10 reasons why accountancy is a great career

You've taken the first step and committed to changing your future but might be wondering what will happen after you qualify.
You should feel confident in knowing that you’ve chosen a career that’s in demand with opportunities to work in a variety of roles or become your own boss. Here are just some of the reasons why accountancy is a great career.

1. Employers always need accountants

According to a report by recruitment company Robert Half, finance and accounting skills are in short supply. In the survey, 92% of finance managers and directors said they found it difficult to find skilled staff.

2. Salaries are increasing

The same survey found accounting salaries are increasing across the board, and part-qualified candidates are being offered salaries at the same level as fully qualified accountants – a sign that companies want to nurture new staff.

3. Accountancy is a great choice if you’re changing careers

AAT training provider Kaplan asked 14,000 people how they got into accountancy. Of the respondents, 55% said they started in a different career before making the switch, primarily for the career prospects offered by accountancy.

4. Accountants are a happy bunch

Of those career changers surveyed by Kaplan, 80% said they were happier working in finance, while 83% said they’d recommended accountancy to their friends and family. “I love my job,” says Georgina Pluck (pictured), who works as a commercial accountant, providing analysis to ensure each division of the business is performing efficiently. “Every job I’ve had in accounting I’ve absolutely loved. I’ve moved into different areas with each job, but I love it no matter what I’m doing.”

5. Accountancy is at the heart of everything

What do Disney, London Fashion Week, Glastonbury Festival and Claridge’s have in common? They all need accountants. In fact, large or small, every organisation needs accounting expertise. Shandrae Sampson works at the British Fashion Council in the finance department. She loves the element of glamour in her job. “Part of my job involves going backstage and helping make sure models turn up and designers are happy. It gets me out of the office and connects me with what the organisation is about.”

6. Accountants can fight crime

Ever heard of forensic accounting? Essentially, it involves investigating financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, weapons trading, and even terrorism. If you want to make a really positive contribution to society through accountancy, this could be the route for you.

7. You can change careers, within your career

Working within the finance industry gives you the opportunity to work in a diverse number of positions for a variety of employers. You could work as a management accountant or a financial director, within a start-up or a Fortune 500 company, work for yourself or work part-time – the options are endless. Did you know a quarter of FTSE 100 bosses are qualified accountants? Finance is an incredible foundation to take you in any direction you like.

8. Accountancy is so much more than numbers

Today’s accountants have a more diverse role than ever, working as business advisors shaping corporate responsibility, ethical decision making and business development strategy for their clients. While you may be working with numbers, it’s people that you will have the biggest impact on.

9. Accounting gives you the skills to run your own company

Lindsey Dove runs her own business, making and selling candles from home: “When you are a one-man band looking to set up your business with limited resources, the costing aspect can be make or break. Having accounting skills enabled me to keep my own records without having to pay someone, and that goes a long way.”

10. Your boss might pay for your training

In Kaplan’s accountant survey, 60% of people got financial support from their employer or training provider when taking an accounting course. So you could gain a qualification and get paid for it.

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