Does being good in Math makes you a better Accountant?

We always associate math with accounting and vice versa. Is it really a matter of relationship between the two or we just fooled ourselves? I believe nobody will argue about the fact that Filipino accountants, on the average are really good in math. They pushed accounting for many reasons such as career stability and plenty of opportunities. No matter what is the state of economy, accountants are still in demand.

As I said above, we all know, that to be a good accountant you must be excellent in math. It is true that accounting is about numbers, but there is no need for any accountant aspirant to be a math whiz at first. Let’s dig deeper.

Math and Accounting

Math is the science that deals with logic of shapes, quantities and arrangement. Math is seen everywhere and in everything we do. Basically, mathematics is the building blocks of everything we see, including mobile devices, architecture, art, money, engineering and even sports. While accounting, if there is any, is an exact science. Accounting uses numbers and set mathematical formulas to get answers to particular questions. These formulas do not vary, they are the same for all sets of the things you need like balance sheets. Steps and mathematical formulas for these are the same all the way through. In this essence, accounting is a precise and clear cut subject.

Similarities and Differences

Accounting and math heavily rely on numbers, equations and problems that need to resolve. Accounting has a defined purpose to everything that you need to do in accounting field. These formulas are a means to set an end while in Mathematics; the picture is very unclear and vague. Formulas can be used to solve anything from the amount of gas required for your truck run 100 miles to the 10% discount you can get for a purchase of $5 snack.

To make this simpler, take a look at a cowboy and a horse jockey. The cowboy will be riding a horse to perform various acts while the horse jockey is interested in getting that horse cross the finish line as soon as possible. Both are riding a horse, but they are doing different things, just like math and accounting.

Conclusion

Math and accounting really are from one family, but focused on different things. Math focused on general and wider scope of numbers, computations and formulas while accounting focuses only on specific branch of math. It is not necessarily means that when you are not good in math, you also were not good in accounting. Remember, they are two different things. It does not also mean that when you are good in math you are automatically good in accounting. Accounting is a profession, while math is an entity, two different things, having different area of focus and specialty.



To be a good Filipino Accountant, you must not be only a math whiz but also a hard worker employee, ready to embrace the fact-paced challenges of modern business, willing to learn new stuffs and dedicated to your work.