The myths:
- People believe that an accountant has to perform mathematics all the time. But there is little truth in this notion. An accountant does not have to perform tedious calculations in his mind in order to proceed with his work. He does work out some calculations. But his job is not only limited to that. He has to analyze financial reports. He has to analyze the reports from many specific angles. He has to do some research if that is called for.
- So you now know that an accountant does not merely have to do calculations properly. He has to solve many puzzles in order to analyze financial reports. An accountant is not a mathematician. He has to inform his boss what the numbers indicate.
- People often confuse accountants with tax preparers. They think that an accountant's job is identical as that of the tax preparer's job. Accountants sometimes make tax preparations. But that does not mean that all they have to do is that. He has several other responsibilities to perform like auditing and play the role of an investment analyst.
- Some accountants in working in the private sector have to attend to the financial records of the company in particular. Others may have to work in fraud examination. A person is qualified as an accountant when he possesses the degree of an accountant and he has the skills to work as one.
- Many people harbor the notion that the profession is strictly for men. Such sexist views are absolutely meaningless. Women don't lag behind their male counterparts anymore. So they can make as good accountants as men. If you say that the work is hectic women are equally good at dealing with hectic work schedule as men. They can balance work and home perfectly leaving no chance for any complains.
- Companies either follow a 50 - 50 ratio or they hire more women than men. So your gender will not hold you back in this profession or it will not give you an upper hand over the opposite sex. If you are good at your work you will definitely gain recognition for it.
- People think that if they become an accountant they will no longer have to deal with other people. They have to work all by themselves sitting on their desks. But in reality accountants have to interact with clients regularly. Your clients may not understand the complex analysis. You will have to explain to them in simple terms. So you must possess that quality. You also have to be people friendly.
