5 Must-Read Books For Accountants

For most accountants, January through April is the worst time of the year—the dreaded tax season is finally here and it can seem never-ending when you’re right in the middle of it. But it’s already March and Apr 19, 2022 (aka the day after the tax deadline) is just around the corner. If you can, consider reading a book in your limited free time. Reading can help reduce mental decline by about 30%, research shows—something all accountants need to fight against during this draining time of year. 

Here are five must-read books for accountants: 

1. The Infinite Game, by Simon Sinek

This book by bestselling author Simon Sinek dives into how businesses can be successful long term. According to reviews, this is a great read for leaders and provides insight into corporate culture. If you’re in a leadership role, or looking to earn one, this will be a great read for you. 

Here is an excerpt from the book: 

"The true value of an organization is measured by the desire others have to contribute to that organization's ability to keep succeeding, not just during the time they are there, but well beyond their own tenure."

2. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What To Do About It, by Michael Gerber

This revised edition of Gerber's bestseller "The E-Myth," which was originally published in the 1980s, will help you define your business. Gerber goes over why businesses fail and analyzes the differences between those that succeed, and those that don’t. With many tips and tricks you can take back to your organization, this book will leave you feeling inspired and ready to work on yourself and your business. 

Here's an excerpt from the book: 

"That Fatal Assumption is: if you understand the technical work of a business, you understand a business that does that technical work."

3. Blindspot, by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald 

This New York Times bestseller will have you looking out for your own unconscious biases in your life and eager to challenge your own assumptions. No one can make changes unless they are first educated about what needs to change—this book will help you confront your own biases head on and in turn, help you be more fair in your everyday life. 

Here’s an excerpt from the book:

“Those who fall prey to the availability and anchoring heuristics are not more feeble-minded or gullible than others. Each of us is an ever-ready victim.” 

4. Start with Why, by Simon Sinek 

Another Simon Sinek original and another great read. This book has sold more than 1.6 million copies and for good reason. Some of the biggest names in history—who had nothing else in common—all started with the same question: Why? After this read, you’ll be asking the right questions and walk away with valuable leadership skills to bring back to your organization.  

Here's an excerpt from the book: 

"It’s worth repeating: people don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it."

5. How to Say Anything to Anyone, by Shari Harley 

If you’re looking to improve your company culture, reduce office politics and drama with colleagues, this is the book for you. Learn how to unlearn wrong communication habits and replace them with critical communication skills you need to succeed professionally. After this read, you’ll go into conversations more confidently and know how address issues head-on. 

Here is an excerpt from the book: 

"We just expect people to know why we do what we do and to follow our rules … In the absence of knowledge, people fill in the gaps. And it’s never good. Give more information than you think you need to give."

Which of these books are you excited to check out? Or, is there another must-read each accountant should know about? Let us know in the comments below!

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