I see this a lot. People really like to crap on accounting but from what I hear about other professions (lawyers, teachers, nurses, etc.), I'd say we have it pretty good. Anyone feel differently? If so, what needs to change to win you over?

Post Photo
likesmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Not saying nursing is easy, but you can work a 3 day week and be full time and the work doesn’t come home with. Lawyers have it tough but not always and their pay is much better. Accountants have unconscionable work expectations for relatively low pay. Working 7 days a week for months on end isn’t healthy and I don’t blame kids for not wanting to do it

like

The mental baggage is not the same and it’s unfortunate part of many jobs. The firefighter who couldn’t get into the building, the cop who found the deceased, the therapist whose patient takes their own life. Working nonstop with high levels of stress will destroy your mental and physical health over time. At least the nurse has time for the gym and can sleep more than 5 hours a night.

like

Like most jobs the issue is how their industry treats them. Nurses, Lawyers, SWE, etc have it really good when their industry is doing well. For accounting it's at best okay and for a lot just a slog with no appreciation. It's like I'm fighting my managers and the suite all the time. Can't "do to much" because you will not be rewarded for it

likesmart

It’s because accounting has low pay with long hours. And the work itself is boring

like

Entry level salaries can’t swing a one bedroom apartment in many markets. Four years (five if dedicated to CPA) and you still need roommates or to live with your parents for a career that used to be one of the most highly respected careers.

Or a degree that pays more than accounting at entry level with only four years of school.

like

Yeah it’s ridiculous that min wage in some places are comparable to a starting salary for a fresh out of college kid with a mountain of school debt. Honestly salaries across the board should get a pay bump. I would also say that outsourcing accounting is worse for the profession than better. You’re giving work to someone who is probably a 10th the accountant you’re replacing just to pay half the cost. Then your forcing the remaining accountants to now work 10 times more to make up for that lack of skill.

Depends on what other industry/job you're comparing it to. Software developers seem to do much better than us.

like

They get laid off more though.

like

Agreed, but regardless people (myself included) will complain about whatever situation they are in. The grass is not always greener IMO.

like

Nurses have it rough.

like

NP getting exposed as we speak on Bloomberg. There are NP are out on average making 150k base with overtime you can be making over 200k straight out of your program, which is basically getting a bachelor and masters degree. You don’t see accounting staffs out there making that 150k starting. Sure there might be scenarios where they have it rough, but they are well compensated for it and it’s not every experience they encounter is bad.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-take/id1578096201?i=1000663254570

*fewer

smart

I think it's more that people are excited about other careers like tech and very few people champion accounting. I think we'll need to see firms make it more enticing which will take time.

When we uncover issues such as incompetence, corruption, criminal activity we are likely to experience backlash. We are the messengers, they often destroy the messenger.

I do it for the love of accounting. If I wanted more money or prestige I would have been like a surgeon or professional athlete.

Agreed I work for a fitness company make a good salary great benefits, great culture, great work life balance. There are so many things to do within accounting, tax, audit, corporate accounting, pivot to finance.

I love accounting. Making truing the numbers up to make all the accounts balance, looking for that odd ball number that was put in the wrong box. Is it really working if you enjoy what you do. Just got a job offer after looking for two months

We need to unionize and have a nationwide strike and walkout because accountant lives matter. We deserve to get paid overtime for the overtime we are forced to work. Accounting firms partners already make too much money.

I feel that QuickBooks has had a major impact. If you are not proficient In it, it seems that you are up the creek without a paddle. Also Microsoft Business programs (Excel, Word, Outlook) may have the same impact. You may have gotten A's in all your Advanced accounting courses in college but if you don't have a great grasp of these programs,it could be your downfall. If you can you may invest your time in going online to learn the basics but if you want to go further you may need to pay for it.

Related Posts

I struggle with perfectionism and anxiety and this job seems to not help. How can I learn to be less of a perfectionist in a job that highly rewards this kind of behavior?

like

Does anyone know the average salary for an Ultrasound Technologist in Connecticut? Also any specific companies that may pay more than others? I recently moved from NY to CT and bought a house. 2 years of experience. Is it possible to make close to $50/hr? If so how long will this take?

like

How do roundtable discussions work? Do they just go person by person and everyone voices their opinion?

like

Hi Fishes,

What is the salary bracket and position like for grade 130 in IQVIA?

