Accountancy goes viral? A Twitter storm? Well almost. Gary Turner, head of accounting software giant Xero, is calling for the dictionary definition of “accountant” to be amended to reflect the role of your 21st century bean counter.
It’s creating quite a stir on social media.
There’s an online petition urging the Oxford English Dictionary to take appropriate action that is ticking up towards 500 pretty smartly.
The ‘story’ has even featured on mainstream business site City AM.
Plus the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is also backing the campaign for a change.
Financial accounts
OED defines “accountant” as “a person whose job it is to keep or inspect financial accounts”.
Not good enough, says Gary, because such an “archaic” definition omits the function to to advise companies.
Gary wrote to OED’s words people: “Today, an accountant doesn’t just crunch the numbers and observe financial operations, but so much more.
“They advise business owners and aid and fuel business objectives such as business growth, improving efficiency, cost and productivity.”
Acca head Claire Bennison says: “Technology is offering accountants greater opportunity to offer provide valuable business insight and advice to their clients.
“Xero’s proposed revision to the dictionary definition of the term accountant to add a small but vital verb – ‘advise’ – is a positive development we fully support as it reflects the changing role of a professionally qualified accountant as a trusted adviser to business.”
Can’t wait to see how this plays out!