fb

Famous accountants, but not for accounting…

Famous accountants, but not for accounting…

Accounting, often called the “language of business”, has served as a foundational skillset for many who’ve achieved greatness in various fields. Not all those areas were business related though.

Here’s a list of celebrities who are famous for other things apart from being an accountant. All of them however were involved at one stage with accounting or finance.

Celebrities with a link to accounting / finance

Mick Jagger

  • Profession: Legendary musician and Rolling Stones frontman.
  • Background: Studied at the London School of Economics; considered a career in finance before pursuing music.

John Grisham

  • Profession: Best-selling author.
  • Background: Studied and worked in accounting before transitioning to law.

Phil Knight

  • Profession: Co-founder of Nike.
  • Background: Began his career as a CPA; later obtained an MBA.

Janet Jackson

  • Profession: Pop icon and actress.
  • Background: Initially aspired to study business law or accounting before venturing into music and acting.

José Carreras

  • Profession: Renowned opera singer and one of the famous Three Tenors.
  • Background: Studied chemistry and accounting prior to his singing career.

Ray Romano

  • Profession: Actor and comedian, best known for “Everybody Loves Raymond”.
  • Background: Briefly studied accounting at Queens College, New York.

Kenny G

  • Profession: Acclaimed saxophonist.
  • Background: Holds a degree in accounting from the University of Washington.

Bob Newhart

  • Profession: Comedian and actor.
  • Background: Worked as an accountant in Chicago before his rise to fame in entertainment.

Famous accountants

Whilst the above individuals clearly excelled in their chosen careers, if you are interested in some famous people who remained with a focus on accounting and finance during their careers then the following are arguably some of the most famous accountants in history:

Luca Pacioli

  • Profession: Italian monk and mathematics teacher.
  • Background:
    • Widely recognized as the “father of accounting” due to his contributions to the field.
    • In 1494, he published “Summa de Arithmetica,” which contained the first published description of double-entry bookkeeping.
    • His work laid the foundation for modern accounting and has influenced practices that are still used today.

Frank J. Wilson

  • Profession: Tax investigator for the US Internal Revenue Service.
  • Background:
    • Instrumental in exposing Al Capone’s tax evasion tactics, leading to Capone’s imprisonment.
    • Served as the Chief of the U.S. Secret Service from 1937 to 1947.
    • His investigative methods set precedents in tracking financial transactions, which are still referenced in tax evasion cases.

Mary Addison Hamilton

  • Profession: Accountant.
  • Background:
    • Made history as the first woman to be granted membership in a recognized professional accounting body in the British Commonwealth.
    • Her pioneering position paved the way for other women in the accounting profession during a time when such roles were predominantly male-dominated.
    • While details of her specific work are limited, her achievement stands as a testament to the evolving role of women in professional fields.

Josiah Wedgwood

  • Profession: China and pottery maker based in the UK.
  • Background:
    • Often referred to as the “Father of English Potters,” Wedgwood revolutionized pottery design and manufacturing.
    • Introduced innovative cost accounting methods to his pottery business, allowing him to understand production costs and set appropriate selling prices.
    • His accounting principles went on to become standard practices in various industries, highlighting the importance of understanding production costs.

John Pierpont Morgan (JP Morgan)

  • Profession: Financier and banker.
  • Background:
    • Began his illustrious financial career as an accountant at Duncan, Sherman & Co. in New York.
    • Later, as a key player in American finance, he played a pivotal role in consolidating and centralizing the American banking industry.
    • Aside from his financial endeavours, Morgan was a notable art collector and philanthropist, leaving behind a rich legacy in both finance and culture.

Whilst we can’t guarantee that a career in accounting will result in your becoming a world famous accountant (or the next lead singer of the Rolling Stones), we can assure you that a career in accounting offers a solid foundation in financial literacy, analytical skills, and a pathway to diverse opportunities in the business world. If you’d like to get a feel for what our accounting courses are like please click here.

Share this entry

Related articles

View All Articles

Recent articles

View All Articles
Nothing to whine about…
Apr 22, 2025
Title
Nothing to whine about…
Excerpt

The wine industry, steeped in centuries of tradition, is experiencing a shake-up that’s sparking debate among enthusiasts and […]

PwC exits 9 African countries
Apr 18, 2025
Title
PwC exits 9 African countries
Excerpt

PwC, one of the Big Four accounting firms, recently announced the closure of its operations in nine Sub-Saharan […]

Using AI to reward staff
Apr 12, 2025
Title
Using AI to reward staff
Excerpt

In a bold move that combines innovation with employee incentives, UK-based law firm Shoosmiths has become the first […]

Barking up the right tree?
Apr 07, 2025
Title
Barking up the right tree?
Excerpt

In a world where businesses are constantly seeking that elusive “wow” factor to stand out, a historic Parisian […]

10 reasons CFOs are leaving…
Apr 02, 2025
Title
10 reasons CFOs are leaving…
Excerpt

Last year, chief financial officers (CFOs) left their roles at the fastest rate in six years, according to […]

Women at the top: EY becomes first Big 4 firm with dual female leaders
Apr 01, 2025
Title
Women at the top: EY becomes first Big 4 firm with dual female leaders
Excerpt

EY has just made history – Alison Duncan will take over as UK Chair of EY, joining forces […]

When Audits Fail: PwC, Wyelands Bank, and the £2.9M Mistake
Mar 26, 2025
Title
When Audits Fail: PwC, Wyelands Bank, and the £2.9M Mistake
Excerpt

What happens when auditors fail to properly understand the business they’re auditing? That’s the question at the heart […]

Volkswagen sells more sausages than cars
Mar 18, 2025
Title
Volkswagen sells more sausages than cars
Excerpt

No, we’ve not made an early April Fools Joke. It’s true. Volkswagen do sell more sausages than cars. […]