Where have all the accountants gone?
The accountant shortage inspired me to update the lyrics to Peter, Paul & Mary's classic "Where have all the flowers gone."
Below you'll what I cooked up together with ChatGPT (because it’s a great collaborator for all sorts of professional and creative endeavors).
(Verse 1)
Where have all the accountants gone? Long time passing.
Where have all the accountants gone? Long time ago.
Where have all the accountants gone?
Low pay, long hours, they couldn't hold on.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
(Verse 2)
Where have all the spreadsheets gone? Gone to stress and burnout, every one.
Where have all the spreadsheets gone? Gone to stress and burnout, every one.
Where have all the spreadsheets gone? Workload so heavy, they moved along.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
(Verse 3)
Where have all the numbers gone? Gone to qualifications, higher than the sun.
Where have all the numbers gone? Gone to qualifications, higher than the sun.
Where have all the numbers gone? Degrees and certifications, they couldn't outrun.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
(Verse 4)
Where have all the associates gone? Gone to seek fortunes, one by one.
Where have all the associates gone? Gone to seek fortunes, one by one.
Where have all the associates gone? Leaving accounting for wealth that can't be undone.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
(Verse 5)
Where have all the auditors gone? Gone to crunch numbers, till the early dawn.
Where have all the auditors gone? Gone to crunch numbers, till the early dawn.
Where have all the auditors gone? Exhausted by the system, they have withdrawn.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
(Verse 6)
Where have all the accountants gone? Gone for balance and peace, a life that's well-spun.
Where have all the accountants gone? Gone for balance and peace, a life that's well-spun.
Where have all the accountants gone? Seeking fulfillment, a new journey begun.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?