Math Wizards or Problem Solvers?

New Survey Shows Accountants Prefer Tackling Problems Over Crunching Numbers

TORONTO, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ - It's tax season, and many people are on a first-name basis with their personal accountant. What they may not know is what accountants enjoy most about their profession. In a Robert Half Finance & Accounting survey, accounting and finance professionals said solving problems (38 per cent) and making strategic recommendations for the business (29 per cent) gives them the most career satisfaction. Respondents ranked these ahead of working with numbers (17 per cent).

The online survey was developed and conducted by Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the world's first and largest specialized financial recruitment service. It includes responses from nearly 400 finance and accounting professionals across Canada.

Finance and accounting professionals were asked, "What part of working in the accounting and finance profession do you enjoy the most?" Their responses*: 

Solving problems	38%
Making strategic recommendations for the business	29%
Working with numbers	17%
Learning new technologies/software	5%
Collaborating with others	7%
Other	3%
	99%

*Responses do not total 100 per cent due to rounding.

"In a rapidly changing environment, accounting professionals can be an excellent resource to drive business success," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "While maintaining accurate reporting and regulatory compliance remain core responsibilities, they are perfectly positioned to connect the dots between budget, profits and strategy at every level of the organization."

Scileppi added the access to detailed data only increases the value accounting professionals offer to the decision-making process. "Accounting and finance professionals can analyze data to predict opportunities and find areas of concern. They can tap their expertise to provide reliable information to capitalize on growth and solve problems in a fiscally responsible way."

About Robert Half Finance & Accounting 
Founded in 1948, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, a division of Robert Half, is the world's first and largest specialized financial recruitment service. The company has more than 340 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at roberthalffinance.com. For finance and accounting career and management advice, follow our blog at blog.roberthalffinance.com. Follow @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

SOURCE Robert Half Finance & Accounting

Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]