KASNEB CERTIFIED COURSES - CPA | CISSE | CS | CIFA | CCP | DDMA | DCNSA | CAMS
Title: KASNEB CERTIFIED COURSES - CPA | CISSE | CS | CIFA | CCP | DDMA | DCNSA | CAMS
Debunking Common Myths About Accounting Careers
Like many professions, accounting has accumulated its fair share of myths over time, some of which may even deter individuals from considering accountancy as a viable career path.
In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the prevalent myths surrounding accounting careers, showcasing to you what a great pathway it can be.
Accounting Myth #1: A career in accounting is boring
While a career in accounting is not suited to everyone, it’s an extremely varied role, making it anything but boring!
With finances touching every aspect of a business, encompassing cash inflows, outflows, receivables and payments, accountants have a rare opportunity to oversee and analyse a company’s finances in their entirety. They not only provide strategic advice but also aid in developing financial plans for the company’s growth and stability.
Additionally, the evolving landscape of technology and globalisation ensures that the field of accountancy remains dynamic and constantly evolving. Ultimately, whether a career in accountancy is boring or not largely depends on individual interests, aspirations, and the specific roles and responsibilities one pursues within the field. All in all, however, accountancy offers a diverse range of opportunities and challenges for those up to the task.
Accounting Myth #2: Accountants are robotic and have no people skills
Given that many accountants work with a variety of people each day, including clients, colleagues and stakeholders, a lack of social skills could stand to cause some issues! Instead, the modern accountant should be good at building professional relationships, which demands transparency, reliability and communication.
While attention to detail and accuracy are, of course, essential traits in accounting too, today’s accountants also excel in interpersonal interactions, negotiation, and leadership beyond technical proficiency, debunking the myth that they lack people skills.
Accounting Myth #3: You need an accounting degree to have an accounting career
While an accounting degree is beneficial and will not go unused if you do have one, for career switchers or those looking to work in accounting later in their life, KASNEB courses are industry recognised qualifications that will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience that you need to develop in the world of accounting and bookkeeping.
While degrees and qualifications are helpful, it should be noted that accountants often hold several soft, transferrable skills that have been picked up and developed throughout their careers. These are also vital to the level of success they achieve in their role.
Accounting Myth #4: Accountants must be maths or number geniuses
An accountant’s role covers so much more than just crunching numbers and problem-solving financial equations. While someone who works in accounting should naturally be interested in finance and have a good understanding of maths, a basic level of knowledge is all that is really needed.
With technology’s automated processes lending a helping hand to most accountants today, time is instead freed up to concentrate on other important elements of the role, such as financial regulations, laws, policies, ethics and relationship building.
That said, it’s about more than the numbers. A combination of technical expertise, analytical abilities and soft skills is essential for navigating the complexities of modern accounting and thriving in a diverse range of roles within the profession.
Accounting Myth #5: Accountants are exclusively only good at taxes
If you were to ask someone perhaps 5 to10 years ago what an accountant’s job role looks like, they would most likely mention end of financial year taxes and not much else. Fast forward to today and accountants now have a diverse and well-rounded skillset and an abundance of knowledge of the financial market.
While all accountants should have a understanding of tax, income statements, depreciation and balance sheets, not all accountants are tax accountants and in 2024, we’re seeing accountants now specialising in specific fields such as treasury and internal audits, due to the high level of demand and increased salaries in these areas.
Is accounting a good career choice?
Working as an accountant can be extremely rewarding and varied. With the chance to work in different locations and industries across the globe, accountancy is well suited to those who don’t necessarily want to stay in one place too long.
A career in accounting offers plenty of learning opportunities and challenges as well as promising career progression. With the opportunity to develop from junior to more senior roles, specialise, mentor and climb the corporate ladder, many enjoy working in this stable profession.
For those who enjoy working with others, building relationships, and helping individuals on their road to financial security, a career in accounting allows you to share knowledge, insights and advice on how to better improve both business and personal finances.
If any of this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then a role in accounting just might be the way forward.
