National Bean Counter Day is celebrated every year on April 16. It is a day specially set aside to give accountants and other financial experts — collectively called Bean counters — their much-deserved break and honor for all the important work they do for the benefit of their clients. Thanks to them, many of us have our finances in order, and it is only proper that we show them appreciation with a day dedicated to them.
History of National Bean Counter Day
‘Bean counter’ is a nickname for someone who does accounting or otherwise manages the fine details of budgets and expenditures. They are involved in corporate or government financial decisions and always aim to minimize spending. The term became attributed to accountants and their counterparts because of their dedicated efforts in ensuring that every penny (or like a bean) that went in and out of a business was well accounted for.Bean counters are often considered to be just C.P.A.s and accountants, but there are other number crunchers who are also considered bean counters, including anyone who is into financial forecasting, planning, or services providers, where a big part of their job includes crunching numbers.These financial professionals work hard all year long, especially at the beginning of the tax season, where they spend most of their time collecting and preparing hundreds and thousands of financial documents and tax forms to meet the April 15 tax filing deadline. When the day is over, they are often fatigued and need some adequate rest and appreciative care.The National Bean Counter Day was created by Kevin Wenig, a C.P.A. from Trumbull, Connecticut, to draw attention to the hard work and efforts put out by accountants on their jobs, and to ensure that they get a day off work right after the tax deadline.It is a once-in-a-year holiday that helps us recognize just how important our financial experts — ‘bean counters’ — are, and to give them the care and appreciation they deserve.
National Bean Counter Day timeline
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) — the world’s first professional body of accountants — receives its Royal Charter.
An accountant named Walter Dierner invents Bubble Gum.
The Institutes of Chartered Accountants of India (I.C.A.I.) — the second largest accounting body in the world — is established for the regulation of the profession of chartered accountants in India.
The I.C.A.I. sets up the Accountancy Museum of India — the third museum of accounting in the world.
National Bean Counter Day FAQs
Why are accountants called bean counters?
The term ‘bean counter’ was used in a 1975 “Forbes” magazine article that referred to a “smart, tightfisted, and austere ‘bean counter’ accountant from rural Kentucky.” It is aimed at describing an accountant so dedicated to detail that he or she counts everything, down to the last small but still important bean.
Do accountants have to be good at math?
While accounting is all about numbers, there is no need for an accounting student to be a math whiz. Sure enough, accountants need to be competent in math, but they also need to have basic computer skills, good interpersonal skills, and strong analytical abilities.
Are accountants paid well?
Depending on the location and job type, accountants can earn a good salary. The median annual wage for an accountant is well above the national median average for most occupations.
How to Celebrate National Bean Counter Day
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Appreciate a bean counter
Whether by words or by deeds, show a bean counter that you value the work they do. Get them a ‘Thank You’ card or note, a gift, a paid trip, or whatever you deem fit, and they’ll sure be glad.
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Give them the day off
This is a perfect day for bean counters to take off from work, relax, and do the things that regular people do. If you are an employer of one, help them get that needed relaxation time.
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Learn how you can assist them
Due to the nature and intensity of their work, bean counters spend most of their time on their jobs. As an employer or an associate, you can look for ways to help make their work less difficult.
5 Facts About Accountants That Will Intrigue You
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It offers qualifications flexibility
Non-qualified accountants may be employed by a qualified accountant, or may work independently without statutory privileges and obligations.
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They are mostly private-sector employees
In the U.S., the majority of accountants work in the private sector or may offer services without the need for certification.
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They require professional membership
To practice, accountants need to belong to their country’s professional accountancy body.
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Accountants are vital in the Oscars
They play an important role in Oscars and spend an average of 1,700 hours before Oscar night counting the Academy Award ballots by hand.
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Some famous people have accounting degrees
Celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Eddie Izzard, John Grisham, and Kenny G studied to be accountants.
Why We Love National Bean Counter Day
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It helps us value our financial experts
This day gives us insight into just how much accountants do. It, in turn, helps us value and appreciate them better.
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It encourages better service
With a full day of their own, bean counters will be better refreshed and encouraged to keep up with their good work and even do better. This ultimately creates an upward spiral and benefits both the clients and the professionals.
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It promotes a great work culture
With value and appreciation comes better work efficiency. This day helps make the workplace a more productive environment.
National Bean Counter Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
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2023 | April 16 | Sunday |
2024 | April 16 | Tuesday |
2025 | April 16 | Wednesday |
2026 | April 16 | Thursday |
2027 | April 16 | Friday |