International Accounting Day
Consider joining the fulfilling profession of accountants, network with others, or dig into options for earning an accounting degree for yourself.
While accounting may seem like a boring profession, it’s vital to every business out there. Without accountants, people won’t get paid promptly nor be able to understand their debits and credits. Even with an accountant, these can still be hard to understand. Accounting is work that isn’t something many people enjoy.
Accountants enjoy the prospects of so much that they form their whole career around managing numbers and company finances. That’s why, for those mathematicians out there in the industry, there is International Accounting Day to celebrate!
Learn about International Accounting Day
International Accounting Day is all about promoting the accounting profession. It seeks to give people the opportunity to network among their colleagues and aims to provide the opportunity to continue education for those interested in the industry.
It is also a great day to celebrate the role of an accountant. After all, no matter whether you run your own business or you are a sole trader, it is likely that you have required the services of an accountant at some point or that you will need their services in the future. From filing tax returns to ensuring business accounts are up-to-date; accounts play a critical role in the financial security of companies all over the world.
Of course, International Accounting Day is not only about those who are already in the profession, but it is also a day that is important for anyone who is looking to get involved in the accounting industry. There are a lot of great opportunities in this industry, and there is always going to be the need for accountants, so this is certainly a good sector to get involved in. Some of the skills that are required in order to become an accountant include:
- Proficiency in IT
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Teamworking ability
- Ability to manage deadlines and organizational skills
- Business interest and acumen
- Ability to reflect on your own work, as well as the broader consequences of financial decisions
- Integrity
- Self-motivation
If this sounds like you, there are a number of different ways to get involved in accounting, from taking a degree at university to doing an apprenticeship. Take some time to research the options out there and plot your route to the top!
History of International Accounting Day
International Accounting Day was first held in 1972 by the San Diego chapter of the California Society of CPA’s. Some remember the Institute of Management Accountants as the original organizers of the event.
Nevertheless, it was created to help inspire younger generations into an accounting career. In 1976, other organizations were invited to celebrate the holiday and International Accounting Day became an official holiday celebrated everywhere. While accounting has a longer history than its holiday, it deserved to have its own holiday.
Today, International Accounting Day is operated by the Accounting Education Institute. International Accounting Day provides plenty of networking opportunities, giving people a chance to have educational opportunities in the fields of accounting and finance.
The AEI contributes to many scholarship funds for major universities and works with them getting college students into accounting. They also help them get real-world applications for job opportunities. Organizations are encouraged to participate in accounting day to help their members connect and provide education for potential future accountants.
How to celebrate International Accounting Day
If an accounting organization near you is hosting an International Accounting Day event, then why not celebrate this day by attending the event! Through attending, you’ll be able to meet with some of the best accountants out there and network with them for future job opportunities.
This day represents the perfect opportunity for you to hone your networking skills as well. After all, it is all about accountants connecting with one and other. There are a number of different things that you can do on International Accounting Day to help you improve your networking. This includes the following:
- Create professional and stylish business cards – Are your business cards due an update? Perhaps you never seem to carry enough with you? If that’s the case, International Accounting Day is the perfect opportunity for you to ensure your business cards are on-point and to get an ample supply printed.
- Brush up on current events in the accounting industry – It is always a good idea to make sure that you are up-to-date with all of the latest headlines in the sector so that you will be able to join in the conversation with ease when at an accounting event.
- Practice describing your company in one sentence – It is important to be able to describe what it is that your company does in one sentence. You can then elaborate on it if the other person is interested. However, if you cannot say what your business does in one clear sentence, you’re going to lose the other person’s interest from the very beginning.
- Rehearse your 30-second elevator pitch – This is another activity you can try on International Accounting Day. If you were stuck in the elevator with someone for 30 seconds, how would you pitch your business and your services?
- Practice your handshake – Your handshake needs to be confident and firm. It should also be accompanied by eye contact and a smile. Get your friend involved and get them to help you practice your handshake.
If you’re thinking of school, then try an accounting degree and see what career opportunities open for you. Share this holiday with friends and family, talk about the value of accountants in our daily lives, and say thank you to an accountant that you know personally.
