My work is boring! Ghanaian Accountant, why are you in accounting?
Years ago, I worked in the office on a Saturday. Ellen, one of our employees, was there catching up on work. As she handed me the office keys on her way out, I asked about her work. Ellen replied, “George, my work is boring!”
Her response surprised me. I challenged her: “Who will make work interesting for you? You have the client relationships. They look up to you. To find more interesting tasks—making meaning of numbers, budgeting, and other exciting aspects of accounting—it is your responsibility to convince the client. I will not make your work interesting for you!”
Ellen transformed after our conversation. She realized that whether her work was interesting or dull was up to her. She seized the opportunity, to learn and hone the skills needed for her desired work. Ellen explored technology, management accounting, financial management, accounting standards, communication, and relationship skills. The firm supported her growth.
We eventually promoted Ellen to manage Client Accounting Services (CAS), one of our most challenging units. She became an effective manager, solving problems and setting an example for others.
This story is not only about Ellen but about purpose. Why are you in accounting? Why does the accounting profession in Ghana exist? We rarely ask whether we are making an impact. Sometimes, we would rather not know.
Recently, Mark, the African Regional Director of BDO, visited SCG. He shared his career journey. Mark always had a desire to help people but was unsure of how. Eventually, he found his calling in BDO and accounting. He impressed his bosses so much that they made him a partner when he was 27.
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Mark believes that purpose shapes the meaning we find in our work and our impact. When he asked Daniel, another staff member, about his purpose in accounting, Daniel responded, “Given the tough economic situation and lack of jobs, the youth focus on survival, not purpose. They need income to cover expenses.”
Daniel’s response highlights an obstacle to building a quality firm: Ghanaian accountants often expect someone else to make their work interesting. Most believe that a certificate and a CA credential ensure a rewarding career, but this is not always the case.
Like Mark, I believe purpose determines whether your career is interesting, impactful, and rewarding. Purpose motivates you to realize your goals. Our Gen Z employees will have a 30–40-year accounting career. Approaching it solely in survival mode would be soul-destroying and poorly paid.
So, if your work feels boring, consider your purpose. Let us discuss it together and find a solution that satisfies us both.
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CFO/Consultant
8 个月Many think it is all about the certificate. Well, it opens doors but you've got prove yourself. Even if, your connection put you in the role (without any rigorous hiring process), your work will give you up along the way. On the boring work, accountants must embrace continuous learning. They can develop a skill and find a way of using it in specific tasks in their jobs even if the context does not immediately call for it. Always ask "how can I use this skill I learned in this task?" It must be consciously asked every time you jump on a new task. Self learning is also key here. Again, many think their bosses or organizations owe them their career development. The truth is, they can support, but they don't owe you. In other words, you MUST take all the initiatives towards your career development, not your company. Competency is actually a toolbox, and great leaders take their self development seriously. Finally, accountants must take keen interest in researching new ideas. In this age of AI, nothing is boring! As a rhetorical question, how many accountants are using the FREE AI on WhatsApp? What type of questions do you pose to this Meta AI?
Business & Risk Consultant (ERM, Internal Audit,ESG,M&E)|SME Accounting Software Consultant|Financial Accounting&Reporting|IFRS for SME Specialist|
8 个月Well, I still remember that day.??The conversation,subsequent mindset shift, and the opportunities I had is really the reason I’ve come this far. Undoubtely, you shaped my thinking and although it was hard ??to look beyond survival then, I’m so glad I did. If not for that foundation,I’m not sure I would have survived my recent challenges ??????in my quest for advancement. Coincidently, I took a walk down memory lane some few weeks ago and deep down, I couldn’t help but admit that I was lucky or perhaps fortunate to have gotten the right advice at the start of my career. For that and the subsequent opportunities, I will be eternally grateful. George Katako . Thank you??.??????
consultant at Capgemini
8 个月I think everyday is a new day and we are capable of learning something new everyday. One has to seize the opportunities as best they can. George, you could have ignored Ellen’s attitude and moved on but you didn’t. You took the right step to teach and encourage her to think differently. Ellen did make the necessary step to start making her job more interesting and being rewarded for it. I hope Ellen is spreading the message she got from you to others. Together we can make a difference.
Consulting Engineer at Genesis 2000 Company Limited
8 个月Great story
Chartered Accountant / Chartered Tax Practitioner.
8 个月Very insightful. Thank you George Katako