Finally, I am going o explain how accounting, as a profession, can be used for the greater glory of God. Rhetorical Purpose: To inform my audience about accounting, as a profession, and how it can be utilized for the greater glory Of God. Redemptive Purpose:To inform my audience how the professional vocation of accounting can serve as a platform for promoting honesty, good stewardship, and upright actions. Something that God values according to Scripture (Leviticus 19:35-37, Proverbs 24:26, Deuteron 8:17-18, Titus 1:7, Philippians 4:8, Titus 2:7-8).
Introduction: . Attention-getter A farmer sends his accounting sheepdog, Spot, off to gather in his 8 sheep. On returning the farmer is astonished to find he now has 10 animals in his pen and asks the dog explain. “Woof! You asked me to round them up, woof I, barks Spot. (The Alternative Accountant, 201 3) II. Motive for Listening Accounting is an extremely misunderstood profession/vocation which gives an individual a number of different ways in which to serve both their fellow man, and God.
Ill. Credibility Statement The qualifications which give me insight into the world of accounting and/or accountants is that I am a student who is actively in school to attain my Bachelors degree in accounting. IV. Purpose or Thesis Statement The accounting field is often misunderstood by its critics, the purpose of this speech is to dispel those misconceptions and illustrate how biblical principles can be applied to the profession. V.
Preview Statement Through the following speech, I will clarify some of the misunderstood points of accounting, illustrate what today’s accountants actually do, and illustrate how biblical principles can be applied to this profession. Transition: Now that you know what we are going to be talking about, lets take a closer look into the world of accounting. Body: l. Main Point #1. The accounting profession has gained a bad reputation in overall different areas. A. Most of the adjectives which are used to describe, or mock, accountants are negative, and insinuate that accounting is a boring profession.
Some of these less than flattering titles include number cruncher, banqueter, King or Queen of the Calculator, Double-entry Deviants, and penny Processors. B. Contrary to that concept, the accounting industry is growing. A. According to the Seattle Times, individuals are flocking to the accounting profession in considerable numbers. 1 . There were more than 64,000 graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting in 006-07, the largest number of graduates which has ever been recorded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 2.
This figure is 19% greater than the previously recorded survey numbers, which covered the 2003-04 school year. 3. The number of future accountants is also blossoming, more than 203,000 students enrolled in college-level accounting, which is a 19% increase since 2004. B. What do actual student have to say? 1 . According to a Seattle Times article, “Accounting is the language of business. A lot Of people think it’s just numbers, but it’s really a lot more than hat. There are a lot of areas outside of numbers that need to be looked at, processes and procedures, what the tone of the company is. ” (Burger, 2008) 2.
Another student said, “l always liked math. I always liked taking the pieces to a problem, putting them together and solving it. That’s a majority of what we do on a daily basis,” she said. “There are certain things you have to know how to do, and then you’re one of the few people who know how to do them, and that’s kind of neat. ” (Burger, 2008) C. Another prevailing belief is that the vast majority of accountants are dishonest. A. Regarding accounting, the acclaimed economist Ben Stein stated, “It’s really amazing that in the age Of unbelief, as a smart man called it, there isn’t even more fraud.
After all, with no God, there’s no one to ever call you to account, and no accounting at all if you can get away with it. ” Ben Stein b. With blemishes on the accounting profession the size of the Enron, World, and Freddie Mac scandals, among many others, who wouldn’t think that accountants were all ‘crooked’ c. That being said, it was auditors and accountants who discovered the illegal actions which were occurring in each of these respective scandals. Transition: Well, now that we have seen what some individuals think about accountants, and accounting as a profession, let’s see what benefits accountants really provide. Main Point #2. Contrary to popular belief, Accountants, and the tasks that they perform, are an important part of most people’s everyday life. A. What exactly is an accountant? A. According to Dictionary. Com, an accountant is, “a person concerned with the maintenance and audit of business accounts and the preparation postulation reports in tax and finance”. (Dictionary. Com, 201 3) b. As of May 2010, the average annual salary for an accountant was $61 ,690 per year . More specifically, as of 201 0, their average hourly wage was $29. 66 per hour. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201 3) c.
The employment statistics of accountants is anticipated to raise 16% from 2010 to 2020, which is considered to be average among occupations. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2013) d. It is projected that the driver behind the increase in the demand for accountants revolves around the recent financial crisis, and the financial safeguards and regulations which have been enacted/enforced. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2013) 8. What do they do? A. Different facets of accounting include basic accounting, auditing tax preparation, forensic accounting, and other various other financial consulting services. B.
Since there are so many different types of accountants, they have a wide variety of ‘duties’. 1. “Examine financial statements to be sure that they are accurate and comply with laws and regulations. ” (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2013) 2. “Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure that taxes are paid properly and on time. ” (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201 3) 3. “Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency and SE of accepted accounting procedures. “(Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201 3) 4. “Organize and maintain financial records. ” (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2013) 5. Assess financial operations and make best-practices recommendations to management. “(Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2013) 6. “Suggest ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits. ” (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2013) C. How are they beneficial? A. Accountants can offer personalized financial advice. B. Accountants can help a person understand where they stand financially. C. Accountants can offer tax law expertise. D. For businesses, Accountants can help improve cost controls e. Accountants can help a business improve cash flows. F. They can offer investment and business advice. G.
Accountants can help by optimizing business and investment structures. Transition: That pretty much sums up the technical aspects of questions concerning the accounting profession. II. Main Point #3. Accounting may seem like a strange profession through which to exhibit biblical principles and/or glorify the Lord, but Godly examples are possible in all areas of life. A. Honesty a. “Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or annuity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest EPA and an honest hint. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. ” Leviticus 19:35-37 (New International Version) b.
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Proverbs 24:26 (New International Version) B. Being a Good Steward a. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. ” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Deuteron 8:17-18 (New International Version) b. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless-?not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
Titus (New C. Upright Actions as an Employer a. Anally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-?if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-?think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (New International Version) b. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Titus 2:7-8 (New Transition: As you can see, the spiritual side of accounting is just as complicated as the ‘technical’ side, and allows for an equal amount Of opportunities to serve the Lord. Conclusion: I. Summary hope that this speech was able to able to help you to understand why accountants are crucial to our financial world by dispelling some of the misunderstood points of accounting, illustrating what today’s accountants actually do, and exemplifying how biblical principles can be applied to this profession. II. Refocus Audience Attention Do you love numbers?
