When you think of an accountant, what comes to mind? If images of solitary figures hunched over spreadsheets in dimly lit offices pop into your head, you’re not alone.
We ran a report of some of the most frequently searched questions on Google about the accounting profession. In this blog, we’ll be answering three of these questions to help prospective accountants make an informed choice about their career path.
Is accounting a lonely job?
The myth that accountants lead a solitary, isolated work life is often not the case, especially when working for public accounting firms. Accountants are often integral parts of teams and organizations, collaborating with colleagues and clients on a daily basis.
While there are moments when an accountant may need some focused time to work through calculations or financial statements, most of their job involves interaction with others. They meet with clients to discuss financial strategies, consult with colleagues on tax planning, and liaise with regulatory authorities when necessary.
Plus, the accounting profession offers various career paths, some of which involve extensive client-facing roles. For example, audit and advisory accountants regularly engage with clients to assess their financial records, internal controls, and risk management practices. These roles are far from lonely and involve extensive interpersonal interactions.
Accountants also engage in continuous learning to stay updated with ever-changing tax laws, accounting standards, and technology trends. This often involves attending seminars, workshops, and conferences where they network and build professional relationships with peers in the industry.
Do accountants sit at a desk all day?
Another misconception about accountants is that they spend their entire workday confined to a desk. While desk work is certainly a part of the job, it’s only one aspect.
Accounting encompasses a wide range of activities beyond desk-bound tasks. Accountants often perform field work visit clients’ offices to review financial records, conduct audits, or provide on-site consultations. This field work allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the client’s operations and financial practices.
Furthermore, the advancement of technology has revolutionized the profession. Accountants now use sophisticated accounting software, data analytics tools, and cloud-based systems, enabling them to work remotely, collaborate with clients online, and access information from virtually anywhere.
What kind of people should do accounting?
It’s a common belief that accountants are introverts, preferring numbers over people. While some accountants may indeed fit this stereotype, the profession is far more diverse in terms of personality types than you might think.
Accounting is about more than just crunching numbers. It’s about solving complex financial puzzles, offering strategic financial advice, and helping businesses make informed decisions. This requires a wide range of skills, including attention to detail, analytical thinking, and excellent communication. In fact, being a “people person” can be a significant asset in the accounting world.
Accountants often work closely with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Effective communication is key to understanding their financial goals and providing them with tailored solutions. So, if you’re a good listener, can explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, and enjoy collaborating with others, accounting could be a great fit for you.
Want to be a people-person accountant?
RHN is proud to be a team of highly skilled accountants, bookkeepers and administrators who love helping others and solving problems. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.