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302
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Spencer Sheehan, CPA
Security Governance, Risk & Compliance Manager
4
Answers
Updated
Spencer’s Answer
Hi Jessica, my name is Spencer and I am a certified public accountant. I worked in a large accounting firm for 2 years after getting my degree in Accounting at the University of Montana. In my sophomore year, I decided to add a Management Information Systems degree because I personally found accounting stressful/difficult and not always the most interesting. It turns out that there is a high need for professionals with both an Information Systems and Accounting dual background. This ends up being more interesting work dealing with security/conceptual topics. This was a nice fit for me.
To answer your question directly - yes accounting can be stressful, depending on what company you work at. If you work in a small firm or a stable company in-house accounting department, or in the government sector with a generous/healthy work-life balance, you may find it not to be too stressful, but the downside is you may find the work repetitive. If you work at a Big4 Accounting firm (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY), you will find they will have you work (depending on the team) on average of like 60-80 hours a week during the busy seasons (tends to be half the year if we are being realistic). So, like many careers, it really depends! Good luck!
I did these leadership programs when I was a freshman/sophomore in college - which is how I got into the Big4. Take a look!
https://globalcareerpathfinder.kpmg.com/
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/entry-level/programs-events/explore.html
Google EY Deloitte leadership programs.
To answer your question directly - yes accounting can be stressful, depending on what company you work at. If you work in a small firm or a stable company in-house accounting department, or in the government sector with a generous/healthy work-life balance, you may find it not to be too stressful, but the downside is you may find the work repetitive. If you work at a Big4 Accounting firm (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY), you will find they will have you work (depending on the team) on average of like 60-80 hours a week during the busy seasons (tends to be half the year if we are being realistic). So, like many careers, it really depends! Good luck!
Spencer recommends the following next steps:
Hi Spencer, sharing contact information (including your LinkedIn account) goes against our guidelines so I've removed that step from your response
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
Art’s Answer
Accounting is an intense profession. You need to be comfortable working long hours at certain times of the year. You need to be able to hold lots of facts and variables in you head. You need to be able to investigate and analyze. You need a strong ethical foundation.
Is is stressful. Yes, at times it is and everyone responds to stress differently. If you don’t respond well to stress, it is probably not the profession for you. If stress energizes you, if you want to understand all aspects of business, accounting is a great path. Accounting was very good to me. It led to manufacturing management and general management. In retirement, I am still a sought after advisor to non-profits.
Is is stressful. Yes, at times it is and everyone responds to stress differently. If you don’t respond well to stress, it is probably not the profession for you. If stress energizes you, if you want to understand all aspects of business, accounting is a great path. Accounting was very good to me. It led to manufacturing management and general management. In retirement, I am still a sought after advisor to non-profits.
Updated
Doris’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
I had an Accounts Payable Internship my Senior year in college, which helped me land the same titled job after graduating. It can be a stressful job, I did at times has dreams of spreadsheets chasing me. I worked in that position for about 5 years then eventually transitioned for a forecasting job with more spreadsheets to now my current position Accounting. So as previously stated it depends on the company your work for and the actual position you get. Happy Job Hunting you will find a career that fits your life and works for you and your values.
I had an Accounts Payable Internship my Senior year in college, which helped me land the same titled job after graduating. It can be a stressful job, I did at times has dreams of spreadsheets chasing me. I worked in that position for about 5 years then eventually transitioned for a forecasting job with more spreadsheets to now my current position Accounting. So as previously stated it depends on the company your work for and the actual position you get. Happy Job Hunting you will find a career that fits your life and works for you and your values.
Updated
Zein’s Answer
I have heard its stressful but also rewarding! I know of someone who is an accountant responsible for auditing companies around the world. He loves what he does and enjoys the global experience too.
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Jessica,
Yes, accounting can be stressful. It won't be stressful 24/7, but it will definitely be stressful at times.
Thanks,
Blake
Yes, accounting can be stressful. It won't be stressful 24/7, but it will definitely be stressful at times.
Thanks,
Blake