9 answers
jaylon
Student
Reno, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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How does accountants deal with setbacks in within their career?
Hi! My name is Jaylon, and the question I have today is for the accountants out there in the world.
How do you handle setbacks in the accounting field? For Example, was there ever a time when you thought accounting wasn't a career that suited you? If so, why did you feel that way?
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9 answers
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
31
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Jaylon!
It is great as you are exploring career to ask about potential challenges and how to overcome them. No matter what career path you choose, or where life takes you, challenges are inevitable. The good news is that we are resilient, and each challenges helps us grow, teaches us about ourselves, and gives us the confidence to take on the next challenge we face.
I studied accounting and management information systems in college, and got my CPA early in my career. However, I ended up pursuing a career in consulting instead of traditional accounting. But I would love to share some common challenges and how I learned from them. The first challenge took many forms of making mistakes. Sometimes that was using the wrong formula in my Excel workbook, sometimes it was spelling or grammar errors, sometimes it was coming to the wrong conclusion as I worked through things. In each experience, I learned how to ask better questions like, "what format do you want this deliverable?" and I also got better at pausing part-way through a task to validate that the way I was going about it was correct. I also learned how to better communicate by seeing how those with more experience made changes to my deliverables and documents, and if possible, I asked them to share what I could have done better. These mistakes are totally normal and it is how we learn.
Other challenges were interpersonal; trying to figure out everyone's working style and preferences and working through challenges that come with being part of a team. Once I was late to a meeting and got a stern lecture from my supervisor. I appreciated her feedback, even though it was really hard in the moment, because it reinforced the importance of my personal brand. I was never late again - I learned to be 30+ mins early instead of trying to get there right on time.
I think having the right leaders will really help you overcome challenges. Leaders who are not afraid to tell you when you make a mistake or need to learn how to do something differently to meet their expectations. And leaders who will take the time to answer your questions thoughtfully, review your work with care, and point you in the direction and become a mentor to you.
I wish you luck - remember that mistakes and challenges are normal and expected. It's how we learn from them and shift our behavior when needed that really shows our employers our skills and shows value.
It is great as you are exploring career to ask about potential challenges and how to overcome them. No matter what career path you choose, or where life takes you, challenges are inevitable. The good news is that we are resilient, and each challenges helps us grow, teaches us about ourselves, and gives us the confidence to take on the next challenge we face.
I studied accounting and management information systems in college, and got my CPA early in my career. However, I ended up pursuing a career in consulting instead of traditional accounting. But I would love to share some common challenges and how I learned from them. The first challenge took many forms of making mistakes. Sometimes that was using the wrong formula in my Excel workbook, sometimes it was spelling or grammar errors, sometimes it was coming to the wrong conclusion as I worked through things. In each experience, I learned how to ask better questions like, "what format do you want this deliverable?" and I also got better at pausing part-way through a task to validate that the way I was going about it was correct. I also learned how to better communicate by seeing how those with more experience made changes to my deliverables and documents, and if possible, I asked them to share what I could have done better. These mistakes are totally normal and it is how we learn.
Other challenges were interpersonal; trying to figure out everyone's working style and preferences and working through challenges that come with being part of a team. Once I was late to a meeting and got a stern lecture from my supervisor. I appreciated her feedback, even though it was really hard in the moment, because it reinforced the importance of my personal brand. I was never late again - I learned to be 30+ mins early instead of trying to get there right on time.
I think having the right leaders will really help you overcome challenges. Leaders who are not afraid to tell you when you make a mistake or need to learn how to do something differently to meet their expectations. And leaders who will take the time to answer your questions thoughtfully, review your work with care, and point you in the direction and become a mentor to you.
I wish you luck - remember that mistakes and challenges are normal and expected. It's how we learn from them and shift our behavior when needed that really shows our employers our skills and shows value.
