07 Oct The Secret Life Of An Accountant
The Secret Lives Of Accountants
When you think of the term “accountant”, what typically comes to mind? Most of us would associate the profession with busy offices, financial meetings and of course, numbers. But accountants are so much more than a sassy combination of suits and stress!
Over the decades, accountants have been fashion icons, inventors, and spies. They have fought injustice, written books, and upheld the law. In fact, the more one learns about accountants, the more surprises one uncovers about the often fascinating hidden passions of the professions finest.
Local legend Victor Matfield studied Accounting at the University of Pretoria before starting his rugby career. His journey from books to Boks is both intriguing and inspirational!
Victor Captained the South African National Rugby team- Springboks, and is also 2007 World Cup winner. He has won the Super Rugby title three times, the Currie cup three times and the Tri Nations twice!
His advocacy for education within sport is admirable:
“It is… great that the younger generation of rugby players are showing an interest in studying towards a degree as it is something that is not focused on within rugby” — Victor Matfield
Luca Paciola, a mathematician and accountant, was friend and advisor to Leonardo da Vinci. He is known as the Father of Accounting and most recognised for inventing the double-entry system of bookkeeping. Luca is known for being by Leonardo da Vinci’s side when he painted The Last Supper. How’s that for bragging rights!
Legendary saxophone player Kenny G, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Washington with a degree in accounting. Talk about famous hair, oops I mean …flair for accounting and acoustic!
Because accountants are known for exceptional technical and strategic knowledge, they have made great entrepreneurs. Some accountants that have rocked the business world are Kumar Mangalam Birla, billionaire and chairman of the Aditya Birla Group.
After qualifying as a chartered accountant, he took charge of his family business, leading the company to higher profits and a global profile. Over the years Birla has received awards for leadership and has worked to make his own company more socially responsible.
Another fascinating Accountant is business tycoon Tony Fernandes. Born in Kuala Lumpur, he founded AirAsia and became the vice president of Warner Music in South East Asia.
Before founding the AirAsia company; he studied accounting at the London School of Economics. He is known for his high achieving ventures, like setting up his own F1 team and starring on the Asian version of The Apprentice!
The next time you are in a friendly meeting with your amazing accountant, don’t forget to find out what their secret life is!