Something that’s been on my mind for the better part of this year is the question of what an accountant really is, and does as it seems to be increasingly challenged at every turn.
Evolution is natural, we know this. But for a profession that has long prided itself, and even been defined, by consistency and measured decisions, it is no surprise to me that the point of inflection accounting is at now is causing some consternation.
Whether you have initials after your name or not (and the debate over the importance and value of those initials continues), you are still a professional; an accounting professional. Whatever that means tomorrow or in five years from now, you need to figure out what it is that defines you and the work you do.
I know, tall order right? You may be saying, “Hey man, why are you getting so heavy? I’m still doing returns and the government is shutting down.” I get it, but hear me out on this one as it all does point to a sense of freedom from specific definitions.
I’m not saying what your pronouns or even the initials that may follow your name should be. If those are things that matter to you, though, then by all means keep them out, loud and proud. But what I’m referring to is far more than letters.
I’ve been seeing a shift lately, and it moves beyond just being told (or even pressured?) to be or do “more.” Being an accountant today isn’t just about the day-to-day tasks anymore; it’s about creating outcomes that matter. It’s a good starting point to look at things in this way as you question the definition of what kind of professional you are or want to be.
Sure, you may “do” taxes. You may “do” books, or payroll, or any other known back-office function. That, in my view, does not define you or your job.
And I mentioned pressure because the accounting profession on the whole seems to be having a harder time just staying the same, or at least what many have long known it to be about. That is to say that you are using tools and methods you always have (or as long as you can recall) and really delivering the same type of work for your clients. All of this is being done in the face of technology fundamentally changing how “work” is done and client expectations of the work you do.
So, “pressure” aside, “AI” and “Advisory” and everything in between aside, look at what is going on around you, and perhaps even in your own business, as an opportunity. Think of right now (or, for many of you, the moment you feel you can lift your heads up and actually think about this stuff) as a chance to truly figure out the kind of work you really want to do and the kind of professional you want to be.
Having vision, or even the passion, to move in a specific direction, will help guide you from being a doer of tasks to a maker of dreams and facilitator of balance. Not just in books, but also in life and work (as long as life comes first).
You love working with restaurant clients? Great, figure out how to do that in the best way possible. Be “the” accounting professional, advisor, or whatever-have-you that these businesses turn to. Lean into, or learn about, the tools to help you be just that. And, as I always preach, never forget about the community around you that is having (or had) the same questions as you, and let them in to help support you.
From where I sit, and it’s a fortunate seat to have, there really is and has been no better time than right now to make these decisions. It’s not only time to define what kind of professional you want to be but also, in the process, what being an accountant can actually mean.
Never forget, you are the greatest business coaches that exist and supporters of personal and economic growth; you just have to see how You want to do it.