Allen Bostrom – Universal Accounting

People don’t think of Accountants as action heroes, but should they?

If you’ve traveled on an airline lately, you’ve likely observed security agents at the airport as they verify your boarding pass, scan your carry on luggage, bark directions, and inspect an occasional bag. When leaving the secure part of the airport, you’ll pass two guards who seem to be just biding time watching the exiting travelers.

I’ve often thought what a mind-numbing job that would be. How do they keep their interest in what they are doing? How do they keep from total boredom? At times they must feel just a small amount of jealousy as they think of all the fun the travelers they’re helping are going to have on their traveling adventure. How do they keep from just hanging it up?

Then it occurred to me. They have one of the noblest jobs of all – to keep the skies safe so that I can feel relatively confident that I’m going to arrive at my destination. I know that if it weren’t for them willing to spend their day in what would appear to be a tedious, mundane job, for only a modest income, I would worry every time I boarded a plane. Upon that realization, I have gained a true admiration for the job these people do.

Our role as accountants also has a value that is often unseen by those who observe us. Much of our time is spent working with tedious, number crunching, activities, that to many seems so boring and possibly even a bit worthless. Even our own ranks sometimes question the value we bring to the business. They see themselves only as a data entry clerk, or tax preparer – not a profit advisor and expert.

May I suggest that our services are just as noble as that of the men and women of the airport security. Though we might not protect the physical lives of our clients, true accountants realize that it is our role to protect their livelihood, their dreams, and their future – both of the client and of his or her family. Many of our clients have their entire future committed to their business.

So next time you’re up to your elbows in transactions and forms, take a moment to reflect on what it all means to the business owner. Then look for suggestions you can give to the owner that will bring them even greater prosperity. You’ll too enjoy that pride I feel in my profession.

Allen Bostrom
Universal Accounting Center