Misconceptions of Accounting
CPA Ireland is a leading accountancy body in Ireland. Becoming a CPA Accountant will provide you with prestigious and global recognition as a professionally qualified Accountant.
At present, there are a series of misconceptions surrounding the accounting profession and career as an Accountant in Ireland. Some of the misconceptions that we have found present in society in Ireland, in secondary schools, third-level institutions, and elsewhere are:
– Accountancy as a career is dull, it’s not an inspiring career;
– It’s just crunching numbers all day;
– To have a successful career, you must train in a “large firm”;
– You need to have studied Accounting to become an Accountant;
These are not true. Many CPA Accountants have successful careers and climb the career ladder to top positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Other high-ranking positions in the professional hierarchies such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will have a background in accounting due to the prominent level of expertise and knowledge that comes from gaining a professional accounting qualification.
With this expertise, it allows them to make strategic business decisions and this career choice brings high-paid salaries where Accountants earn some of the highest salaries for working professionals.
Technology is changing the role of an Accountant
The idea that Accountants deal with numbers all day, complete manual boring tasks, and their jobs are mundane and repetitive is over. New technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, and Blockchain are now doing the number crunching.
By gaining a professional Accountancy qualification with CPA Ireland, Accountants will develop the skills to deal with other areas of the profession such as sustainability, data analytics, and much more.
Large firms not the only option
To become a fully qualified Accountant, you must undertake a minimum of 3 years training in a relevant accountancy role while studying part-time to complete the CPA Ireland accountancy exams.
The misconception that you must undertake this training within a “large firm” as the only option available, is not the case. While training in a large firm can be a great option for some, it is not the only option. Within large firms, sometimes you will only work in one specific area of that firm.
By going to a small-medium-sized business, you can gain experience in all areas of the business, discover areas you succeed in, and give yourself the building blocks to develop your career in the direction you wish to go.
Accounting is a career option open to everyone
While many students still progress through the “traditional” route by completing their Leaving Certificate, studying an accounting degree in third-level institutes, and then registering with a professional accountancy body and becoming a qualified accountant, it isn’t the only route to take.
You can start the CPA professional accountancy qualification straight after your Leaving Certificate without going to a third-level institute or having any prior experience.
You will commence your studies at the Foundation Stage which will provide you the core accounting skills such as Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Taxation.
The flexible study options will allow you to earn and learn meaning in some cases, it can be more cost-efficient than going to college. Exams and lectures take place online giving students complete flexibility to progress through the qualification at their own pace.
Shortage of Accountants
Currently, Accountants are on the critical skills shortage list, outlined by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Here in Ireland and worldwide, there is a huge shortage of qualified and trainee Accountants, but Accounting as a profession is one of the most secure careers a person can undertake. No matter what state the economy is in, there will always be a need for Accountants, both in industry and in practice.
As such, Accountants know they will always have job security thanks to their career choice.
Endless career possibilities available globally
By becoming a CPA Accountant, you open the door to endless career opportunities.
CPAs can work in any industry, any company, or firm globally. Currently, CPA Ireland members are working in over 50 countries worldwide and are employed in over 6,000 different companies across all industries such as Sports, Gaming, Music, Entertainment, Pharmaceutical, Construction, Financial Services, Insurance, Technology, Retail Distribution, and many more.
As a CPA Accountant, you will be recognised as a qualified accountant globally allowing you to go anywhere as a CPA Accountant.
Supporting you in every step of your career
As an Irish Accountancy Body, CPA Ireland has its HQ in Dublin City Centre. Our open-door policy gives you the first step to gaining unparalleled support in your studies and your future career as a CPA Accountant.
Now is the time to Change Your Perspective on Accounting, and Change Your Future.
