FYI, An Accounting Career Is Way More Than You Ever Expected It To Be

Who knew there were so many benefits to pursuing a career in accounting?

Presented by Her Campus x Accounting+

Whether it was because you thought it involved a lot of math, or that your workdays would only consist of spreadsheets and crunching numbers in a cubicle, you may have skipped over considering a career in accounting. But, it can actually be *way* more than that. 

Generation Hired recently sat down with Kirsten Marie Ortez, CPA who is an Accounting+ ambassador and Senior Assurance Associate at PwC, which provides accounting, consulting, and tax services to clients across the country. Kirsten shared some exciting details about her career in accounting which just might make you rethink if accounting is the right path for you.

Curious about what she had to say? Check out the virtual chat here and read below to learn more about a career in accounting – and why it’s so much more than you ever expected it to be.

The opportunity to travel around the world

Ever dream about packing up your things and moving to another country? Or do you have the travel bug and are looking for a job that sends you on work trips throughout the year? When you pursue a career in accounting, not only can you find work almost anywhere in the US, but you’ll have the opportunity to experience living and working in other countries, too!

“One of the reasons I pursued accounting is because [I love to travel] and accounting is one of the jobs where it's pretty easy to get a work visa anywhere,” Kirsten said. “So, if you want to travel [for work], you can get one!” 

In the 5 years since she launched her career, Kirsten has gotten the opportunity to travel to Sydney, London, Las Vegas, LA, New York, and Chicago to collaborate on special projects. So, if travel is a must-have in your career, you’ll find many opportunities to do so in accounting. And when not traveling on business, you can still take advantage of the flexible work opportunities offered at various firms and companies to explore the world.

Working in a team-based environment and being a part of a positive community 

Love collaborating and interacting with people? In our chat, Kirsten talked about the myth that accounting is a lonely profession.

“Accounting is so team-based that you're oftentimes flying out [to different cities] to join the teams that you're on. And I think a common misconception about accountants is that we work by ourselves at a desk – but I would say 99% of the time I'm working with other people,” Kirsten said, explaining that her firm also has cool opportunities for networking and finding mentorship through inclusion networks.

“So, we have different groups – like a women's inclusion network, a Latinx inclusion network, and an environmental inclusion network that I'm a part of,” Kirsten explained. And as a member of various community service and people committees, Kirsten and her colleagues plan events throughout the year that foster employee connectivity. 

There is still plenty of time for hobbies

Even though Kirsten works full time as a Senior Assurance Associate at PwC, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, and serves as an ambassador for Accounting+ – the initiative developed to bring awareness of the unlimited possibilities of a career in accounting – she still has plenty of time to do what she loves.

“I have a joke on my team that’s like, ‘What am I not into?’ I am the person that will like to dabble in everything,” Kirsten said. “I've tried pottery. I read, I paint, I do yoga, and I’m a content creator!” Kirsten also maintains a blog that she’s been running since 2013. 

In her time outside of work, you can catch her talking about slow, sustainable fashion, and making content about how to thrift for concerts and festivals. “I’m going to 25 concerts this year!” Kirsten said.
Has accounting piqued your interest yet? If so, and if you want to learn more about pursuing a career in accounting, head to joinaccountingplus.com for helpful resources and more information. Be sure to check out the whole chat with Kirsten on Generation Hired!

This is a sponsored article. All opinions are 100% our own.