Summer’s here! Perhaps you have vacation plans, travel, or general downtime away from the finances lined up. Why not do all of these things with a book in your lap or while listening to it on audio? In addition to novels and guilty-pleasures, consider reading some of these works too. From recent publications to timeless must-reads, all of these will help inspire you to reach key goals and improve your accounting craft. Enjoy our summer reading for accountants!
1. The Success Principles – Jack Canfield
Our summer reading for accountants list starts with Jack Canfield’s detailed study of the principles people use to achieve their goals. Many business-leadership books outline their own set of tips and ideas, but Canfield’s book does this through the art of storytelling. While discussing the different principles, readers see them in action through the lives of actual people who Canfield has interviewed or examined in detail. This is an uplifting piece that’s empowering and practical for every individual.
2. The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber
Many accountants are finding work for small businesses. Therefore, knowing how to effectively manage small business finances and advise your colleagues gives you a major advantage. In E-Myth, Michael E. Gerber takes an in-depth look at the lifecycle of small businesses and how to navigate pitfalls. He also discusses how common assumptions can derail businesses and examines the growing pains of a developing organization. Referenced by top business thought-leaders like Forbes, the book is a highly regarded text for its take on pinpointing business risks. Accountants will gain invaluable insight to help them provide the best financial advice and strategies.
3. How to Work With Jerks – Eric L. Williamson
Dealing with difficult people is often a part of the job and life. How to Work with Jerks takes a look at this problem and seeks to guide people in navigating frustrating relationships and conflicts in a productive way. Eric L. Williamson delves into communication strategies and offers proven insight into how individuals can make themselves more marketable. From overcoming tensions to connecting with colleagues to solve problems, this book helps you develop emotional intelligence to thrive in any environment.
4. Financial Shenanigans: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks & Fraud in Financial Reports – Howard Schilit and Jeremy Perler
One of the most vital roles an accountant has is protecting companies from fraudulent financial activities. With their combined forensic accounting skills, Schilit and Perler examine how to identify dishonest business behavior that could cause serious harm to a company. The book delves into several different ‘shenanigans’ businesses face. These include earnings manipulation, misleading key metrics schemes, and even cash flow deceit. You’ll read about accounting tricks used by false businesses and learn how to avoid financial loss.
5. How to Develop Self Confidence and Improve Public Speaking – Dale Carnegie
If you’re an accountant, being able to present information effectively is essential for delivering financial advice and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned CPA or just starting your accounting career, this will improve how you communicate. Business coach Dale Carnegie gives tips to help you develop speaking poise, present information clearer, engage your audience, and more. Besides helping you with financial reporting, this is an invaluable skill for everything you do in life.
6. Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential – Greg Crabtree and Beverly Blair Harzog
A good reading companion to Improve Public Speaking, Simple Numbers by Greg Crabtree and Beverly Blair Harzog helps small business leaders and accountants identify essential financial performance indicators. You’ll explore how to actively measure return on investment and uncover the keys to business financial success that might surprise you! The book also covers how to make the best business decisions.
7. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action – Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s analysis of leadership is a popular read among entrepreneurs and influencers. As you seek to expand your career opportunities and rise to take on more responsibility, the lessons here will help you maximize your reach. Examining individuals like Steve Jobs, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and others, Sinek examines the fact that they all asked the question why. Applying this concept to finances will help you understand and use accounting data effectively. These lessons will also help you build confidence, inspire loyalty, and lead more effectively.