We surveyed 17,287 accountants to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical accountant. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an accountant?
Low
High
Working as an accountant typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that accountants are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become an accountant?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an accountant typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as an accountant?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as an accountant. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for accountants.
Do accountants work full-time or part-time?
88% of accountants work in full-time roles while 12% work part-time.
Is being an accountant stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst accountants, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as an accountant?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for accountants, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for accountants?
Low
High
Accountants see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being an accountant require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Accountants will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are accountants allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Accountants rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do accountants have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Accountants tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being an accountant physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as an accountants is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are accountants exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Accountants tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being an accountant require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for accountants, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good accountant require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as an accountant.