Tabitha
Is accounting a good career for someone who doesn't particularly like talking with alot of people?
I need to find a good career and I don't really like being around people all that much. I feel like if I brushed up on my math, I could do a good job in this field. #accounting #accountant
11 answers
Jim Shilkett
Jim’s Answer
Hi Tabitha,
My brother is an accountant for the exact same reason - he prefers to work on projects by himself. He has enjoyed being an accountant for the past 14 years partly for this reason - he interacts occasionally with the same few people whom he has gotten to know well.
Here are some further pro's and con's to consider:
- At least for my brother who is a tax accountant, he is working on the same company's return each year, which helps everyone know what to expect in meetings, as they are dealing with the same issues every year
- Accounting involves a lot of numbers - you have to be comfortable dealing with spreadsheets and line items in a very linear order all day - rather than working on one thing for a while and then another - you have to be able to do somewhat rote tasks in a specific order. More free-spirited people would not be well-suited for accounting
- In order to become an accountant, you need to take as much math as you can in high school and continue in college, majoring in accounting
- Accounting pays a solid middle-class and higher wage - it is worth putting in the hours on math homework now to have a secure future later - big companies should really need accountants to manage their business and handle their taxes
Scott Turner
Scott’s Answer
Hey Tabitha - Interesting question. There are a lot of careers that don't involve too much interaction but in the end, you will have to deal with people at some point. An accountant can be a bit isolated, certain types of scientists such as chemists, biologists, physicists etc., fall into that category too. You might also consider becoming a programmer. They work pretty independently and there is a high demand for people with those skills.
Hope that helps.
Scott
Amr Srour
Amr’s Answer
Best of luck.
Mike Rodriguez
Mike’s Answer
I hate answering the phone and speaking to the general public. I have found my social preferences and and engagement with others work nicely in the field of accounting.
Best of wishes to you.
Mohamed Fares
Mohamed’s Answer
Kenneth Smith
Kenneth’s Answer
Hi Tabitha,
I would second what Scott said. Every profession requires interaction with people. You will always have someone who's paying you that you'll have to communicate with. Sometimes that person is a client who might be hard to communicate with because they don't quite understand what you're doing. Sometimes that client is someone giving you grants and you need to keep them updated and deliver status reports and presentations. In addition to that you'll also have to interact with coworkers in almost every job. Sometimes that interaction involves requesting help or giving help to someone on a task. Sometimes that interaction involves talking to people to learn about the latest strategies and techniques that would help you out in your field. I am a computer programmer with a medium-sized company and I have to interact with people every day. Coworkers give me tasks, help me solve problems, and discuss the latest relevant technology.
Best of luck,
Kenneth
Andrea Giusti
Andrea’s Answer
Tabitha - although there are many careers that do not involve a lot of interaction with other people, all careers have some interaction with people. At the end of the day, there is a customer and boss to make happy. If you do not have great people skills, I think Scott had some great suggestions. Even in those fields you will need to talk to people on occasion, collaborate on projects, share ideas, and meet with your boss regularly. A lot of corporations now really focus on building a positive & collaborative work environment, which means sharing workspace. During the next few years, I would suggest trying new things to improve your people skills, joining a student club, getting a part time customer service job, or participating in a new sport. It will help you talk to people, and more importantly, interact with people under stressful situations. This is an important skill to have. Good luck!
Danielle Feldman
Danielle’s Answer
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
If you're someone who enjoys working with numbers and prefers a less socially interactive career, accounting could be a perfect fit for you. Here's a detailed look at what this career path entails:
Job Description: Accountants primarily focus on financial data, carrying out analysis, and generating reports. The job often requires independent work or collaboration in small teams to maintain financial records, create reports, and ensure adherence to regulations. While some interaction with clients or colleagues is necessary, the core work revolves around numbers and calculations.
Workplace Atmosphere: A majority of accounting roles offer a well-structured work environment that encourages concentrated, task-based work. This is particularly attractive to those who appreciate a calm workspace and minimal social interaction during working hours.
Career Pathways: The accounting field offers a range of specializations, each with varying levels of social interaction. For instance, forensic accountants may need to present findings in legal contexts, while management accountants may work closely with internal teams. Selecting a specialization that matches your comfort level with communication can help shape your career journey.
Client Interactions: Roles like public accounting or tax preparation may require more frequent client interactions. However, even in these roles, most of the work is done independently, with client meetings arranged as necessary.
Role of Technology: The accounting profession has greatly benefited from advancements in technology and automation. Tasks that once required significant human interaction can now be efficiently handled by software and digital tools. This development has enabled accountants to focus more on analytical tasks and less on manual data entry or communication.
Continuous Improvement: To thrive in accounting, strong mathematical skills are a must. Continual learning and staying abreast of industry trends and regulations are also key to success in this field.
In summary, if you're someone who enjoys working with numbers and data over extensive social interactions, accounting could be an ideal career choice for you. By choosing the right specialization and utilizing the latest technological advancements, you can build a rewarding career in accounting with minimal need for constant communication.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): AICPA offers valuable insights into the accounting profession, including career advice and industry trends.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations, including accountants and auditors, offering information on job outlook, salary trends, and educational requirements.
Harvard Business Review: HBR publishes articles on business and management-related topics, providing perspectives on the evolving role of accountants in the digital age.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Ly Pham
Ly’s Answer
Hi Tabitha,
I am an accountant for a large publicly-traded company. I deal with people all the time (teammates, auditors, bosses, etc.). I think every job involves a certain level of people skill. I think in order to make a lot of money and advance your career in accounting, you will certainly need networking skills and people skills. Don't be discouraged by the notion of "working with people". I consider myself an introvert but I thoroughly enjoy working in a team, as they challenge me and keep me honest.
