I hate accountancy and finance

I hate accountancy and finance

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Sick and tired of this career now. It's all a load of nonsense. Moaning staff, moaning clients, office politics, crazy levels of pressure, inexperienced managers, and average pay. I didn't sign up to this nonsense when I started ACCA.

Absolutely awful career choice. 

Replies (40)

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By williams lester accountants
16th Jan 2021 10:00

Not sure what you had expected, but it is not for everyone. Personally i enjoy it still.

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By zebaa
16th Jan 2021 10:21

So what are you going to do about it ?

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By johngroganjga
16th Jan 2021 11:06

All the complaints you list can be found in any kind of working environment in all walks of life. There is not a single complaint about accountancy as such.

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Replying to johngroganjga:
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By sanjay100
17th Jan 2021 14:07

Yes agreed its the same everywhere. I think people in general have become more selfish and less understanding. Its all about taking and not giving.

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By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
16th Jan 2021 11:13

There's always healthcare. Tempted?

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By New To Accountancy
16th Jan 2021 11:27

This made me laugh this morning. . I feel the same way at times but I change depending on the day I've had, love it some (most) days and hate it others.
I had a client call me last night, purely to be rude because he had to pay his tax by 31st Jan and he was 'skint' and spoke to me like it was my fault. I was very professional but put him in his place. He couldn't have called me at a better time because I was not in the mood, he ended the call apologising and saying 'thanks for all your help and everything you do for me'. Sometimes not holding back gets things sorted.

I hope you have an easier day today and put things into perspective, some things will never change - but how you deal /cope with it makes all the difference.

Moaning staff, office politics etc are 'small rocks'. Your family and health etc are 'big rocks' . Just concentrate on your big rocks because the small rocks are out of your control anyway.

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Replying to New To Accountancy:
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By SXGuy
16th Jan 2021 20:05

I had a client moan at me because he didn't qualify for SEISS, like it was my fault he had rental income that exceeded is SE.

Then demanded how he can appeal it. Funny enough haven't heard from him this year, probably decided to do his own tax.

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Replying to SXGuy:
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By New To Accountancy
16th Jan 2021 20:32

Good riddance to him.
I'm starting to find that the clients that pay the least tax, are the ones that have the biggest gripe with HMRC / The Government.

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Replying to New To Accountancy:
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By Martin B
18th Jan 2021 12:29

I find those clients who are most able to pay and with significant assets/resources are the most likely to complain about fees.

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Replying to New To Accountancy:
By SteveHa
18th Jan 2021 15:34

I never shy away from telling clients some home truths, and up to now they have always accepted it. I think shielding them can cause more problems.

To date, cruel honesty has not lost a client for me.

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By Hugh Simpson
16th Jan 2021 13:43

Only 343 shopping days (in whatever shape or form they may take) until Christmas, mind you.

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paddle steamer
By DJKL
16th Jan 2021 13:50

"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings."

O level English , one of the quotes I memorised for the exams, but on point, you are railing against accountancy but in part it is what you make of it, you direct your career.

I do have sympathy, I have got jaded when full time in practice and twice jumped ship to industry, the first time just four years the second is now twenty one years, changing can be a leap of faith, financial responsibilities re family hang heavy, but if you cannot get what you want from what you do you do need to review.

I would get the paper out and note what you like/what you dislike, what seems comfortable/what seems dangerous, ideals you would like, say, autonomy, total control, company and sounding boards, security etc and see what you arrive at.

If you do plump for Lion Taming you likely made a mistake.

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By Donny7
16th Jan 2021 14:37

I'm laughing, but I understand you. I don't like it either. Its given me some security but also a bald batch and high levels of stress.

Maybe you need a career change? Start a business perhaps?

Life is too short to be unhappy. Do something about it.

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Replying to Donny7:
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By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
16th Jan 2021 14:54

You reminded me of an accountant in a practice I worked at some years ago who had a sideline business selling hair restorer -snake oil, I suspect, as he himself was rather follicly challenged - that netted him quite a bit of extra cash.

Tempted, OP?

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Replying to I'msorryIhaven'taclue:
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By Donny7
16th Jan 2021 15:56

It's not a bad option having a side business I guess. I wonder how many accountants bought that hair restorer product!

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By exceljockey
16th Jan 2021 16:12

I don’t know how much I love accounting but I enjoy being my own boss and it’s a great profession for that I think. I do enjoy the clients I have though. As it’s my own business it’s easy to politely disengage from clients you doesn’t like. Not sure I could do it in someone else’s practice though where you have little control over who you deal with.

As for side businesses I think it’s a good idea. Makes your income stream less fragile and gives you something else to think about. I don’t have one at the moment but always looking.

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Replying to exceljockey:
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By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
16th Jan 2021 19:39

Mrs I'msorry and I's Christmas present to one another used to be a client cull, whereby each of us would choose our own particular PITA client to put to the sword, usually come February. Occasionally we'd one or another of us wish to nominate two. But, sticklers as we were for our own regime. one or other of those nominees would inevitably have to be postponed until the following year's shoot.

