Accountants are essential to businesses and individuals all over the world. They help navigate often complex tax laws and regulations, ensure income and expenditures are properly documented, and produce financial records that allow people and businesses to make well-informed financial decisions.

Although some individuals can keep track of their own finances and taxes, those with complex financial portfolios and businesses increasingly rely on the work that accountants do. That’s probably why November 10 was set aside as International Accounting Day—a day that celebrates the heroes who keep our finances chugging along like a well-oiled machine year after year.

The History of International Accounting Day

This holiday was originally created in 1972 by the San Diego Chapter of the California Society of CPAs. It wasn’t just a single day, however. It was actually a series of events that took place over several days.

They created this holiday as a sort of accounting career day to encourage students to pursue a career in accounting. The day eventually took on a life of its own and is now celebrated around the world as International Accounting Day.

Some Incredible Facts About Accountants & Accounting

While it’s common for many to view accounting as a monotonous profession lacking in entertainment value, this perception might change once you delve into some intriguing facts about it. You might share this view too, but let’s explore how accounting can actually be quite fascinating:

• Saint Matthew is revered as the patron saint of accountants, bookkeepers, bankers, and tax collectors.
• Dating back over 7,000 years, accounting has its roots in ancient Mesopotamia.
• The first book on double-entry accounting was published in 1494 by Luca Pacioli, an Italian mathematician, earning him the title of the father of accounting.
• Interestingly, the term “accounting” originates from the French word “compter,” which means to score or to count.

Observing International Accounting Day

On this day, everyone can celebrate this holiday, but not everyone will celebrate it in the same way. Students might want to observe it to learn more about what a career in accounting might entail. Other people might observe this holiday to thank an accountant they know for the work they do.

It’s also a good day to watch some movies about accountants. These movies include “The Accountant” (2016), “Midnight Run” (1988), “Inside Job” (2010), and “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994). People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #InternationalAccountingDay online.