“How does an accountant make a bold fashion statement? He wears his grey suit instead of the blue.” We’ve all heard the jokes and can picture the stereotypical image of the accountant – the straight-laced pencil pusher clutching a leather briefcase tight to their chest. But maybe it’s time that we forgot these stereotypes. There’s a new accountant in town and he/she is fun and cool!
Let me convince you why. Despite any criticisms, accounting is crucial to the operations, financial stability and profitability of any business, giving the accountant a certain power in helping steer the company or business in the right direction. Further, with every business requiring accounting services there is a smorgasbord of different industries and companies that accountants can choose to work with. Still need to be persuaded? Here’s a few more reasons why accounting is no longer the boring profession it’s often flogged as:
Get involved with a fun company. If you’re good with numbers and have taken the accounting path but have another love or passion, then why not offer your accounting skills to a company involved in that field? As an accountant you have the ability and freedom to work for companies involved in all industries meaning you can choose one that appeals to your hobbies and interests. Love cars? Auto companies need accountants too!
Work for yourself and a range of clients. Accountancy work doesn’t have to mean strict office hours, suits and ties and tackling the corporate ladder. Accountancy is ideally suited to freelance work, meaning that as an accountant you can work for yourself and accrue a diverse range of clients. Variety is the spice of life, and by working for yourself and a range of clients you’ll constantly be involved with different people, different businesses and different areas.
Expand your services. Accounting doesn’t just have to involve number crunching. Because accounting requires a close analysis and understanding of a company’s operations, accountants are in a position where they can expand their services to include, for example, analysis and consulting work for their clients.
Accounting isn ‘t just about numbers – you need to have a firm knowledge of business, a feel for the tone of a company as well as the ability to communicate with all involved. Long gone are the days of the accountant who is desk-shackled, boring and a workaholic! If you’re convinced and interested in trying out an interesting career in accounting, then get the ball rolling by taking financial services courses, which will give you the freedom to pursue a role in financial services. If you don’t have time to commit to full time study, then take the course via distance education. Taken by correspondence or as an online courses you’ll have the freedom to study from home and on your own time. Prove the stereotypes wrong and throw some colour into accountancy today!