'I'm level-headed at times, probably due to the job'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stephen Pounder has been working as an accountant for 13 years. He can barely stifle a yawn as he talks about his fellow accountants. "I have met a lot of dull people in this profession," he says.
Stephen Pounder has been working as an accountant for 13 years. He can barely stifle a yawn as he talks about his fellow accountants. "I have met a lot of dull people in this profession," he says.
"I think part of the problem is they tend to spend lots of time in the office working stupid hours. I always make sure I take the weekends off."
Mr Pounder, 33, works for Macintyre and Company, a small firm based in Holborn, central London. He claims accountants at smaller firms are more exciting than those in the bigger companies.
"I have found that accountants at smaller firms are more interesting," he says. "Often they've just wandered into the profession after studying something different, while accountants at the larger firms have always wanted to be accountants and have that background.
"I've got lots of friends. Some are accountants and others are in marketing or the beer industry. I have always wondered if I would be able to fill the church at my funeral but I don't think it will be a problem.
"I like to drink, play football and golf and go on holiday and then drink more. Sometimes when I meet people in the pub as a joke I tell them I'm a window dresser for Mothercare. Then when I try to tell them I'm a chartered accountant they don't believe me."
Mr Pounder was married last year after being with his partner for six years and does not think he has any emotional problems.
"We have a really great time together," he said. "She works as a PA down the road and I often meet up with her and her friends for a drink. I hope they don't think I'm boring.
"I'm a bit level-headed at times, which probably comes from the job. I'm not over emotional, but that might be to do with my background rather than my job.
"I very rarely cry unless I've been stung by a wasp. But I think I'm quite good at working out how other people are feeling and helping them with their problems. I would hope that I'm not a typical accountant."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments