Top 5 Charismatic Fictional Accountants
From hard-hitting dramas to chuckle-inducing sitcoms, some of the most fascinating characters from the world of television and film are accountants by trade. In some cases, these characters play supporting roles and function as comic foils. Other times, they take center stage and become the lifeblood of certain franchises. Accounting is an appealing field for many reasons, and if you’re looking for inspiration while you get your Accounting MBA, you can look to these characters for invaluable advice.
Cyril Figgis: “Archer”
As the resident accountant at the International Secret Intelligence Service, or ISIS, Cyril Figgis (voiced by “SNL” alum Chris Parnell) has his work cut out for him. In addition to frequently being the butt of jokes from emotionally-unstable super-spy Sterling Archer, Cyril has to brave an office full of trigger-happy assassins, mad scientists and bloodthirsty foreign spies on a daily basis. However, despite the chaos of his work environment, Cyril takes it all in stride and does his job with an air of professionalism — and a little bit of arrogance. Despite his demure appearance, Cyril has also wooed his share of ladies, including the gorgeous spy Lana Kane.
In recent seasons, viewers discover that Cyril’s talents aren’t limited to accounting. On several occasions, Cyril has gone on missions as an active field agent, although his stealth skills leave much to be desired. Additionally, the fifth season opener reveals that Cyril worked as a criminal defense attorney prior to earning his degree in accounting.
Hermes Conrad: “Futurama”
Accounting guru and acting bureaucrat at Planet Express, Hermes Conrad (voiced by comedian Phil LaMarr) is arguably the company’s only competent employee. In the face of widespread sloth, romantic escapades and criminal behavior around the office, Hermes does his best to ensure that deliveries are made on time and on budget. If Hermes has one fault, it’s that he’s simply too good at his job. On more than once occasion, he’s slashed salaries and ignored safety regulations in order to save the company a few bucks.
Hermes has his fair share of talents outside of accounting. In his youth, he enjoyed success as an Olympic-level limbo champion. Even well into his 40s, Hermes can limbo his way beneath an assortment of impossibly low levels. Although he often berates his coworkers for their laziness and incompetence, Hermes views them all as close friends — with the exception of Dr. Zoidberg.
Bob Cratchit: “A Christmas Carol”
A key player in Charles Dickens’s iconic 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol,” good-natured bookkeeper Bob Cratchit serves to counterbalance Ebenezer Scrooge’s greed and nastiness. Despite being underpaid, overworked and undervalued by his employer, Cratchit does his job with his head held high and tries to see the good in everyone — including the novel’s miserly antihero Ebenezer Scrooge. The happiness enjoyed by Bob Cratchit and his family illustrates to readers that wealth and material gain are hollow substitutes for togetherness.
Not only is Bob Cratchit one of the literary world’s best-known characters, he has also been portrayed by a talented array of actors, including Gene Lockhart, David Collings and Gary Oldman. The role of Bob Cratchit has also been played by a number of well-known fictional characters, including Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog and Mr. Magoo.
Victoria Hand: Marvel Comics
Comic book fans with an interest in accounting are sure to love Victoria Hand. As S.H.I.E.L.D.’s lead accountant, Victoria answers to such Marvel icons as Nick Fury and Phil Coulson. In addition, she regularly interacts with members of the Avengers, X-Men and other popular superheroes. Victoria serves as proof that accounting can be a truly exciting field. If you’re not big on animation, you can see Victoria Hand in live-action form on Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” television series, where she is portrayed by Saffron Burrows.
Harold Crick: “Stranger Than Fiction”
The central character in the 2006 comedy-drama film “Stranger than Fiction,” Harold Crick (portrayed by Will Farrell) begins the movie as a humorless, by-the-books IRS accountant. Harold is also a stickler for routine and adheres to a strict, self-imposed schedule every day. However, after meeting laidback coffee shop proprietress Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal), Harold begins to wonder if there’s more to life than just crunching numbers. Harold Crick’s personal journey serves to remind viewers that although careers are important, we all need someone special in our lives.
As Accounting Today reports, people with accounting degrees are in high demand from businesses of all sizes. Students who are interested in pursuing careers in this field will be pleased to learn there is a broad range of colorful characters from which they can draw inspiration.
“Futurama” image by shannonpatrick17 from Flickr’s Creative Commons
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Category: Business
