Some people say that comfort is the enemy of growth — and we tend to agree. As accounting plays a more central role in daily business operations, complacency and relying on old skills won’t serve accounting professionals well. Even the most seasoned accountants should still seek out opportunities to expand their knowledge and challenge assumptions.
One of the best ways to learn is through reading, and lucky for us, there are a ton of great books out there to help accountants in every stage of their career. Whether you’re looking for ways to adapt to change, brush up on basics, or boost your professional development, you can start crafting your reading list with some of these titles in mind.
As the name implies, the accounting profession is straightforward when you strip it down to the basics. This classic is known for its straightforward approach to accounting concepts, making it a great option for recent graduates looking to invest in themselves. Bonus: at just over 100 pages, you can cover the basics and start on your next book even faster — nice.
When paired with “Accounting for Dummies,” this book’s 1,001 practice problems offer a comprehensive review of accounting practices that will help you stay on your A-game. (Want everything you need in one book? Then check out “Accounting All-in-One for Dummies.”)
Sometimes good clients behave badly. In those cases, it’s good to be prepared so you can respond accordingly. This book focuses on detecting accounting gimmicks and fraudulent financial reporting by covering both broad concepts and zeroing in on specific case studies.
Even as the profession adapts to tech innovations in the workplace, classic accounting principles still hold true. Penned by the man who brought value investing to the fore, this book (originally published in 1937 with subsequent updates) is a primer on reading and interpreting financial statements.
Considered a go-to reference for accounting professionals everywhere, the sixth edition of ‘Barron’s Accounting Handbook” helps you stay on top of the latest trends in all things accountancy, no matter what stage of your career.
The name says it all: what if you could rely on systems that help you fast-track your goals? The guidebook to working smarter, not harder, this title will help you start 2024 with a more strategic approach, no matter what your interpretation of wealth might be.
Your clients might dabble in investing and they need a knowledgeable partner in their corner. Brush up on best practices in this area by reading “Accounting for Value,” which explores the link between accounting and valuation.
While this title isn’t an accounting book per se, it can help you show up as your best self on the job. Feeling overwhelmed by choices? Setting personal and professional boundaries can be tough, but it’s necessary for a balanced life. The book helps readers drill down into the basics so they can navigate decisions large and small at work or at home with clarity and ease. Professional development is a lifelong journey, and reading is one way to level up.
An essential part of succeeding as an accounting professional today is being able to question how things have always been done and welcoming change when it’s the right thing to do. In that same vein, “The Joy of Accounting” offers a different perspective — a more visual one — on accounting principles.
Looking for even more reading material? There are stacks of other titles you can access at your local library, through streaming audiobook and podcast platforms, or on YouTube. You can also check out Canopy’s resource library, where we share ebooks and guides to keep you up-to-speed on accounting best practices, news, and more.