Stand High: Expanding Your Vision in Accounting

Have you ever noticed how your perspective changes when you go higher? Let me share a little story from my recent holiday. I stayed in an apartment on level 11, and the view was pretty great. But one day, I decided to check out the view from level 25. Wow—what a difference! From up there, the ocean seemed endless, and the swimming pools and tennis courts below looked like tiny toy models. The higher I went, the more I could see.

That got me thinking: Isn’t this just like a career in accounting?

When I first started as an accounts payable/receivable clerk, my view was limited to payments, receipts, suppliers, and customers. That was my "level 11." But as I moved into financial and management reporting, my perspective widened. I could see how different departments were performing and how the business was doing overall. As I gained more experience, my scope expanded further to include tax, insurance, fixed assets, internal controls, and risk management. Eventually, I stepped into budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and treasury management—the kind of work that shows not just where the business is but where it’s headed.

For many accountants, this is the natural path—climbing the career ladder to see the bigger picture. But here’s the thing: we often get stuck focusing on technical accounting skills, working hard to become experts in the field. And while that’s important, it can blind us to the bigger picture of operations, industry trends, and strategy. Why does this happen? Well, there are two main reasons:

1. Job Design: In big companies, roles are often very specialized. For example, a cost accountant might spend all their time focused on costs without ever looking at revenue or broader financial aspects. It’s like being stuck on level 11 with no access to higher floors.

2. Mindset: Many accountants think, "My job is accounting, not operations or strategy." This mindset keeps us in our comfort zone and prevents us from exploring how we can contribute beyond the numbers.

Why Broadening Your Vision Matters

The higher you stand in your career, the more you can see—not just within your organization but across your entire industry. When you broaden your perspective, you can:

• Spot challenges and opportunities before they hit.

• Offer insights that drive smart, strategic decisions.

• Shift from being just a "number-cruncher" to becoming a trusted business advisor.

How to Expand Your Perspective

So, how do you climb higher and expand your view? Here are some practical steps:

1. Dive into Operations: Take time to understand how your organization works. Attend cross-department meetings, visit production sites, or shadow colleagues in non-accounting roles. The more you know about the day-to-day, the clearer the big picture becomes.

2. Follow Industry Trends: Keep an eye on what’s happening in your industry. Read reports, follow competitors, and talk to customers. This will help you understand the external forces shaping your business.

3. Think Strategically: Learn about strategy tools and frameworks. When you’re involved in budgeting or forecasting, don’t just focus on the numbers—think about how they align with long-term goals.

4. Build Your Network: Connect with people across different departments. Listening to their perspectives can open your eyes to things you hadn’t considered before.

A Fresh Perspective

Standing high isn’t just about climbing the career ladder. It’s about changing how you see your role and your potential. When you broaden your vision, you’re not just doing better for your company—you’re enriching your own career and opening up new possibilities.

So, the next time you find yourself laser-focused on just the accounting work, pause and ask: Am I stuck on level 11? What would it take to get to level 25?

The answer is to push yourself—be curious, step outside your comfort zone, and always aim higher. Because the higher you stand, the farther you’ll see—and the bigger your impact will be.