Accountancy sector 'not dull'

News Article - 01 June 2007
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Accountancy students are being assured that their chosen profession is not dull and can offer many exciting career choices.

Professor John Burns, dean of the School of Accounting and Finance at Dundee University, told Computer Active that the stereotypical description of an accountant as an "appallingly dull fellow" – a quote taken from hit TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus – is not to be believed.

"Far from being a route to dull and boring careers, a university education in accounting and/or finance opens up a variety of exciting and rewarding business management opportunities," the professor suggested.

He added that degree programmes must provide training not only in industry-specific skills, but also in other areas such as soft skills to help graduate succeed.

Professor Burns concluded that while the development of accountancy degrees in universities would prove challenging, there is great potential for participants to be rewarded.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants states that there are many myths surrounding the accountancy industry, one of which is that the role of an accountant is boring and lonely.

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