And are the HR open to negotiations in case of fresher hire?

like

Will Deloitte cover expense for H1B stamping if I go to Mexico or canada for stamping?

like

What are your favorite personal finance books? I just read Rich Habits and really liked it. I am also reading the Psychology of Money. Looking to read some more!

like

How do I crack MSys Tech hacker rank test for python automation QA ? Any tips or question examples please

like

Hey guys,

I have an interview at Microsoft next week for the role of SharePoint consultant. What should my preparation be like?

Hi Fishes,

Does
Deloitte USI have any cool down period, if you apply and do not get any response from the company? I had previously applied in a role, but didn't hear back from them. So, I'm planning to try to apply via referral this time and I'm wondering if I should use the same e-mail ID or a different one! Deloitte USI

like

Dear All,
I am seeking suggestion, Recently started fishing business.
Presently nothing is on paper and it done same as farming… catching and selling locally in market, We have also employed 26 people to work on trawler for fishing.
Is there any way to register firm to take some investments from market/banks

Hey Fishers, how/where to prepare for a job switch for 3-4 YOE?

like

Anybody have any feedback on what it's like working in product at Zillow? I see good reviews on sites, but interested in how the product organization is run.

like

Hi what all we need to do before joining ? I have taken the print out of all the forms that we need to submit but do we need to mail them to someone or do we need to submit the hard copy of that.

like

Hi guys.. can someone please provide some examples of what is to be written in performance review.
I am new to this organisation and consfused with the performance portal.
Not getting what exactly expected this what and how thing on portal.

likehelpful

Hi Fishes,

I Have cleared frist round and now I have hr round what package should I ask??


YOE 6.1
CTC 11

like

What should I do now ? Or I will get the offer Lett from HCL or not ?

like

Refering to the history of compensation release dates

Post Photo
like

Hi Fishes,

Need some suggestions. I gave interview on Tuesday, will it be right to ask feedback tomorrow or should I wait till the end of week and then ask for feedback on Monday Morning. Today, I didn't got any response from them.

like

I am digital marketing person with 12+ years of experience. I am looking for opportunities in Marketing or product teams.

like

Additional Posts in Accounting

Do you think it is quite possible to get fired by asking too many questions as an experienced senior 1? If so, i might get fired after this busy season.

funnylike

Recently I’ve had basically no motivation to work in my current city/market. I know that I need a big life change to get me back on track. Anyone else feel this way?

like

What is one thing from your profession that you think everyone should know?

Best intern pranks.. go!

like

Managers and above — if you could go back to being a staff/senior, what would you have done differently?

like

There's a ton of self help and leadership books out there to help people in their careers. If there was one that was written front the lense of a public accounting, would you read it?

likehelpful

Anyone else job hunting during busy season?

like

What is a financial reporting position like in industry ?

like

Hoping for help w/ studying. TRANSACTION CYCLES?? I see inconsistent lists online and in books: (Revenue, Purchasing, Inventory, Payroll) vs (Sales, Purchasing, Payroll, Financing) vs....

like

I love when people say, "I can't wait for to spend my tax return." I always respond with how do you spend a bunch of forms and documents?

likefunny

Specialized tax 3rd year senior to financial analyst. Anyone do this? How so and where

like

How do you know if you’re considered a value employee?

likefunny

Best advice for someone looking to get out of tax? Would prefer a role that deals with financial/strategic analysis and financial modeling in order to assist in making strategic business decisions

like

What's your ideal PTO? Activity and length of time off?

For GT&E purposes, can you have days lower than 8 hours if others, within the same week, are over 8 and the total for week is 40? Or would you have to spread evenly

like

Do a lot of seniors in the advisory groups work weekends? I am coming from a group that has busy seasons sometimes we don't get a day off for a few weeks before the deadline. 80-100 hour weeks for me.

like

Does your coach see when you get a real time recognition award?

like

Watching the faces of new hires as busy season progress from 🤗😊😳😒😕😧😮😱😵

like

Anybody interested in these billion dollar cuts to HUD? How will that effect the audit industry for LIH?

like

What would you choose and why? Core Tax, SALT, or International

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal