Last Updated on April 8, 2023
Have you ever thought about the types of people who pursue accounting?
Even though we all have our own unique quirks and preferences, the truth is accountants tend to share specific characteristics. If you're reading this article, there's a good chance you've already noticed some of these in yourself—so welcome!
That being said, let’s review some career-related personality types to discover which accounting role could fit you best and help you make the most of Accounting+ resources!
Type 1: The Realistic
You’ll enjoy accounting jobs involving hard numbers and facts if you're a realistic personality type. You love following rules, procedures, and policies without bias, but you also have an eye for detail, which makes it easy for you to notice mistakes in financial statements or other documents.
Suppose you are an accountant who falls under this category. Your ability to stay focused on details is an asset when it comes to doing taxes or preparing financial statements.
Roles to consider:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Auditor
- Management Accountant
- Chartered Accountant
Type 2: The Investigator
If you're a natural problem solver who likes to dig deep into things, you might’ve just discovered your true calling.
Investigative accountants are problem-solving superstars. They enjoy working independently on projects that take time and effort to complete—and they usually seek out those types of assignments to challenge themselves.
The best part? Investigative personalities make great accountants because they're meticulous with their work (maybe even a bit obsessive) and patient when it comes time for clients or employers to review their reports.
Roles to consider:
- Forensic Accountant
- Auditor
- Management Accountant
- Cost Accountant
Type 3: Artistic
These kinds of accountants are also experts at solving problems but in unique ways. When appropriate, they can think outside the box and break the mold. Because of this, they're often leaders in creating solutions no one else has thought of before.
Artistic people also make for influential leaders who inspire their teams with enthusiasm and vision for what can be accomplished—an essential aspect for anyone with career goals in accounting. Plus, when working with clients or employers, they can see past the numbers and get right down to the heart of what's important for them.
Roles to consider:
- Financial Planner
- Management Accountant
- Investment Accountant
- Project Accountant
Type 4: Social Enterprising
Social enterprising personalities are practically wired to their environment and have excellent people skills. They can read social cues and respond appropriately, which makes them great at networking, sales, and marketing.
Basically, you're the opposite of what everyone thinks an accountant should be: You're super charismatic!
Those with this personality type are also all about helping others—whether that’s mentoring a new employee or helping clients achieve their financial goals. Paired with your analytical skills, this makes you an incredibly valuable asset in the workforce.
The one downside? You might need help stepping away from your socialization efforts to focus on the real work. (But that's something you can get over with enough willpower and practice.)
Roles to consider:
- Financial Planner
- Management Accountant
- Project Accountant
- Cost Accountant
Type 5: Conventional
Similar to the realist, conventional personality types are all about structure, rules, and order. They enjoy accomplishing concrete tasks and prefer a predictable work environment that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel.
Your career goals in accounting will include the most opportunities to choose from since every accounting firm needs a conventional accountant to keep their books in order!
Roles to consider:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Auditor
- Government Accountant
- General Staff Accountant
Does your Personality Lend Itself to an Accounting Career?
The point is that no matter what role you're considering in accounting, there's a place for you. By learning about the things that make you tick, you can ensure your accounting career goals align with your natural interests and abilities.
Still, there's always room to grow and expand your horizons, so by no means must you stick with one role for the rest of your life. As you get more experience, it's likely that you'll find yourself gravitating toward a particular area of accounting with which you're most comfortable—so don't be afraid to keep experimenting! Think your personality makes you a perfect fit for an accounting career? Visit Accounting+ to learn how to get started.
