Are you constantly in love with numbers? Are you a wizard in organizing and managing work systematically? Do you possess excellent analytical skills? If you answer yes to the above three questions, accounting may just be the right career choice for you. However, it is of utmost importance that you really have passion to pursue a career in this field.
If you are skeptical, these would be a few guidelines to help you decide whether accountancy would be a suitable path for you to walk on:
(1) Ask around... Do you really know
what accountancy is all about? Is it just about punching the calculator to get figures, or is there more? Contrary to popular perception, accountancy is NOT about complex calculation, formulas, algebra, etc. Only addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is involved, with a few given formulas, and that also, is only associated with management accounting and finance. Financial accounting mostly deals with the analysis of relationship between numbers (e.g. a comparison of current and previous year's revenue, profit margins, asset turnovers and as such to assess the performance of the company)
So if you're good in mathematics, or counting complex equations, it doesn't necessarily mean that accounting will suit you. What you really need is a good mind for analysis, critical thinking and application of knowledge learnt to real situations.
For further info, refer to the previous article on
Careers in Accountancy(2) Career lifestyle Ask yourself this: What kind of working environment would you want to be in when you work? In this field, most jobs require extra hours. Although being a well paid job (about RM2,700 per month for fresh grad), you must be prepared to put in extra time and focus on work as it is not a 9-5 job, but rather 10-12 hours must be invested (staying over night at the office is common).
It also isn't a job in a structured working environment with uniforms to be worn and methodical procedures to be followed. It is a job where flexibility is required. For example, external auditors and consultants constantly travel to their client's workplace to gain an understanding of the client. If you enjoy a change of working environment and you have the flexibility to travel, you may consider a career in this field.
(3) Characteristics
Inherently, do you possess the following traits?
- Honestly and integrity, above others, as accountants constantly have access to private corporate information
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to adhere to policies and procedures
- Being a good team worker
- Not easily influenced or manipulated by others while making judgements
- Powerful analytical skills
- Organized and systematic in managing work
- Able to cope with high stress levels and pressure
- Enquiring mind, creative thinking (for forensic accounting)
Give careful contemplation to the information above before deciding that accountancy is the right course to invest in towards a successful career. The vital component to success is by discovering your strengths and putting them to good use in your chosen field.
Talent and passion when combined, creates a masterpiece.
