Employers
Private equity firms are headquartered throughout the United States, but many are found in large cities such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston. Accountants and auditors also are employed by portfolio companies of private equity firms and public accounting firms that provide contracted services to PE firms. The four largest public accounting firms are Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC. Staffing levels vary greatly based on the amount of assets under management by the private equity firm.
Starting Out
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants Web site (https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/career-options) is a good starting point for aspiring accountants and auditors. It offers information on career paths, job-search strategies, writing effective resumes and cover letters, and acing job interviews.
The private equity industry is relatively small, and it can be difficult for a new accounting graduate to land a job. An alternative approach is to seek out employment at a public accounting firm (such as EY, Deloitte, and PwC) that provides services to private equity firms. Check out the Web sites of these firms to learn more about job opportunities. Many public accounting firms also interview college seniors on campus about potential job openings. Your college’s career services counselors can provide you with more information on corporate recruiting schedules, as well as help you hone your resume and interviewing skills.
- Investment Underwriters
- Private Equity Business Development Directors
- Private Equity Chief Dealmakers
- Private Equity Compliance Professionals
- Private Equity Financial Managers
- Private Equity Investor Relations Specialists
- Private Equity Lawyers
- Private Equity Marketing Specialists
- Private Equity Research Analysts and Associates
- Private Equity Risk Managers