Why Accounting is the Career That Opens Every Door

At the age of 11, I decided I wanted to be an accountant. Back then, my understanding of the profession was simple: preparing financial statements, filing tax returns, and processing wages. My knowledge came from observing the financial side of my parents’ business. While helping with tasks like filing paperwork and stuffing payslips into envelopes, I got a glimpse into the world of accounting.  

Little did I know that my desire to become an accountant, which started with filing my own tax returns to claim the child tax rebate (and using the cash for lollies!), would lead to a career far more varied, exciting, and fulfilling than I could have imagined. 

 

More Than Just Numbers: The Unexpected Side of Accounting 

When most people think of accountants, they imagine someone buried in spreadsheets, crunching numbers, and filing taxes. While those tasks are part of the job, my career has been anything but monotonous. Here are just a few unexpected things I’ve done: 

 

Orchestrated the Sawmill Decommissioning  

Ever shut down an entire sawmill? Picture it: hard hats, loggers who look like they stepped out of a lumberjack calendar, and a clipboard-wielding accountant calling the shots. Yes, that’s me.   

 

Hands-On Experience in Dairy Operations  

Turns out accounting isn’t the only hands-on work I’ve done. Armed with zero farm experience but plenty of enthusiasm, I got up close and personal with the dairy industry. Who knew spreadsheets and udders could coexist in a career?   

 

Repossessed assets (cars, bulldozers, boats—you name it!) 

Nothing says "adventure" like politely but firmly asking someone to hand over a bulldozer. And let’s not forget the thrill of repossessing cars from busy car yards—it’s a mix of strategy, adrenaline, and just a touch of awkward small talk. 

 

Managed Vineyards  

Grapes, sunshine, and logistics galore! Accounting meets winemaking as I juggled harvest schedules, managed crews, and ensured the juice made it to the barrel. Bonus: my wine-tasting skills leveled up significantly.   

 

Negotiated Business Deals and Resolved Shareholder Disputes 

Imagine sitting in a room with two people ready to wage war over their company. Enter me: the accountant/mediator/diplomat with spreadsheets in one hand and a peace treaty in the other.   

 

Implemented Software Systems  

Who needs IT specialists when you have an accountant? From puzzling through mysterious user manuals to leading frustrated teams, I became the tech-savvy hero no one expected.   

 

Led Logistics and Freight Operations  

Move over, truckers! I managed depots and orchestrated the ballet of freight logistics. Think Tetris, but with pallets of goods and real-world stakes.   

 

Conducted Comprehensive Investigations into Financial Matters  

This is where I channel my inner Sherlock Holmes, solving mysteries of missing funds and uncovering financial secrets. The game is afoot... and the accountant is on the case!   

 

 

Breaking Stereotypes: Accountants Aren’t “Just the Office Lady” 

Despite the variety and excitement of my career, I’ve occasionally encountered the outdated stereotype of accountants as boring or unimportant. Once, I was even referred to dismissively as “just the office lady.” It’s baffling to me that people undervalue accountants, given the critical role they play in every business. 

Accountants are problem solvers, strategists, and leaders. We don’t just tally numbers; we help businesses navigate challenges, improve processes, and achieve their goals. The skills we gain—ranging from negotiation to project management—can take us far beyond the traditional scope of accounting. 

 

Building a Foundation for a World of Opportunity 

What makes accounting truly special is its versatility. The foundation it provides can lead to opportunities in countless fields. My career has been a testament to that. From managing teams and implementing systems to resolving complex financial issues, the skills I developed as an accountant have opened doors I never knew existed. 

The 11-year-old me who dreamed of becoming an accountant could never have imagined the path my career would take. Accounting has not only given me a fulfilling and exciting profession but also equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to tackle challenges in areas I never thought I’d explore.