AAT backs campaign to change dictionary definition of "accountant"
12 February 2019
AAT has announced its support to the campaign to change the dictionary definition of the word "accountant".
The campaign, spearheaded by software firm Xero, aims to change the current Oxford English Dictionary definition of "A person whose job is to keep or inspect financial accountants" to "A person whose job is to keep or inspect and advise on financial accounts."
Andrew Williamson, Director of Marketing and Commercial, AAT said:
The current dictionary definition of an accountant is outdated and really no longer reflects what the day job entails. Good accountants are already offering comprehensive advisory services to business, with technology freeing accountants up from time spent on data processing in order to advise and consult with their clients.
We encourage our members and others working in the industry to sign the petition, and set this record straight.
Xero has stated that they are aiming for some 20,000 signatures on the petition. As of Tuesday 12 February the petition had attracted over 700 signatures.
