Data analyst vs Accountant - which is better?

Hi guys,

I am not enjoying my job at the moment and i’m not too sure what to try next. I’m currently a data analyst and find it boring so was thinking about training to be an accountant. Long term is this a better career option than as a data analyst?

Any got any suggestions on any other roles that involve problem solving, working with numbers or maths that i may enjoy?

Thanks!

It depends on how you define 'better career option'.

As far as I know, data analysts move and manipulate data in order for it to be processed. Accounting is somewhat similar in the sense that you're essentially processing numbers (more data entry than anything else) to show to directors. Whilst the accounting qualifications do provide you with extensive knowledge and skills to solve business problems (e.g. CIMA), they typically aren't used that often in practice, and you're more or less default to data entry. You can try to get into business consulting or financial analysis with an accounting qualification, but it's not likely to involve difficult maths, although the impact can be notable e.g. double the revenue of a company in 2 years, In all honesty, the maths that you need to know in accounting is relatively straightforward most of the time (high school level/GCSE level).

If you have done something like A Level maths and that more or less scratches your itch, then you're limited to only a handful of jobs:

If you're looking for a role that involves probelm solving and maths, in most cases I would recommend people to consider engineering. However, if you don't like routine, then you might have a better time in academia, teaching, quant, actuary, or business analsysis. In particular, you might enjoy engineering research, research in mathematical economics, biological mathematics research, physicist, quant, or mathematician. Do note, the pay in academia is very low and it's a long road to get to a senior level role, despite potentially being the most meaningful.

If you can be more specific with what you're looking for, I should be able to help narrow down the options.

Hi Max,

Firstly thanks for the detailed post. It has gave me food for thought. Based on your and the other post, accountancy would not be rewarding either, but might pay better.

My problem is two fold. I have a mh condition and the jobs i have had (all data/data analyst ones) make me ill to the extent I have to quit to preserve some semblance of sanity. For the last 3 years, every job I have been in triggers my anxiety and i end up getting stressed, bored, restless and just end up getting really agitated and ill and quit.

So to answer your question on what job I want, my answer is: one that is low stress, rewarding and mentally stimulating, a role that I feel like I am making a difference and there is always new stuff to learn, and one which is varied. I loathe routine. I have done some contracting in the past and I enjoyed that but it was a fairly non technical role and i’d like to move i to something more technical and coding orientated. Not full on dev but something with coding/problem solving,

Also it would be great if i could do the role remotely too but not necessary if i need to go in for a rewarding role.

Another quantry for me is that I hate offices but the only jobs i’ve had are office roles. I much prefer to be outdoors but can’t think of a role which would allow me to use my brain, challenge me and yet allow me to be out and about at least some of the time.

Thanks!

Hi guys,
I am not enjoying my job at the moment and i’m not too sure what to try next. I’m currently a data analyst and find it boring so was thinking about training to be an accountant. Long term is this a better career option than as a data analyst?
Any got any suggestions on any other roles that involve problem solving, working with numbers or maths that i may enjoy?
Thanks!