Nowadays we go the more conventional pair of socks / bottle of perfume route.

All of which only goes to show how much more fun this profession once was. Lunch with the bank manager, a round of golf with the resultant prospective client. Terrific sport! And, unless you're a large enough concern to rotate front-end staff, the inevitable divorce at the end of the five-year cycle. Happy days!

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Replying to exceljockey:
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By frankfx
16th Jan 2021 23:25

Quote:

I don’t know how much I love accounting but I enjoy being my own boss and it’s a great profession for that I think. I do enjoy the clients I have though. As it’s my own business it’s easy to politely disengage from clients you doesn’t like. Not sure I could do it in someone else’s practice though where you have little control over who you deal with.

As for side businesses I think it’s a good idea. Makes your income stream less fragile and gives you something else to think about. I don’t have one at the moment but always looking.

The OP s emotions are probably rooted in a lack of control over events.

Think of our own PM, Boris J.

Not sure 2020 was in his mind's eye when he was plotting to lead his legion of voters to the Sunlit Uplands

He has a classics background, and no doubt a motto to strengthen his resolve:

Non ducor duco.

Those Romans were pithy.

Bear that in mind during your own daily travails.

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Replying to frankfx:
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By lh3f9764bg1g
19th Jan 2021 09:46

Ad meliora.

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By Kaylee100
16th Jan 2021 18:06

Sounds like the wrong career for you but how long have you been working in the industry?

This past year has been a challenge, thats for sure, and probably worse for some people than others as everyone has different situations and experience. If this year is the main experience youve had, do step back and look at others to try and gain some perspective. Health care and the incredible pressures there or hospitality and the almost entire loss of trade.

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By ianlethbridge
16th Jan 2021 22:30

Stop moaning and do something about it, not many of us enjoy long hours in December & January but we all enjoy the lifestyle this career gives to us. My advice sell up and move on if it makes you unhappy.

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Replying to Mach One:
By Ruddles
19th Jan 2021 22:49

Personally I’m still waiting for A Web to create a permanent vacancy.

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By tom123
17th Jan 2021 15:14

Maybe practice is not for you - I don't think it would have suited me, in hindsight.

'Industry' or more correctly management accounting, is a totally different thing.

However, in that case you are not the fee earning product, but in support of the activity that does earn the money.

However - every job has issues about staff, recognition, salary, deadlines - that is just working life.

Maybe a change is what you need?

But, the current time may not be the best to change jobs.

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Replying to tom123:
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By RaxJ
17th Jan 2021 16:15

I disagree with the comment regarding industry. Industry may seem attractive regarding money, but it comes with many flaws. You are seen as a draining overhead to the business, and despite your role being 'important', you are not seen as a person who adds value to the business i.e. profit maker. Sales, production, project management, even marketing are ahead of finance in the business pecking order. Also, you will find that many businesses have underesourced finance teams, as businesses don't want to invest in non adding value departments like finance. Maybe it's different in your business.

I have worked in practice for 10 years and then 5 years in industry.

I think accountancy and finance are steady careers, but they do have many flaws like other professions. You do need a passion for it though, otherwise you won't last long.

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Replying to RaxJ:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
19th Jan 2021 10:39

If you are just a compliance accountant in industry, producing what is required when it is required, then yes, an accountant in industry is to a degree mere overhead baggage, but if you are sitting at effectively board level say helping to decide if a development should go ahead, how it goes ahead, evaluating risks rewards and helping to steer the route to be taken by the business then your view is, in my experience, not correct.

The accountant is often a valuable contributor to business decision making very often outwith his /her traditional financial role, the very skills of analysis, grasping technical detail , legal input , evaluating outcomes are useful outwith the realm of debits and credits, there is a good reason training includes some law ,some economics maybe even statistics, an accountant is far broader in base knowledge (or ought to be) than mere debits, credits and tax calcs.

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A Putey FACA
By Arthur Putey
18th Jan 2021 11:29

Its a mixed blessing at the moment, plenty of dull work to fill the long dark days of lockdown winter. To provide a little variety I try and process debits and credits on different days.

Still, could be (much) worse.

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Freddie
By Slim Freddie
18th Jan 2021 12:29

Hang in there! It's a difficult time for most people regardless of career choice.

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By Peter Bromiley
19th Jan 2021 10:34

A lot of young people make the mistake of choosing accountancy as a career because they think it is about numbers. But any profession is about dealing with people. And people are annoying/fascinating/frustrating/uplifting/challenging/rude/kind etc. etc.

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By 0098087
19th Jan 2021 10:36

26 years and I’ve still not won the lottery. 35 years and I’ve not won the football pools. Should I write to my MP. Got to agree though, clients are worse. Moaning about the time to get cjrs money...no effort to get tax return info earlier.

