Beyond the Desk – How Accounting Impacts Our Community

There’s more to an accounting career than you think.

This article is presented in partnership with Monash University.

When you think of a career in accounting, what first comes to mind?

If you're picturing an office, computer and paperwork -  throw that idea right outta the window.

Accounting is so much more than 'just' a desk job - it can be far from it!

What you might not know about accounting is that it's one of the best degrees if you want opportunities to work and travel around the world. It's a globally recognised qualification and profession that’s constantly evolving. 

So what we're saying is if you're after a career in accounting, keep your suitcase and passport at the ready. 👀

So how else does accounting go ‘beyond the desk’?

Depending on where you work and what your specific role is, your career can make a difference to a handful of people, to making an impact on many.

As an accountant, you're helping organisations reach their financial and strategic goals... But did you know that you can also help tackle climate change?

Keep an eye out for some new career pathways that have emerged in the accounting world, such as ‘environmental accounting’.

Environmental accounting – also known as climate-conscious accounting – assesses the impact a business-related decision may have on the environment, so your role might involve collecting related info surrounding something like carbon emissions.

Accountants can also assist in criminal investigations as a forensic accountant, help protect data as a cybersecurity analyst, or help drive business performance as a management consultant.

Keen to tackle the ever-changing world of tech?

As with many other industries and professions, accounting is becoming a more ‘high-tech’ profession, so this might be the perfect fit for you.

There are heaps of organisations that require accountants in a range of industries, including private, public, non-profit, government, sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations – it’s safe to say you won’t be short of opportunities!

To become an accountant, it’s important to be great at problem solving and communicating. Of course, there’s no doubt you’d need to be a great analyst, but you’d also be required to be a ‘big picture thinker’ who gives great attention to detail.

There you have it – there is so much more to accounting than you may have thought, and it’s doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon!

Find out more about studying accounting at Monash Business School here.