Accountancy: What’s It Really Like?
There is a huge
range of careers available in many different sectors so it can be difficult to know
which will be the best fit for you. There is no right or wrong answer when it
comes to choosing a career; everyone is different and will require different
things from their occupation.
For example, some
people may crave security and stability whereas other may thrive of a
fast-paced career with plenty of earning potential. Accountancy, just like many
other options, has pros and cons which we’re going to weigh up in order to give
you a realistic idea of what this career path could offer you.
Cons
Just like
anything worth having, a career in accountancy is not easy to get. As well as
strong qualifications at school level, and an industry specific high degree classification,
you will also need to pass accountancy exams in order to become certified. The learning
required to pass these exams can take years, but luckily there are plenty of
helpful courses available to prepare you for the various CPA exam parts. As well
as your initial exams, education is ongoing throughout your career too.
If you’re easily
overwhelmed or stressed, this may not be the career for you as there are busy
seasons, mainly in the run up to the end of the tax year in April. Career
progression in accountancy involves taking on more and more responsibility, and
in this case the responsibility can be significant as you can be in charge of
organising large sums of money for major companies. Furthermore, accountancy
can be quite a one-dimensional job as you’re mainly using investigative and
mathematical skills and dealing with numbers all day every day.
Pros
There are many
benefits to a career in accountancy. Firstly, it is a stable and clear career
path as there will always be demand from individuals and businesses, and
therefore progression opportunities. You will earn a significant salary throughout your
career which it is also easy to add to if you’re willing to take on more
responsibility. Pearl Accountants, a leading online accountants firm in London suggests that the career path in accountancy doesn’t just mean number crunching. It can lead to opportunities in banking, consulting and even project management, to name a few.
Despite the fact
that the job itself is one dimensional, it is a versatile career as you can
work in many different sectors, and if you work for a global company you can
even travel regularly. It is also much more flexible than most other careers
thanks to the fact that you can dip in and out once you have the skills
mastered, so you can choose to work part time or even take career breaks to achieve
a great work/life balance.
Accountancy is a
well-respected and highly sought-after career for those who prioritise career
progression, earnings, and versatility. It may not be ideal for those who
struggle with stress or who are not willing to invest in ongoing education, but
it is a career that’s full of perks such as flexible working hours and travel
opportunities. It is difficult to build a shortlist of careers to look into, so
if you need further help and inspiration, take a look at everymomspage.com.