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7om
By Tom 7000
19th Jan 2021 10:39

I will buy it off you, take all the pain and you can pick up a decent salary for no stress and dealing with the things you like doing

tom
www.ttca.co.uk

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By Steve Knowles
19th Jan 2021 10:56

Condemning your career choice based on your job, colleagues and clients is too heavy.
I would say this:
Job... You are volunteering to work at the employer you have, it is in your power to change that.
Colleagues... You are volunteering to work at the employer you have, it is in your power to change that.
Clients... You are volunteering to work at the employer you have, it is in your power to change that.

Accountancy is a wonderful opportunity to change peoples lives for the better. Informed clients know that we can make a positive difference to their world. Building trust and mutual respect in the relationship is so rewarding.

Change your employer, but in the interview process find out about the culture of the business before you accept any offers. Look at the 3rd sector, work in charity.

You have the power to change your world, the wonderful thing about your qualification is that it is wanted and needed in all types of situations all around the world.

Raise you head and look over the horizon.

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By Joe Soap
19th Jan 2021 10:58

Many years ago one of my children complained that 25% of their job was awful.
I said they were bl**dy luck it was only 25%.

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By Paul Barclay
19th Jan 2021 11:01

As others have said, it is the same the world over.

I did go through a stage of thinking what I do really is pointless (friends who are doctors and others who are Royal Marines officers didn't help my feeling of self-worth, not their fault just looking at spreadsheets seemed a bit silly).

I simplified everything down to 2 questions:

1) Am I happy in what I do?
2) Do I earn enough to have a comfortable lifestyle?

If I answer yes to both, why change. If there is a question mark or a clear no, then you need to change something and yes, it is down to you to change something!

I had a friend who was a group FD, packed it all in to become a Paramedic which he loved (not sure about now though). The job satisfaction is right up there, but his earnings aren't. Only you can decide what is important.

I don't chase the next big thing now career wise (age might be a factor), but I am content with a reasonable income without having to work stupid hours, and a good team around me (albeit who still moan and complain), I just step back and realise how lucky I really am!

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By KH
19th Jan 2021 13:37

We have a painful entry into the world, suffer like crazy most of our life due to those mad decisions we all make all the time, and then die, generally a pretty messy and unenjoyable affair ... none of us actually signed up for this knowingly ... but one thing is for sure, the only answer is to make better decisions every day of what we have left. So think carefully before jumping ship...........

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Jennifer Adams
By Jennifer Adams
19th Jan 2021 19:28

Yes.. we all have these 'off days' but then...
Yesterday the postman rang the doorbell and there on the doorstep was a box.

Open the box to reveal a wicker basket with a candle, a bottle of wine and a box of fudge (from Wickers Gift Baskets in case you're wondering.)
Looked at the card to see who had sent it to find that it was a client who went abroad a couple of years ago.

Thought... why???

So I went online to find his phone number and/or email and then remembered...
every so often I go into HMRC's computer and check to see whether my clients are behaving themselves and paying their taxes ontime. If not then I get in contact to ask why... if they are OK ..etc (or give them a rollicking usually).

This particular client was still on my list and I noticed that despite my including a comment under the "Additional Notes" section of the last return (I know... waste of time as HMRC never look but best to do rather than not is my view) client was clocking up penalties for non submission of returns.

I emailed him, told him and asked whether he wanted me to do anything about it for him.
He said thanks but he'd sort it.
Fine. I had email back saying that he eventually got through to HMRC and all OK now.
I just put it down to me doing my good deed for the day bit.

And then this present arrived.

Faith in humanity restored for about 2 seconds before one of my less likeable clients phoned moaning about something minor.

I could never ever work for someone else again - I wouldn’t be the one getting the 'thank you' presents for a start.

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Replying to Jennifer Adams:
Ivor Windybottom
By Ivor Windybottom
19th Jan 2021 23:09

Unfortunately it is not appropriate to accept the gift as you may be breaching The Bribery Act and various other professional standards, so the client has done you again! Another bad day in accountancy!

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Replying to Ivor Windybottom:
keep calm and have a cuppa
By tbk
01st Feb 2021 17:39

but if the gift was timely and proportional it's not bribery
https://www.buckles-law.co.uk/blog/corporate-gifts-and-the-bribery-act/

from the client's point of view it's probably a non-deductible entertainment expense

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Norman Younger
By Norman Younger
31st Jan 2021 14:12

Sorry to hear it
If you are the owner of the firm why not bail out?
I know it may sound blase but seriously, give me a call - it's what I do and I can explore whether it really might make sense for you

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By Cheshire
31st Jan 2021 20:41

"Moaning staff, moaning clients, office politics, crazy levels of pressure, inexperienced managers, and average pay."

You get this in many jobs. If not all these issues, quite a few. Even if the pay is better, it won't make up for the rest. The job is often what you make it.

If you manage to find a job that is devoid of all these issues, share you good luck with us.

I have days where I loathe my job, fortunately outnumbered by the good ones.

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By davidbrewster
05th Feb 2021 14:17

If you look at OZARK on NETFLIX, the accountant star led a very exciting life.

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