What’s the best job in the world for an accountant?

If you have already read our article on Google's search for a CFO you will know that US magazine Financial Week has flagged it up as the one to have.

The evidence is compelling, argue US recruiters: Jobs with the most ‘sex appeal’ ; innovative companies ; and those that can give you the most visibility are the most desired, and apparently Google fits the bill.

But in our article on what skillsets are required to serve as the search giant’s CFO, UK recruiters are more pragmatic about the role, putting across what a tough position it would be.

Can it continue its unstoppable growth? Could you, as CFO, become as important to the business as co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin? It’s a big ask on both those points.

Plus you must consider that the advertising market is fragile as well, while some of its online applications and tools have not received the universal praise the company is used to.

Still, it’s a fantastic role and as big a position as you could get. You’d be mad
to not want to have a go at it.

But you can find what I think could be as exciting and as tough a job right on
our doorstep.

Our profile interview with Nigel Layton, MD of forensic investigators Quest, shows that accountancy can lead you to some other intriguing places.

His firm of investigators has attempted to expose an underbelly of bungs and dodgy payments in the rapidly growing English football transfer market, an investigation that has seen them make the headlines on both the front and back pages.

Everyone is different of course, and we’re all suited to different roles.

So don’t worry if you’ve got more chance of winning the lottery than winning the Google role, or if going through an audit investigation of the English football transfer market isn’t your cup of tea.

If you enjoy your role and it inspires you, whether you are a charity group finance director or personal insolvency expert, then consider yourself in the best job in the world.

If not, then ­ as Google would say ­ you should search for something different.

Kevin Reed is acting features editor of Accountancy Age