Reading in College and at Work

By Tammy Nguyen-Thach

As a current sophomore majoring in business, I’m taking a wide range of accounting, finance, and business prerequisite courses that require me to engage in daily reading. In my classes, I spend a significant amount of time reading and analyzing textbook material to fully grasp complex concepts and prepare for assignments and exams. I also regularly read and respond to professional emails from professors and group members, and carefully review assignment instructions to ensure I understand all requirements.

In addition to my coursework, I’ve interned at a Big Four accounting firm, where reading continues to be an essential part of my daily responsibilities. At work, I review financial statements, interpret project outlines, and read detailed client and internal communications. Understanding and accurately processing this information is critical, as even small oversights can impact the quality and accuracy of my work. Subsequently, whether in class or on the job, I’ve learned that reading isn’t just about volume. It’s about reading with purpose, thinking critically, and fully comprehending the material in front of me.

While many people assume accountants only work with Excel spreadsheets and financial data, this is far from true. In reality, accountants must read and analyze a wide range of documents. For example, they regularly consult accounting standards such as GAAP, IFRS, and other regulatory frameworks to ensure their work is ethical and compliant. Tax professionals must carefully read tax codes and IRS guidance, while auditors rely on auditing standards set by organizations like the PCAOB and AICPA. Industry-specific regulations, such as SEC filings, SOX compliance requirements, and other government rules, also demand close attention.

Beyond regulations, accountants read company policies, contracts, agreements, and internal reports to understand operations and risks. Communication also plays a major role, requiring accountants to read and respond to memos, letters, emails, and other correspondence with employers, colleagues, and clients.