Christina Tierney
Human Capital Operations
3
Answers
Westfield, New Jersey
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hi Jaylon! I think having setbacks or second thoughts on the career you choose is normal and even expected at some point! You can't love everything you do all of the time. A setback could be an opportunity for you to reassess what you enjoy and don't enjoy about your major/career/current role/etc. That could lead you to pursue something slightly different or re-energize you in your current role. For me personally, I graduated with an accounting degree and working as a CPA in an accounting firm for nearly 10 years. At that point I realized it wasn't the path that I wanted to continue on but I was able to tap into all the very valuable skills I learned along the way to pursue a different path (HR operations) but within the same accounting firm! So, even though I'm not an active CPA today, I would take the same path if I had to do it all again. Accounting gave me excellent base knowledge that I continue to leverage as well as experience dealing with clients, working in teams, managing multiple deliverables, etc. Try not to be worried about a setback but think of it as a time to reassess and re-charge as it is a great learning opportunity!
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Jaylon,
I am a lawyer by education who works for a large accounting firm. I love working in tax for an accounting firm but that does not mean that I have not faced setbacks and challenges. The challenges for me have been the long work hours, dealing with technology that works slowly or generates errors, the stress of deadlines, and having to perform repetitive data entry tasks. Sometimes I have felt that even when I do my best, the result is not that great because of other factors that I cannot really control. The big lesson for me was the following: yes, that is perfectly true and that can happen in any profession. Sometimes you do very best and the result is still not that great. Sometimes it is because of bad luck, and sometimes it is because of what other people do. Either way you cannot control it. When that happens, the only way to keep going is to be honest with yourself and say: what could I have done better, what can I do next time. When you ask those questions and find some practical answers, you feel better.
When I put in perspective, I have overcome those challenges because I enjoy what I do and feel that what we do really helps our clients and because I continue to believe that next time I can do better.
I am a lawyer by education who works for a large accounting firm. I love working in tax for an accounting firm but that does not mean that I have not faced setbacks and challenges. The challenges for me have been the long work hours, dealing with technology that works slowly or generates errors, the stress of deadlines, and having to perform repetitive data entry tasks. Sometimes I have felt that even when I do my best, the result is not that great because of other factors that I cannot really control. The big lesson for me was the following: yes, that is perfectly true and that can happen in any profession. Sometimes you do very best and the result is still not that great. Sometimes it is because of bad luck, and sometimes it is because of what other people do. Either way you cannot control it. When that happens, the only way to keep going is to be honest with yourself and say: what could I have done better, what can I do next time. When you ask those questions and find some practical answers, you feel better.
When I put in perspective, I have overcome those challenges because I enjoy what I do and feel that what we do really helps our clients and because I continue to believe that next time I can do better.
Laurie Young Tempest
Director, Inclusion & Sustainability
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Hey Jaylon - Although I no longer practice accounting, it was where I started my career and what I studied in school. For me - I enjoyed the aspects of growing my skills in teamwork, communication, leadership, continuous learning/improvement mindset, and an overall strong business/financial acumen. However, after 5 years, I decided based on my interest areas and personal passions it wasn't how I wanted to spend the 2-3 decades. I was not interested in becoming an expert in the field and progress my career in that way. It did set me up with a strong foundation to pivot into operations, then the ESG field. It's also served me well in the nonprofit boards I've been a part of. It's definitely a great foundation for many different career paths. My advice is to find a field that genuinely interests you -- one that you'll want to keep learning/growing in for years to come.
I couldn't agree more with Laurie's answer. As someone who also started in audit/accounting it was the best decision I made. I now work still within a professional services/accounting firm but in a very different field. By starting in accounting it gave me such a great base knowledge of business that it set me up for future success. When I realized I didn't want to pursue a 30 year career in accounting I leaned on my coaches and network to meet with others at our firm to see how I could pivot all the wonderful skills I had accumulated into another equally engaging career. These wonderful conversations eventually led to me transferring internally into a role that worked in the same space (accounting) but from a different angle (human resources).
Kerry Stakem, CPC, ACC
Ivette Ulloa
Manager of Accounting
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Ivette’s Answer
It’s not uncommon for accountants to face setbacks in their careers, whether through workplace challenges, burnout, or feeling disconnected from the routine. I experienced this myself—I reached a point where accounting no longer felt right for me after encountering some difficulties in a position. So, I made a bold change: I pursued hairstyling, a creative passion from my childhood. This detour offered me fresh energy and a chance to recharge before an opportunity drew me back to accounting after just over a year.
