Is Being an Accountant a Fun and Easy Job?

As an accountant myself, I can say that this profession is quite enjoyable if you have the skills and knowledge to support it. Accounting is a stable and well-paying career. It may not be the right fit for everyone but for the right person, it can be a very rewarding profession.

Discovering the Fascination Behind Accounting

When I first began studying accounting, the only thing I knew about it was that it had something to do with money. I also assumed that people would pay me money if I did it for them. I expected that it would be boring but would provide me with a steady paycheck. I was very wrong about the “boring” part but very right about the “paycheck” part.

It turns out that accounting is a fascinating subject that is as old as civilization. Inside all those debits and credits is a wealth of information that will help you run your business, provide your banker with an accurate picture of your financial condition, and give you the numbers you need to put on your tax return.

The Hidden Fun: Maximizing Client Refunds

One of my favorite things to do as a tax accountant with a new client was to take their previous year's tax return and find a way to amend it, getting them an additional $500 refund. That's pure fun. And it's free money for your clients, so they're happy to pay some of it back to you. What's really amazing is how often I was able to do that. You’d think it would be a rarity, but it's not.

A Sense of Community Among Accountants

The other welcome surprise that I had about life as an accountant is the strong sense of community that exists within the profession. Maybe it's because we all know how wrong the stereotypes about accountants are. We laugh and cry together, share our joys and sorrows, and gel just like all communities of human beings.

We don’t often show that side of ourselves to our clients because they need to know that we are focused on our job. And we never joke with them for the same reason. If their minds are concentrating on their finances, they won’t find it funny.

Embracing the Rewarding Nature of Accountancy

If you are getting ready to begin your life as an accountant, congratulations. It's a great career path. And if you're like I was at first and you're expecting it to be a tedious job, you're in for a welcome surprise. Accounting can be a fulfilling and joyful career if you have the right attitude and skills. So, dive in with open eyes and a smile, and you'll likely find that it’s much more than just work.