Accounting isn’t just for accountants
- Aileen Melchor
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
LET’s be honest. When people hear the word “accounting,” many instantly think of calculators, spreadsheets and professionals in corporate attire dealing with endless numbers. But here’s the truth: accounting isn’t just for accountants.
In fact, accounting shows up in our everyday life more often than we think. Whether you’re a freelancer trying to price a project, a sari-sari store owner restocking inventory, a regular employee managing personal finances or someone just wondering where all your “sweldo” went, basic accounting is quietly running in the background.
We often think of accounting as something to “leave to the experts.” Many often say, “Accounting? Numbers? Pass to that. It’s not my forte.” There was a time when I had a meeting with a new client, and he said, “Wala talaga kami alam pagdating sa accounting, that is why we leave it all and rely on you.”
I get it. Accounting has always carried this intimidating reputation of cold spreadsheets, BIR forms and tax deadlines. It’s something people think they can just pass on to their accountant and forget about. But in today’s business times, that mindset can cost you a lot — lost opportunities, poor decisions and unnecessary penalties.
As a managing director of an accounting firm, I’ve seen firsthand why even non-accountants should care about the basics. Here are some reasons why:
1. You make smarter business decisions. Without knowing your numbers, every decision becomes emotional or reactive. Accounting helps you decide confidently, “Can we afford to hire?”
2. You avoid tax penalties and headaches. Many business owners only realize something is wrong when they receive a BIR notice. At that point, it’s reactive and expensive. I’ve seen simple oversights lead to six-figure penalties. Understanding basics like VAT, withholding tax and deadlines helps you prevent these surprises.
3. You communicate better with your accountant. You don’t need to prepare your own financial statements, but knowing the difference between gross income and net income helps us help you better. Clients who ask informed questions get more strategic advice.
4. You gain confidence in your numbers. Whether you’re presenting to investors, applying for a loan or negotiating with suppliers, understanding your own financials makes you more credible and confident.
5. You control the direction of your business. Accounting gives you a map. Without it, you’re driving blind.
Trust me when I say accounting doesn’t only apply to the business owners.
One afternoon during a quick catch up, a non-accounting friend of mine casually said, “Ay, bakit ganon? I’m earning OK, but I honestly don’t know where my money goes.” That one line stuck with me because I’ve heard it so many times, not just from friends, but from clients, colleagues, even team members. Surprisingly, even from accountants themselves. People often assume that because I’m an accountant, I’ve always had my finances together. The truth? I didn’t. Back when I started my career as an associate until I became a manager, I was earning a decent salary, working long hours and even helping out at home. But every month, I found myself wondering the same thing: “Where did my money go?” I was doing financial reports for clients, but my own wallet was a mystery. It wasn’t because I lacked knowledge, it was because I never applied basic accounting to my personal life. That’s when it hit me: accounting isn’t just for accountants. It’s for everyone who handles money, salary earners, freelancers, business owners, even students.
The turning point was when I decided to open a blank Excel file, listed down all my income and expenses for the past two months, and guess what? I was spending more than I should have on “small things” — daily takeouts, coffee runs, random online buys. Not once did I feel I was overspending, but the numbers told me otherwise. That moment changed everything. I started applying the same discipline I used at work to my personal finances and slowly, things got better. I was able to save more consistently. I stopped feeling guilty for spending because I had a plan. I started setting goals — a travel and emergency fund, and even small investments.
Accounting isn’t just about spreadsheets, taxes or financial statements. It’s about awareness. It’s about knowing how much you actually earn (net, not gross); where your money flows — daily, weekly and monthly; whether you’re in control or just reacting.
I stopped relying just on gross salary — I tracked side hustles, bonuses and actual net cash flow. As for expenses, I categorized fixed (rent, bills) vs. variable (coffee, shopping). It was an eye-opener. I treated savings as a nonnegotiable “expense” every payday while for cash flow I noted when bills were due vs. when salary came in. Lastly, I made a monthly spending plan — nothing fancy, just intentional.
Remember that friend I talked about earlier? I shared it with her and she decided to try something simple: list all income sources then record every peso spent for 30 days. No filters, no judgment — just honesty. After a month, the results were eye-opening: a lot was going to food deliveries and Grab rides. Several subscriptions were being paid for but barely used. Credit card payments were being made, but the balances weren’t shrinking.
Just seeing it laid out helped her change habits. No fancy accounting software, no financial degree. Just self-awareness. That small habit turned into a monthly routine. Over time, that friend of mine was able to set a clear budget (with room for fun!), cut unnecessary expenses, build an emergency fund, and eventually started investing with confidence. All of it started with basic accounting applied to real life.
So let me say this again: “Accounting isn’t just for accountants.” It’s for anyone who wants to feel more in control of their money. It’s for people who are tired of guessing and ready to grow. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your finances, start small. Start simple. List. Track. Review. Repeat. It’s not about perfection, it’s about direction.
If my non-accountant friend can do it while working a full-time job, managing life and staying sane, you can, too. Start with one day. One list. One coffee session with yourself. Because when you understand your money, you take control of your choices. The truth is, our schools often teach us how to earn, but not how to manage. That’s why I truly believe in this quote I once read: “Accounting is too useful to be left only to accountants.” From where I stand — both as a professional and as someone who once struggled myself — I can’t agree more.
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