Give me a table of numbers and an Excel spreadsheet and I’ll blow you away

2006 – April 2010

When I finished university in 2005, I didn’t know what I wanted to do.  I graduated with a dual degree in commerce and information technology and fell into an accounts position without really thinking too much about it.

I’ve always had an affinity with numbers and I can happily lose myself for hours in a good Excel spreadsheet.  I guess this is why it took me so long to realise accounting wasn’t right for me as there are parts that I am great at – but after the best part of 5 years, trying all the different streams from financial, to management, to tax, to treasury I can safely say that I’m done.

I think I’ve been really lucky to have this time.  The skills I learn’t and the appreciation I gained for this world means that I can more easily see the big picture of business.  Even though I’ll never be great at doing month end accounts or a tax filing, I still know the principles and understand why they’re important.

My management accounting experience gave a lot of legitimacy to what I’ve always done – measure things and try and develop a better understanding of what’s driving a situation so you can make better decisions.  Unfortunately, while management accountants are responsible for the measurement and analysis, they’re rarely involved in any decision making.

I like to make decisions and impart change.  Cutting this out of the deal is ultimately why this chapter of my life is now closed.

Image by Andreas Rodler