| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 11:27:53 AM | I would just like some people's opinions. I'm in the middle of obtaining my accounting degree and have been bashed over and over again about it. Accountants are miserable, boring and unattractive. Acountants don't take days off, yet they have no job satisfaction. I was at the comedy club the other night and after about 10 minutes of the comedian shooting accounting jokes at me, the people at the next table hollered over, "DON'T DO IT! TURN AROUND NOW!" As I understand this is all in good fun, why the negative views towards accounting and accountants. Are there no down to earth, fun accountants that like their jobs? There must be! Help me out guys if you're out there.
xxx Optimistic Accountant xxx | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 11:47:05 AM |
Accountants are miserable, boring and unattractive.
That stereotype always makes me laugh. I used to work in an accounting office, and a lot of the people there were the wildest party animals I've ever met. Having swapped anecdotes with people who have worked in other accounting firms, it seems the place I worked wasn't unusual.
But larger offices will have a lot of articling students, though, so maybe having so many younger people cycling through the office makes for a less stuffy atmosphere. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 1:02:52 PM | Accountancy jokes? Man that must have been some performance.
Accountants are miserable, boring and unattractive. Acountants don't take days off, yet they have no job satisfaction.
Apart from missing "accountants are alcoholics" that sounds about right to me. :(
Seriously though it probably depends on what type of firm you work for. I've mainly worked for small firms and many of the clients are only interested in what their tax bill is. The fact that you performed a minor miracle reconciling their records is irrelevant to them. So don't expect much in the way of thanks.
That said it is a good career choice with plenty of opportunity for personal development and financial reward. Just look at how many directors of large corporations have an accountancy background. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 2:55:22 PM | I'd have to say....
Accountants are miserable, boring and unattractive
I prefer the terms unsatisfied, unappreciated, and ugly  .
I studied accounting years ago, but I don't practice it (for reasons nothing to do with the type of work itself, honest ;) ). But yeah, definitely a stereotype. I'm certainly far from being miserable, boring, and....ok, so we'll skip that one .
The stereotype/negative views probably stem from the fact that accountants are typically viewed as 'bean counters', no more no less, a bunch of number crunching. And lets face it, it doesn't take much to count beans now does it? Even a monkey could do it, hence the silly perceptions I would imagine. Gotta love stereotypes. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 3:36:19 PM | Yes, unfortunately they are that bad. Once you finish your first couple of years, you will start getting into the "lifestyle" courses, where they instruct you in various things such as talking in a monotone, dressing down, how to avoid excitement, and celibacy. The good thing is that once you have mastered these arts, you will not even know how much fun you are missing. You will have become of the living dead.
On a related note, all nice guys will finish last, BBW's will not be able to find love (they are lazy anyway), all Middle Eastern men are terrorists, and all blondes are dumb. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 3:44:49 PM | well i've never heard anyone say.. man this party is lame.. what we need is some accountants!!!
there like any one else. my brother is married to one and we have a good time when we all go places. although she dose have him on an allowance | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 3:48:51 PM | People who say that to you are being negative and you shouldn't listen to them
I would love to have a skill like that - I think it's great!
Btw, if they ask you to do their taxes later, tell them No!
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 5:43:42 PM | It's great that you have that skill, and it's a needed one. Nothing wrong with it at all.
I'm just the type that would go insane if I had to so it, as a full time job. That's just a personal thing, and I mean no insult towards it.
The funniest thing I saw lately was a public campaign here in Quebec to push young people into being CPA's , which are a resource we need to focus on. There's nothing wrong with THAT either.
It's just that they made accounting look like a "Mission Impossible" , or "Charlie's Angels" type of thing with their ads featuring young people who were studying it. 
It reminded me a bit of that sketch in Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life" , where the office morphs into a pirate ship. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 4/28/2008 5:51:12 PM | 
It's fun to charter an accountant
And sail the wide accountant sea.
To find, explore, the funds marked shore
And stir the shores of bankruptcy.
It's candy dandy on the shores,
We'll knock your premiums semi-annually.
It's all tax-deductible were very incorruptible
We’re sailing on the wide accountant sea!
Official shanty of the Permanent Assurance Company | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 5/7/2008 1:02:56 AM | | Accounting is boring. Most accountants are boring. Not all, but most. I'm sure you already know this. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 5/7/2008 1:42:16 AM | Well for starters I am an accountant and have at least above average ratings on my pics...think is near a 7 right now. Never had trouble getting dates....Joking about #'s just gives a comedian creative fresh material...all occupations are targets to a comedian...they just wanna get a few laughs.
Have been in accounting for 14 years. I am a reserved person to strangers sometimes, but I am definitely a happy person these days....so you can say you know at least one that is not miserable....Now as far as smiling about the work? In all honestly work is work. If it was fun it wouldn't be called work...Accounting is a no-nonsense occupation and sometimes there is no glory in it...We prepare the #'s that are used in many corporate meetings however we get no credit....There is no big party at the end of the fiscal year praising the accountants for getting the #'s out...Usually all the company managers are patted on the back for their efforts...So if you choose this occupation you can't go into it expecting to be in the lime light...Preparation of the comapny or business #'s is a big reponsibility b/c they must be accurate. Managers take that information and make decision based on it. We are just the "scorekeepers" sometimes. Being an accountant is not an occupation that involves pleasing people...the bottom line is just get the #'s accurate. If you compare an occupation like sales to accounting that would be comparing apples to oranges...you don't have to "sell" accounting....Selling involves many other talents that is not needed in accounting....all you gotta do in accounting is get the #'s right....Sometimes the only people you deal with are people internally in a company or small business depends on the position....so u don't really gotta be a people person; just have decent communcation skills...many introverts thrive in this occupation
So you must have realisitic views of this occupation...It is one of those necessary occupation where you can always find work and the pay is usually good.
