This little lesson will do you a whole bunch of good the next time you talk careers with your neighbor who is “in Accounting” or “in IT”. I happen to be just lucky enough to be both an accountant and an IT professional. What that means is that I provide strategic support services to businesses.
Here is what THE VAST MAJORITY of business accountants and IT professionals DO NOT do:
- Prepare tax returns
- Fix computers
Somehow though, I (and every IT professional and accountant I know) am constantly getting asked “So maybe you will fix my computer next time?” or “Will you help me with my taxes?” When I get asked either of these, I am honestly a bit insulted that you assume either of those is what I do for a living… but more importantly, it makes it clear you have no idea what goes on in a real business and that I have no interest in ever engaging in any kind of business endeavour with you.
As accountants we prepare financial performance reports, measure costs for management decision making, provide assurance on the accuracy of financial statements, design and implement internal control environments that prevent errors and fraud, account for merger and acquistion transactions, devise tax strategies, etc. As IT professionals we design, build, and maintain technology-based business solutions that drive the creation of new business or improve the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes.
I have never in my life done a single tax return, including my own. Probably not the person you want helping with your taxes. Additionally, never at any point in my professional career or in college was it responsibility to fix a computer problem for a less tech-saavy user. I have never had one single minute of training in how to troubleshoot personal computer problems. I can to some extent do it because of the vast experience I have spent using computers, but it is not something I have ever made a single dollar doing.
So from now on, for family and friends, of course I will fix your computer… but, you must first indicate to me that you can name one thing an IT professional does for a living that is not related to the use of a personal computer. And yes, I do know the answer to your question about that tax deduction you’re wondering about, but you must first me tell me what a corporate accountant may do outside of prepare taxes.
Please don’t take this as frustration on my part (well maybe a little frustration), just trying to do my bit of good for computer pros and accountants… and trying to prevent you from continuing to look like an idiot when you talk to that HP or PWC guy next door.
Til next time… your local accounting-capable computer geek, signing off.
October 3rd, 2006 at 6:04 am
Whhheeeww - I sure am glad I haven’t asked you to fix my computer lately, and I sure am glad I never asked you to do my taxes! Thanks for clearing things up - I SURE don’t want to have to take a test before I ask for any advice! Lighten up Dan - enjoy people - being a geek is one thing - a snob is another. Pare away all the techno/biz talk and you are still in a SERVICE industry. Til next time… your-hoping-not-to-look-like-an-idiot mother signing off.
October 3rd, 2006 at 7:58 am
Dan,
Since my two most unfavorate subjects for discussion are taxes and computers, I don’t think you will have much problem with me on this topic. I am always interested in discussing business subjects and hearing about all the cool new things that technology can do. Also, when we are having a problem with some poor misguided support person who doesn’t understrand their job, it is fun to turn loose my brilliant son who actually understands a bit about business as well as the computer systems that support it. I just wish I was a bit more comfortable in the business world that you are operating in every day but what do you expect from a poor sole who sells nuts and bolts for 27 years. I’m afraid I’ve shook a few of them loose. Wish I could have gone to Calgary with you and been put in charge of outdoor fun… my speciality.
October 3rd, 2006 at 5:21 pm
Dan, You’re absolutely right! More power to you! By the way, next time you’re in town can you fix my computer? Oh and I need to talk you in to doing my taxes, what’dya say?!?!!!?
October 4th, 2006 at 9:36 pm
HAHA!! I gotta keep Clark’s computer running… his is the exception, gotta earn my 2 cents up there.
Pare-away all the techno/biz talk and I am NOT in a computer fixing or tax preparing business mom. Just trying to clue the world in on what people do and what frustrates many of us. I don’t go around assuming that since someone is the “in the arts” that all they do is make paintings.
October 5th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
OK Dan - So who are all these people who don’t understand and frustrate you? Here is my point -Suppose someone asks Tim to come and change their light bulbs or asks him how to do something themselves that is technically complicated - yeah its annoying. Suppose someone asks Dad to come and change the toilet kit for them that they just bought -yeah he’s going to be insulted. Tim’s not an electrician and Dad’s not a plumber….BUT they both would do it in a minute if it was family or a friend in need. People aren’t trying to be annoying - they probably just LIKE you!