Why Accounting is Anything but Boring
It’s rather unfortunate, but our nation’s accountants and their profession has something of a reputation for being extremely dull. Accounting and financial services are undeniably important in our lives and in our society, and yet we always feel such dread at talking to them or having to deal with them. People even actively say they want to steer clear of the profession because it’s so boring.
Here are some of the best reasons why accounting and finance professionals are anything but boring.
1. They Play a Key Role in Virtually All Businesses
There are almost no businesses that can get by without either an in-house accountant or an outside accounting service of some sort. Accountants are needed across all industries and sectors — and even accounting firms need in-house accountants, believe it or not! Their major roles in the operation of many businesses also tends to be very well compensated.
Furthermore, the way that business works in society, ignoring the accounting side of things can mean a fast track to serious problems with the government and the law. It’s quite hard therefore to describe what accountants do as “boring.”
2. They Help People Get Their Financial Affairs Back in Order
Finance-related difficulties can be some of the hardest to get over, and also some of the most damaging, family-destroying and self-ruinous problems we ever face. In the previous section we touched on how ignoring the accounting and financial side of life can lead to serious problems with both the government and the law. There can be fines, penalties, and even jail time involved if those things are properly dealt with.
Accountants help us stay on the right side of the minefield of financial, tax and other related regulation and law. In doing so, they get our affairs in order and essentially get our lives back on track. With their help, we can move from financial ruin to financial freedom.
3. You Have Terrific Career Scope
There are so many directions you can go. We already mentioned further above that a career in accounting can mean a great salary and whatnot, but there’s more to it than that. Many think of accountants as white-collar drones just working for big corporations. In fact, those with accounting skills will find themselves welcome within charities, NGOs, schools, hospitals and many places where they can feel more useful or productive for society, if that’s what they want.
Those with a more conventional sense of career ambition can chase high salaries, executive positions, leadership jobs and more. Accounting can take you into many different fields, and introduce you to many influential and exciting people. Along with lawyers, the rich, powerful and influential depend on their accountants the most!
4. Accountants Aren’t Just Functionaries, They’re a Sought-After Authority
Far from being a drone sitting in a cubicle looking at balance sheets, accountants have the chance to become a real authority in their chosen field. They can become indispensable advisors and consultants; the people others turn to when the chips are down and the lights might be just about to go out. They have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of complex matters that while they as accountants may take for granted, but that most others haven’t got a clue about.
5. Accounting is About Problem-Solving
Finally, being an accountant is about problem-solving, and that’s an extremely attractive proposition for many people. Some imagine an accounting job as just day after day of dreary bookkeeping activities and preparation of tax returns. Far from it, accountants often have to formulate complex and intricate plans to help companies deal with serious financial issues, or even help cities balance budgets, cut spending and get a community back on track. You can really work on some serious problems as an accountant.
