Accounting Can Be Fun: Here’s Why

We’ve all heard it. A career in accounting is stable, but don’t expect any exciting fireworks. It’s the safe, but boring career.

Why is that? Perhaps the biggest reason is that you’re stuffed away in an office cubicle while your eyes scan spreadsheets and your brain crunches numbers and formulas. Some people can handle that kind of life, while others can’t stand it.

But what if I told you accounting can be fun? And that there are accounting jobs out there that are exciting?

It’s true. Here are some interesting ones:

• Small Business Owner

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you are a small business owner, and you’re probably thinking, there’s no way accounting can be fun. Enhancements in accounting software have made the art of accounting more enjoyable, and dare I say it, easier.

The folks at Xero know what you’re thinking:

“I would rather face root canal surgery with no anesthetic than do bank reconciliations.”

But with new software, such as Xero’s cloud-based solution, accounting can be wildly more interesting.

It allows you to watch cash flow live; check bank balances, invoices, bills and expenses at a glance and view all accounts from anywhere with an Internet connection.

If you’re not really into numbers, this may not be too interesting, but to always have a pulse on your business is a huge deal.

• Forensic Accountant

A forensic accountant assists police and investigators when it comes to white-collar crime. These kinds of accountants follow money trails in an effort to see if any corruption has taken place, and if so, where it leads. Work can result in criminal charges to bad guys, and potentially you appearing in court to testify.

It’s not like an episode of CSI, but a forensic accountant can still have a very exciting career.

• Comptroller

Also known as a controller, this position keeps a close eye on the organization’s purse strings.

This person tracks all incoming and outgoing finances and when auditors are in town, they go straight to the comptroller for all financials. Of course, this comes with a big responsibility.

To become a controller, you typically need to be with a business for a long time, or have plenty of senior level experience. Most controllers are licensed CPAs and have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Pay can be very rewarding, however, and can flirt with the six-figure salary range.

• International Accounting

It might still be accounting, but at least you’re in an exciting part of the world.

There are companies around the world looking for people with an expertise in accounting. Of course, this requires knowledge of international financial reporting standards — not all countries are the same.

On top of that knowledge, it would also pay to know some foreign languages, depending on which country you’re doing work in.

Don’t let the stress of accounting ruin it for you. The career, while boring at times, can be exciting. It’s all what you make of it.

 

Tags: Accounting Career, business opportunities, Comptroller, Vocational education

Category: Business, Career, Education