Bill Kennedy is a Toronto chartered accountant (the Canadian equivalent of a CPA) specializing in information technology. He has worked in accounting for more than 25 years and has extensive experience in accounting management, accounting systems implementation and project management. Currently, Kennedy is a manager for the Microsoft Dynamics Consultants group. Along with his professional endeavors, Kennedy cleverly expresses his views as an accountant in his blog, Energized Accounting, where he writes about current issues in the field, information technology and management theories.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I chose accounting because it gives me a way of getting involved with a wide variety of businesses. I chose computer consulting because I wanted to be the person who could bridge the gap between accounting users and computer developers.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
I took a four-year commerce degree, which led to becoming a chartered accountant.

If your education was directly related to your career, what types of classes and projects did you have to do?
I took classes in accounting, economics, statistics, actuarial science and languages. Interestingly enough, even though arguably half of an accountant's time is spent on communications, we were not trained in this area.

How did your education help you in your career?
My commerce degree led straight to accounting, of course, but I have also taken courses in writing, management, fundraising and project management. These have all helped in my career.

What was your career path like in this field?
I started as a public accountant, doing audits, then moved into computer auditing. I left public accounting and joined a manufacturing company as a controller (also responsible for the computer system). After that I moved into computer consulting as an implementation consultant and project manager. Finally, I signed on with one of my former clients as CFO. Yes, an accounting background gives you a lot of career flexibility.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
The skills required in my current position are: communications, oral and written, leadership, analysis and the ability to foster consensus in a group. A solid background in accounting is also needed!

What do you do on a typical workday?
A lot of my time is taken up with meetings as we plan the organization's future or past reports. At certain times of the year (e.g. budget, year-end), there is a lot of technical work. At other times, there are different projects to do.

Do you plan to advance to another position within your career field?
I have been in this position for only two years, so I am happy to stay where I am.

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
Along with the skills I have already mentioned (leadership, analysis, and written and oral communication), I think that creativity and flexibility are important. You also need to be able to work at the detail level, but with an eye to the big picture.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Accounting is perfect for the mature student who wants to move up. There are many online and evening courses in it. You can learn while you work in accounting. It is a fairly recession-proof career, and the people are great!