The economy is tough these days and that effects the accounting field and many occupations tremendously....Many companies will try to get "2 for the price of 1" in this occupation these day to cut costs. What I mean by that is it is "trendy" these days for big companies to see just how much work they can pile on an accountant. If they can get the work of 2 accountants out of 1 accountant...they save big bucks...so that may be why you see many accountants running around weary and tired and perceived as miserable (we are weary often)....It is a stressful occupation due to the workload. I've been a victim of the "2 for the price of 1" game myself... Didn't work on me though b/c I quit and got a new and better job.... A smart accountant always knows they are needed and can find work just about anywhere...lol | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 5/7/2008 1:52:57 AM | MinimalEcho totally agree....accounting can drive ya to drinking for sure...lol After you've met your deadlines...it is time to collapse!!! | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 5/7/2008 2:30:43 AM | Brain work is better than back work.
Accounting type people tend to be much more educated and worldly.
You'd be surprised at what accountants do after hours. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 5/7/2008 4:04:30 AM | | Eh, it's just a stereotype. I've been working on minoring in it, but I've been seriously considering changing it to my major. Even if I don't like it I'll be able to go back and finish up my CS degree in another year or two once I'm done, but it honestly can't be any less fun than programming ... It isn't the most interesting thing in the world, but there's something to be said about those who can work hard and play hard. I can't see accounting changing the way I have fun during my downtime, anyway. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 5/7/2008 8:32:38 PM | Those people bashing you are nuts, we could take any job and find all the shit
that's wrong with it. Accounting is the laugage of business... It makes us better potenchal business owners, better investors, we get access to information others are left in the dark about. The truth is, if it's your dream, no one has the right to try and stop you. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/28/2008 3:49:30 PM | | I am an accountant and no one has ever called me ugly or boring. I guess it's that old chestnut that you have to be fugly to have a brain! | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/28/2008 4:37:00 PM | I have an accounting background. Just as in any other prfession some accountants are attractive and fun. Some are nerds.
If you enjoy the kind of work you will be doing -- by all means go for it!
Becoming a professional accountant or CPA is a very good job in itself that will always be in demand.
It is also a good way to obtain a great understanding of business itself, ecconomics and investing. Therefore it can lead to all kinds of good jobs -- including CEO's.
Just be sure the work will make YOU happy.
Best wishes. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/28/2008 9:15:32 PM |
Accountants are miserable, boring and unattractive.
What I want to know is who told your friends where I work? I'm kidding. I love my job. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/29/2008 12:50:21 AM | My uncle is a Management Accountant. When he used to work for this firm he would get his work done in half the time. He is one of the smartest guy I know, maybe too smart lol
He has a lot of job satisfaction because what he does can make or break a business. He now does some work for a US firm I believe. I think accounting is too boring for me, staring at numbers is just a headache to me. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/29/2008 8:46:32 AM | A person is defined by their personality, not their job.
In my experience, often those people who work in "boring" jobs have the most fun outside of work -- it's a release for them, an escape.
On the contrary, I've met people who have some of the most "fun" looking jobs in the world (entertainers etc.), who are grumpy as hell when not they're working, because they've already spent all their energy by the time they get home. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/29/2008 9:05:28 AM | Accounting is certainly not for everyone.
I certainly could not envision myself being happy to do it as a career.
But it depends on the person.
If you feel that type of work would suit you, and you know you would enjoy doing it, then don't listen to other people.
Just because it's a career that many of them would not enjoy doing, doesn't mean that those people are able to tell you what you would enjoy doing for a career. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/29/2008 2:02:50 PM | I'd rather date an accountant than a high school drop out?
Besides I think men that are genius in math are freaking hawt!
P:S: OP you're a beautiful girl and you certainly don't look boring at all. You should have no problems. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/29/2008 5:37:22 PM |
Official shanty of the Permanent Assurance Company
I beg to differ. It is the “Crimson Permanent Assurance” and the lyrics are…
It's fun to charter an accountant
And sail the wide accountancy,
To find, explore the funds offshore
And skirt the shoals of bankruptcy!
It can be manly in insurance.
We'll up your premium semi-annually.
It's all tax deductible.
We're fairly incorruptible,
We're sailing on the wide accountancy!
Scribble away and balance the books!
(Sorry, but I am a HUGE Monty Python and Eric Idle fan)
As far as accountancy being filled with boring people, piffle. Another stereotype. I have worked as an accountant before, and the knowledge I gained helped me to forge a greater understanding of business and gives me an edge in my career as a financial analyst in program controls. IMO, boring people are boring; it has nothing to do with your profession. | |
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| Are accountants really that bad?
Posted: 7/30/2008 7:28:36 AM | | OP, I'd get a mentor during an internship while you are in a formal program. Alot of companies utilize these programs as a recruitment tool providing access to executive management employees. They can provide information into what the day to day job functions are within a particular area in the field. I took accounting courses as part of a curriculum in college and I can say that there are several different specialities within the accounting field. Also after you complete your program you may or may not what to go the accounting route. I'd utilize a mentor and determine if they are boring or not. | |
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