Returning to the field, I realized the routine of accounting could feel monotonous at times, but it also brought stability and a sense of accomplishment. What truly changed for me was understanding the importance of balance: I now make time for creative hobbies alongside my professional life. This harmony keeps me motivated and fulfilled, blending the order of numbers with the creativity that energizes me.
Returning to the field, I realized the routine of accounting could feel monotonous at times, but it also brought stability and a sense of accomplishment. What truly changed for me was understanding the importance of balance: I now make time for creative hobbies alongside my professional life. This harmony keeps me motivated and fulfilled, blending the order of numbers with the creativity that energizes me.
Zachary Morris, CPA
Accountant
14
Answers
Delray Beach, Florida
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
It is important to continually evaluate your goals both professionally and personally. Sometimes setbacks can be an opportunity to grow and learn and other times they may be providing an indication for a change in direction/career. Discerning between the two is key. What is most important is that anytime there is a setback, you take time to do a self-assessment and reflection. You want to learn from your setbacks instead of potentially performing the same mistake again (if the setback is caused by something you did) or going down the same path in the future (if the setback is caused more situationally). Learning is the key to your professional career as well as life!
Savanna King
Accountant
2
Answers
Lake Forest, California
Updated
Savanna’s Answer
Hi Jaylon, it's completely normal to have doubts and rethink your career path! If your current job isn't fulfilling, consider exploring new opportunities or different roles within your company. The great thing about being an accountant is that your skills are always needed. Being a certified public accountant (CPA) opens even more doors beyond what a college degree offers.
If you feel like accounting isn't right for you, it might be because the job isn't challenging enough or maybe it's too tough. This is a perfect moment to talk to your manager or mentor about how to make your work experience better. You could also learn from a successful coworker to boost your skills.
If your current tasks don't excite you, think about gaining new skills through online courses or college classes. Once you complete some courses or certifications, you can look into other job roles that fit your interests better.
Connect with a manager or mentor at work to discuss your concerns
Shadow a coworker to discover best practices
Explore other roles by taking a course or certification
If you feel like accounting isn't right for you, it might be because the job isn't challenging enough or maybe it's too tough. This is a perfect moment to talk to your manager or mentor about how to make your work experience better. You could also learn from a successful coworker to boost your skills.
If your current tasks don't excite you, think about gaining new skills through online courses or college classes. Once you complete some courses or certifications, you can look into other job roles that fit your interests better.
Savanna recommends the following next steps:
Lee Field
Presales Sales Engineering & Solution Architecture
3
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Lee’s Answer
While I'm not an accountant, I've had the great opportunity to work with many, and I've seen how essential basic accounting skills are in various careers. People truly thrive in business accounting roles. The field is broad and diverse, offering numerous paths to explore. I work closely with my finance team, including those in Financial Planning and Analysis.
If you face challenges in one area, the core principles of accounting can be applied across different business sectors. Many successful leaders I know have accounting backgrounds, which shows the strong foundation it provides.
If you face challenges in one area, the core principles of accounting can be applied across different business sectors. Many successful leaders I know have accounting backgrounds, which shows the strong foundation it provides.
Heather Lopez
Human Resources Director
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Hi Jaylon, I started as an accountant and spent time serving clients in my first handful of years working for an accounting firm. In those years, I was able to work on a lot of different types of clients. There were many times I felt like I had setbacks or challenges, where I was taking on a challenging new client or project. What I focused on what leveraging my resources, whether it was guidance provided by my accounting firm, taking additional training to help me learn more about an industry or doing research to understand a client's business. Even though in each of these instances I was really challenged in the moment, these experiences really helped me learn and grow professional. Most importantly it helped me build confidence that I could take on other challenges and get out of my comfort zone. One thing I have found is there are always opportunities to grow and learn new things and that is true in accounting.