Accounting for Advancement?

October 17, 2019

Thinking of doing further study to become a professional? Before deciding on the discipline to study, let’s consider what kind of profession will always be in demand. Would you agree “accounting” is one of those? Irrespective of the economic cycle, businesses will always need accountants to keep the books and report financial performance.

There are a number of universities and higher-education providers in Australia offering postgraduate degrees in accounting. Most, if not all, of these programs are accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, the two most prominent professional accounting bodies in Australia. After graduation, completion of professional examinations and gaining relevant experience, you will qualify as a professional accountant. Whether you pursue your career in a public accounting firm or the commercial sector, the sky is the limit. You may ultimately become an equity partner of a Big Four accounting firm or the CFO of a global company. Some of the astute accountants may advance to be the CEO of the organisation. According to a recent research by Robert Half, a renowned recruitment agency, 47% of Australia’s current ASX 200 CEOs have held prior roles in finance, financial services or accounting.

In the old days, accountants are often dubbed number-crunchers. This misconception arises probably due to unfamiliarity of the accounting profession. A smart accountant can not only crunch numbers, provide meaningful information for decision-making, but also run a business.

So are you smart enough to be a professional accountant?