The majority of people have this view that accountants simply sit around a desk, crunching numbers and updating spreadsheets. Accountant are, incorrectly, seen as boring and devoid of any excitement in their career.
That is a myth that we need to bust right now. There is so much more to this career path than helping businesses with their financial matters. In fact, a career in accountancy can be quite rewarding and at times very adventurous, if you take the right steps to make it so.
How to become an accountant
You could be a business director. We bet you had no idea that studying accountancy could lead you into these unique and exciting roles.
People often assume accountants are just there to provide support to businesses, working either for a firm or within a self-employed role. Well, you don’t have to be a company’s whipping boy if you don’t wish to be; a lot of accountants rise within businesses to become Finance Directors which means they hold majority shares within a company. You could even join the Executive Director team as a CFO – Chief Financial Officer.
You could be a forensic accountant
Yes, you could become a detective by pursuing an accountant career. Forensic accountants do exactly what you think they would do – they investigate discrepancies in financial records and bank accounts to see if a crime is being committed. This role is often connected to criminal activity such as money laundering and terrorism. This isn’t just a thrilling job to have, it can be a proper globetrotting role too.
You could help develop new technology to become an Accountant
With the Making Tax Digital scheme being rolled out in time for 2018, the accountancy sector is evolving rapidly. Attention is now on developing appropriate apps and software that can provide more thorough services to businesses and HMRC. Having an in-depth knowledge of accountancy practices could elevate your possibilities for helping design state-of-the-art tech for the sector.
Considering a future in accountancy will open up your opportunities. As you can see, there is a whole lot more to this sector than simply numbers and pound signs. It is a forever evolving industry that could offer you a challenging and prosperous future.
Mont Rose College in Ilford, London, provides a wide range of Business and Accountancy courses as HNDs, HNCs or Degree programmes. You could top up your existing degree or start a new one – so why not find out more today?