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We dare say that literally no one in Malaysia is unfamiliar with the accounting profession. We also dare say that almost everyone has, to some degree, a skewed perception of accountants.
Sure, you won’t see a lot of accountants being recognised the same way big shot marketing executives do or command the glitz and glamour of being a pilot, but if you think being an accountant is uncool, then let us convince you otherwise.
Here are 4 accountant stereotypes that are just plain untrue…
#1 They’re calculative
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First and foremost, being calculative isn’t a requirement for the job. Secondly, working with numbers doesn’t make an accountant calculative outside their jobs. Plus, accountants don’t just stare at spreadsheets and the calculator all day—problem-solving, creative thinking, and good communication skills are applied day-to-day.
#2 They’re boring conversationalists
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The job of an accountant can be very analytical and the day-to-day problem-solving can leave very little time for them to chat at work. But that doesn’t mean accountants are introverts or boring conversationalists.
Image via The Daily Beast
If you need proof, just take a look at the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Ms Nikki Haley. At just 12 years old, Ms Haley began helping her mother with bookkeeping, and then went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting before getting to where she is today. She doesn’t look like a boring conversationalist to us.
#3 They’ll only work with numbers all their lives
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Wrong again. In fact, accountancy is so versatile that it lets you apply your knowledge and skills into many areas of a business. Plus, if you have a dream and really chase after it, being an accountant won’t hold you back.
Take Edwin Flack, for example. When training as an accountant in PricewaterhouseCoopers (formally Pricewaterhouse), Flack joined the London Athletic Club and eventually went on to become Australia’s first Olympian and first Olympic champion in the 800m and 1,500m running events.
#4 They’re stingy
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We can all agree that F1 drivers drive at breakneck speeds as part of their ‘job’, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they do the same in their daily lives. That’s because their training teaches them the dangers of driving at such speeds.
The same goes for accountants, because they have to think strategically when managing company finances, they apply their knowledge when it comes to their personal finances.
This knowledge that allows them to be smart with their finances can only come from a professional accounting qualification that develops strategic, business, and critical thinking skills such as the CPA Program.
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At CPA Australia, students will not only attain an international accounting designation that futureproofs their career, they are also gaining valuable business, strategy, and leadership skills that are recognised globally. The CPA Program also offers flexible study options, including full-time or distance learning, allowing students to learn at a comfortable pace.
Apply now, visit www.cpaaustralia.com.au/become-a-cpa.