How to Find Fulfillment and Keep Things Interesting in an Accounting Career

Starting a career as an accountant often seems like a logical step for those with a knack for numbers and an eye for detail. However, after almost two decades in the field, it's not uncommon to feel that the work can become monotonous and repetitive. From closing books every month to preparing budgets annually, the cyclical nature of accounting can leave you questioning your sense of purpose and motivation. This feeling isn't unique—many accountants face similar struggles, particularly as the demands of the profession may not align with the values of today's workforce.

But all is not lost. There are ways to reignite your passion for the profession and turn your career into something that’s both fulfilling and dynamic. Here’s how popular psychology principles can help explain why these strategies work, and how you can apply them to your own career.

1. Volunteering for New Responsibilities: The Power of Novelty and Growth

In psychology, the concept of novelty—experiencing new and varied stimuli—plays a crucial role in maintaining engagement and motivation. Our brains are wired to seek out new experiences because they provide opportunities for learning and growth. When your work becomes repetitive, it's easy to fall into a state of cognitive boredom, which can erode your job satisfaction over time.

By volunteering for work outside of your normal routine, you're introducing elements of novelty into your job. Whether it’s taking on a new project, exploring a different aspect of your department, or proposing an innovative idea in a team meeting, these experiences stimulate your brain, keep you engaged, and can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment.

This approach not only breaks the monotony but also aligns with the psychological concept of self-efficacy—the belief in your ability to influence events that affect your life. By actively seeking new responsibilities, you gain confidence in your skills and open doors to further career advancement.

2. Advancing in Your Career: Mastery and Autonomy

One of the key drivers of motivation in the workplace is the pursuit of mastery—the desire to get better at something that matters. In the context of your accounting career, advancing to higher roles provides a fresh set of challenges and responsibilities that require you to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge base. This continuous pursuit of improvement is not only rewarding but also essential for long-term career satisfaction.

Furthermore, career advancement often comes with greater autonomy, which is another significant factor in job satisfaction according to Self-Determination Theory. As you move up the ladder, you gain more control over how you execute your tasks, make decisions, and lead teams. This autonomy allows you to tailor your work environment to better suit your strengths and interests, making your job more meaningful and aligned with your personal goals.

3. Changing Employers: Embracing the New Challenge

Switching employers is a powerful way to inject excitement and novelty into your career. Each company has its own culture, processes, and challenges, which can provide a fresh perspective and reignite your passion for accounting. This change of environment aligns with the psychological concept of "job crafting," where you actively shape your job to better fit your strengths and interests.

When you move to a new company, you’re not just performing the same tasks in a different setting—you’re also learning how to navigate a new organizational structure, understand different market dynamics, and build new relationships. These challenges can foster a renewed sense of purpose and achievement, making your work feel less like a routine and more like an ongoing journey of growth.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Career Path

The accounting profession may have a reputation for being methodical and routine, but that doesn’t mean your career has to be boring. By understanding the psychological principles that drive engagement and satisfaction, you can take proactive steps to keep your work life dynamic and fulfilling. Whether it’s by seeking out new responsibilities, advancing to higher roles, or changing employers, there are plenty of opportunities to keep your career fresh and exciting.

Remember, your job satisfaction is within your control. With the right mindset and a willingness to embrace change, you can turn a potentially monotonous career into one that’s full of purpose and personal growth.

Sources and further reading

Biederman, I., & Vessel, E. A. (2006). Perceptual pleasure and the brain. American Scientist, 94(3), 247-253.

Berlyne, D. E. (1960). Conflict, arousal, and curiosity. McGraw-Hill.

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.

Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a job: Revisioning employees as active crafters of their work. The Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179-201.

Berg, J. M., Dutton, J. E., & Wrzesniewski, A. (2013). Job crafting and meaningful work. In B. J. Dik, Z. S. Byrne, & M. F. Steger (Eds.), Purpose and meaning in the workplace (pp. 81-104). American Psychological Association.