The Struggles of Young Accountants in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the journey of a young accountant begins long before they step into the professional world. It starts with a pivotal decision during their secondary and higher secondary education – choosing between science and commerce streams. Unfortunately, commerce often takes a backseat as students and parents alike prioritize science, believing it to be the gateway to prestigious careers in health-care profession like a Doctor or industrial career in Engineering. This perception perpetuates the notion that commerce offers fewer opportunities, leading many to overlook its potential.
For those who do choose commerce, another crossroads emerges – deciding between pursuing a degree in business administration or charting a path towards becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) or pursuing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. This decision comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities unique to the Bangladeshi context.
Opting for the CA or ACCA route presents both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, these qualifications open doors to a career in accounting at a young age, often straight out of college. However, this early entry into the workforce comes with a caveat – starting salaries averaging between 10,000 to 15,000 taka per month, which may not be sufficient to cover monthly expenses. Despite this financial constraint, young accountants are compelled to take up these positions, navigating the delicate balance between work and academic life.
The challenges don’t end there. The demanding nature of accounting careers requires students to juggle their professional responsibilities with academic pursuits. Managing this delicate balance becomes a daunting task, as young accountants strive to excel in both realms while grappling with the pressures of early career expectations.
“While joining ACCA after completing p1/diploma, we want to join a job-life while continuing studies. During these learning stages, everything takes time specially on adjusting work-life balance. We need to go through self-learning a lot since the organization wont push and teach us from A to Z.” – Hasan Mahmud
Moreover, the societal stigma attached to commerce and accounting professions adds another layer of complexity. Unlike the glamor associated with professions like medicine or engineering, accounting is often perceived as mundane and lacking in prestige. This misconception further exacerbates the challenges faced by young accountants, who must constantly defend their career choices in the face of societal expectations.
Despite these obstacles, the journey of a young accountant in Bangladesh is not devoid of hope. With determination, resilience, and a commitment to their craft, young professionals can overcome these challenges and carve out a successful career in the dynamic world of accounting. By challenging societal norms, pursuing their passions, and embracing the opportunities that come their way, they can chart a path towards fulfillment and success, proving that commerce holds as much promise as any other field.
