 2013, Lethbridge campus First Interviews can begin on University of Lethbridge campuses Please note: Firms may contact you directly any time after the application deadline to arrange interviews on- site at their offices. Firms can extend offers on or after 8am MDT Acceptance deadlines are at the discretion of the firm, however, students should be allowed a minimum of 3 business days to accept or decline If you accept an offer, please inform CES at ces.students@uleth.ca Candidates who have not received an offer should notify CES, as firms still seeking applicants may contact the office Page 7

9 AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO U of L EDMONTON STUDENTS For the past five years, the University of Alberta s Business Career Services (BCS) has invited University of Lethbridge students to participate in their Employer Information Sessions and to submit applications through their offices during accounting recruitment. Career & Employment Services is grateful for their willingness to provide this opportunity to our Edmonton students. Please be aware that when attending events at the U of A you are a guest of BCS. As a representative of the University of Lethbridge and for your benefit, a professional and respectful approach to the office, staff and employers will make a positive and lasting impression of you as a candidate. In all your dealings with Business Career Services (BCS) ensure you consistently self-identify as being from the U of L both to employers and to BCS office staff. See specific procedures below. RE: EMPLOYER INFO SESSIONS The U of A Business Career Services (BCS) office invites U of L students to attend information sessions at the U of A. Regularly check the BCS Calendar of Events for current events: BCS PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION SESSIONS Please follow the RSVP instructions on the BCS calendar of events and be sure to consistently self-identify as being from the U of L both to the employers and to BCS staff. Make sure you also clearly identify yourself in any s to BCS when RSVPing or making inquiries. If nametags are provided at the events, please note U of L below your name. RE: APPLICATIONS Submit your applications as instructed directly to employers or through CES whenever possible. But, if Edmonton employers direct you to apply through the U of A, Business Career Services will accept your applications through their office. BCS requests you follow their application procedures. BCS PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS If the employer wants applications gathered in our BCS office, there are drop-off boxes and a checklist at our front counter to help students ensure their materials get to the right firm. Or ask our front counter staff we are glad to help. When submitting applications to the BCS office please staple all materials and submit to the drop-off box indicated on the posting. Do not submit materials in envelopes or folders! The drop-off boxes are located across from the elevators on the second floor of the Business building and inside the Business Career Services office (BUS 2-21). Business Career Services: 2-21 Business Building University of Alberta; (tel) Page 8

10 ACCOUNTING RECRUITING PROCESS FOR MANAGEMENT CO-OP STUDENTS Phone: Web: COOP APPLICATION: Apply to the co-op program at preferably before Sept. 10, ATTEND MEET THE Sept. 6 - Edmonton, Northland Expo Centre APPROVED TRAINING Sept Lethbridge, U of L SU Ballroom OFFICE EVENTS Sept Calgary, BMO Centre More info: 3. WORKSHOP: Find out how to market yourself on paper and in person at a Co-op Workshop. 4. INTAKE APPOINTMENT: Tailor your resume to the jobs to which you will be applying with one-onone help from a Co-op Coordinator. 5. JOB BOARD: Browse the online co-op job board. All Articling co-op positions go live Sept. 3, RESEARCH: Research the firms to which you will be applying. 7. APPLY TO JOBS: Submit Articling applications through the Co-op Office by the posting deadlines of Sept. 19, MOCK INTERVIEW: Sign up for interview practice online by Sept. 23, 2013 at 9. ARTICLING INTERVIEWS: You may be contacted for an interview during the blackout period of Sept 3 Oct 14, the co-op office at coop.assist@uleth.ca to let us know the date and time of your interview. If you would like more preparation for your interview, please make an appointment with a Co-op Coordinator. 10. ARTICLING JOB OFFERS: Offers may be extended after 8:00 am on Oct 15, the co-op office at coop.assist@uleth.ca to let them know which offer you have accepted. If you decline an offer, please contact that firm letting them know you will not be joining them. Acceptance deadlines are at the discretion of the firm; however, you should be given at least three (3) business days to accept/decline the offer.. Page 9