A question I get asked a lot is “Do you enjoy your job?”. Many people think being an accountant is boring and are fascinated to know what is really involved.
So I thought I’d put pen to paper and explain why my job is so interesting and I’ve planned a series of blogs exploring different aspects of my role.
Helping people is a significant part of my job
I love helping people! I like finding out what people’s aims and goals are in life and try to help them achieve these goals. Some need help in working out what their aims and goals are and others already know what they want to achieve but need help in getting there. We not only discuss business goals and financial goals but also talk about personal goals.
Being an accountant is so much more than numbers
I try to be the person a business owner speaks to when they need business advice. This is so important, as it can be lonely at the top for a business owner. Sometimes, I am the only person that my client can talk to about their business and finances, so I feel I am in a pretty unique position. I have planned my next blog to explore being a virtual FD.
Lots of people need advice on how to grow their business or how to turn their business around if they have had a few difficult years. In these instances, I sit and talk to the business owner about where they are now and where they want to be and we make a plan together. I get a real buzz from seeing the business flourish or turn around and ultimately see a happier business owner.
Speaking to different business owners keeps it exciting
It’s really interesting speaking to different business owners as all business owners are unique, as are the businesses themselves. In one day I can go from speaking to an engineering business, to a holiday park, to a retailer. What makes one business owner tick might not be of interest to another.
Another aspect of my job I enjoy is being involved in the buying and selling of businesses. It’s an exciting part of my job which I will delve into later in the series.
Finally, as an accountant in Carlisle, Cumbria, I am privileged to work in one of the most beautiful regions of the world where people are genuine, hardworking and down to earth. It’s a source of pride to play a small part in helping people succeed.
Lindsay Farrer
Partner, Carlisle Office
