Back to the mailbag:
I am 40 years old and have 18 months left in school until I get my MS of Accounting. I am attending an open house for one the firms on your Top 25 Accounting Firms list at the end of the month. This is my first time attending one of these. What do I wear?
Thanks. P.S. Are accountants ever allowed to show tattoos?
I always love these questions. Female readers asking for advice on their professional dress from me. Now, I did grow up surrounded by women (Mother and Sister), but I’m no expert in female clothes.
That being said, I do have some basic opinions that I’ve developed since being in the profession for a few years.
By saying “Open House”, I’m assuming you mean the accounting firm is opening it’s doors and letting students see what it’s like in the office of a real public accounting firm!
The first time I ever went to an accounting firm office was Warren Averett. A few months ago I had them on The Bean Counter podcast for a MUST listen talk over exactly what they look for in accounting candidates.
I remember thinking, “I don’t want to work in public accounting, I never want to work for the government”.
I had A LOT to learn. Public accounting is nothing about the government!
But to answer your question, I would probably go with business casual. If it was a career fair or interview, I would say business professional.
Here’s a basic definition of business casual and professional for accounting events (Women only):
Business Casual
- Pants or skirt
- Blouse and or a cardigan
- Typically heels or nice flats
- Minimal classy jewelry
- Clean and groomed hair, usually pulled back for first meetings
Business Professional
- Full Pant or skirt suit
- Blouse
- Heels
- Minimal classy jewelry
- Clean and groomed hair, usually pulled back for first meetings
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for accounting events:
Career Fair – Business Professional
Mock Interview – Business Professional
Weekly Beta Alpha Psi Chapter Meeting – Business Casual
Happy Hour – Business Casual
Social – Business Casual
Campus Interview – Business Professional
Office Visit (interview at firm offices) – Business Professional
Summer Leadership Conference – Business Casual
CPA Exam – Sweatpants!
If you are just about to enter this accounting career you will probably wonder at one time or another, what are the basic clothes I need?
Here is an excerpt of a total resource for women where I spent an hour with Fadwa Hilili going through every type of womens clothing and how it should look on you. You can find that as part of the course: Get Hired By Big 4 Accounting Firms.
But for now, here’s an excerpt that should help you if you are just getting started as a woman:
What 7 Things To Buy Today
- An interview suit – at least one pencil skirt in a basic color like black or gray
- 5-10 nice tops in flattering colors to wear beneath suits or on top of trousers
- A neutral sheath dress in a flattering shape
- Button down shirts in white, French blue, or light pink
- Another cardigan, possibly in black or white
- Good pair of black heels that are comfortable
- 2-3 pairs of nice trousers (not too tight, not too lose; they can be as simple as Gap or Old Navy as long as they fit well)
What Not To Wear
- Sandals of any kind; peep toe shoes are also often questionable at the most conservative offices
- Tall boots (even knee-high used to be questionable, but over-the-knee styles are definitely questionable)
- Anything that is overly noisy in the hallways (flip-flops are the primary offender here, but other things qualify also — corduroy pants, for example)
- Denim or items cut like denim (e.g., 5 pockets) — cords, khakis, etc.
- Lace or sheer clothing
- Sleeveless tops or dresses (worn without a cardigan or blazer on top)
- Any item that can be worn to the gym (sneakers, yoga pants, terry cloth wristbands, large shapeless t-shirts)
- Anything too short, tight, or low-cut
- Flip-flops (whether they’re plastic or leather, rethink)
In regards to your second question, on the tattoo…. I only know one prominent member of the accounting industry that flaunts their tattoo and that’s Adrienne Gonzalez. In fact, she even shared the tattoo right here on The Bean Counter! And, she’s not even an accountant but an honorary member of the industry.
For you, I’d cover it up for the interview process. I’d rather keep the focus on other things: your resume and personality.
You want to be dressed and appear appropriate, so people can focus on YOU! A tattoo, major hairstyle/color, and excessive jewelry and perfume just distract from what’s actually important. Are you making a connection with every person you meet at the company? Are you asking tons of questions and showing genuine curiosity and enthusiasm?
Focus on that, and you’ll be hired in no time!