Ninety-one percent of chief financial officers say previous work experience for entry-level accounting and finance professionals is important to gaining employment, according to a new survey by Accountemps, a specialized staffing agency for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals.

When respondents were asked how important work experience is for entry-level accounting and finance professionals, 26 percent said very important, 65 percent said somewhat important, 6 percent said somewhat unimportant and 3 percent said not at all important. 

"It's the age-old catch-22 – it's hard to land a job without experience or gain experience without a job," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. "One advantage for students is the availability of internships and temporary work in their fields, which can provide a taste of the working world, help them build their resumes and expand their networks."