Why accounting? Professionals say the job and variety that comes with it

 Despite Misconceptions, Most Accountants Would Still Choose the Same Career

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - If you were given the opportunity to go back in time and change your career, would you? According to a recent Accountemps survey, nearly seven in 10 accounting and finance workers would choose to stay put. Accountants feel this way despite many misconceptions about the profession – the most objectionable being that they're bean counters, they only do taxes and the job is boring, according to those polled.

The top reasons survey respondents originally chose to pursue an accounting career is the nature of the work and job duties (35 per cent), the variety of career paths within the field (27 per cent) and the positive employment outlook (26 per cent). The survey findings come in advance of International Accounting Day (November 10), when many organizations honour the accounting profession.

View an infographic of the survey findings and surprising facts about the accounting profession.

"Strong accounting teams are vital assets to a company, and it is no surprise that accounting professionals have become more influential in strategic decision making across organizations," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps. "The accounting profession is incredibly diverse, and successful businesses depend on these individuals for expertise in revenue growth and distribution, cost-saving recommendations and financial data analysis."

According to the 2016 Robert Half Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance, starting salaries in the accounting and finance profession are expected to increase 4 per cent in the year ahead.  "The expected growth in starting salaries within the accounting and finance industry demonstrates the increased demand in organizations for skilled accounting professionals," added Hunnam-Jones.

About the Research
The survey was developed and conducted by Accountemps. It includes responses from more than 550 accounting and finance professionals in Canada.

About Accountemps
Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has more than 340 offices worldwide. More resources, including online job search services, can be found at accountemps.ca. Follow the Accountemps blog and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace news and hiring trends.

SOURCE Accountemps

Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]