What's the first thing that pops into your head when you think of an accountant? Some tight-fisted grey haired old scrooge frantically typing into his calculator cooking the books? Well…maybe that's an exaggeration but there are many common misconceptions surrounding a career in accountancy.

Our editor talks to Jan Bell, President for the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and Sarah Hathaway, Marketing Officer at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and asks the experts about the myths created around accountancy courses and the career of an accountant.

1) What do you believe to be the most common misconceptions people make about accountants?

AAT: That they are boring jobs for boring people - for the majority, the reality is the total opposite!

ACCA: Also that its all about number crunching - accountants work at the heart of businesses and often progress to senior management, they contribute many roles to a businesses development.

AAT: Yes, communication and personality play a much larger part than most people imagine!

ACCA: Also, that you have to have a relevant degree or A level Maths - exemptions are awarded for relevant qualifications. However, employers can sometimes prefer non-relevant degrees as students have a wider breadth of experience

2) What personal qualities do you believe a student requires to train and work as an accountant?

AAT: Obviously a numerate ability and good, basic communication skills are required, but also I would include a good sense of humour, a willingness to learn, and a determination to succeed in the end.

ACCA: Communication is a very strong skill that is needed - being able to put across technical financial information to non-finance personnel takes practice, but is essential so the whole of the management team understand the company's position. This applies to those accountants in practice as well. Problem solving and analytical skills are also key.

3) What advice would you offer students when looking for suitable accountancy courses?

AAT: Firstly to talk to the college tutors before enrolling, to make sure that they know the commitment they are making to study, and to ensure that the accountancy course is at the right level for them personally. There may be alternative routes to the qualification that may benefit some, while others may wish to work their way through the levels to build up their confidence gradually. Then, to choose a course that meets their available study time and fits in work, family and leisure time. Personal study and homework always takes up more time than most people expect, so they must be prepared to have a balanced life to retain their sanity!

ACCA: Do as much research as possible into the types of accountancy roles available, and talk to people working in the profession as well as people from professional bodies at careers fairs. Choose a professional body that is most suited to your needs, and if you are unsure which sector to go into, note that some professional bodies are more flexible than others.

4) Why would you recommend accountancy as a career?

AAT: Accountancy courses lead to a wide range of career options in all different areas of working life. One can choose between financial and management accounting, between practice and industry, or self-employment. The world will always need accountants so it does offer a future, and a varied and interesting one at that!

ACCA: Despite it's image, accountancy is an exciting career, allowing opportunities to travel the country and the world. Its importance in the business world will always be key, and it offers career security and stability, as well as potentially significant financial rewards.

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