Did you know there are around 93,000 part-qualified accountants currently going through training in England? That's roughly a third of the total number of over 290,000 accountants in the country!
Wherever you turn, an accountant is likely not too far away. Whether it's your friend's roommate desperately cramming for tax exams or the friendly cashier at your coffee shop who hopes to become a chartered accountant someday.
The sheer number of people slogging through accounting courses and professional qualifications means we're all just one separation away from interacting with someone on the path to becoming a certified bean counter.
So why are so many people putting themselves through the arduous journey of becoming an accountant?
Well, the versatility of the role is a major perk. From forensic sleuthing and detective work hunting down financial crimes to advising businesses big and small on expansion - accountants get to dip their toes in a wide range of domains.
Not to mention the job security and salary a professional certification provides in today's fluctuating economy.
But it certainly isn't easy. Most qualifications involve years of exams, work experience requirements, ethics courses, and fees that cost an arm and a leg.
No wonder part-qualified accountants have a love-hate relationship with their career choice! The light at the end of the tunnel is often years away.
Much like lawyers, accountants also tend to come under fire for being boring number crunchers. But the sheer effort they put into becoming certified shows this stereotype can't be entirely true!
So next time you meet someone struggling through their accounting modules or professional path to glory, show some support! We all benefit from more qualified accounting professionals to handle our taxes, finances, and keep businesses running smoothly.
And if you're still not enthusiastic about accountants - well, there's likely one sitting right next to you that you've never noticed before. They are everywhere after all!
