Tattoos in the Accounting Profession
An accountant can have a tattoo. Tattoos are a personal decision. However, some accounting jobs require working with conservative clients who may judge tattoos. Rough, sleeve tattoos are less acceptable than small, coverable ones. In summer, visible tattoos may attract attention from clients and colleagues. Policies vary between companies.
Historically, finance careers focused on a clean, neutral image accepted by all clients. But there is no widespread policy banning accountants from having tattoos. Individuals need to appear highly professional and trustworthy. Employers can legally not hire you for visible tattoos, especially if you refuse to cover them.
Dress Code and Tattoo Visibility
For men, polo shirts, collared shirts, sweaters, khakis, dress pants and shoes are acceptable. Ties are optional. For women, conservative dresses, skirts, collared shirts, sweaters, dress pants, shoes or boots are fine. Accountants tend to wear long sleeves and ties, so wrist tattoos might be an issue. Other tattoos can be covered.
While there are no laws banning tattoos for accountants, firms may have policies against visible ones. Banking still avoids them and individuals should appear highly trustworthy.
Perception and Professional Environment
Can business professionals have tattoos? While the professional scene has shifted to become more accepting, body art could still be a reason for dismissal. There is no employment law against workplace or hiring discrimination based on visible tattoos.
Business environments vary in their reception of tattoos. It’s a great idea to check out a company’s culture before applying for a job. Statistics show more businesses have modified dress codes to allow visible tattoos. 76 percent of people would hire those with tattoos.
Highly visible tattoos, like on the hand and face, can impede employment chances. Tattoo artists who feel you’re not ready for the consequences can’t ethically allow such tattoos. Photographers, CEOs, and chefs often have visible tattoos.
In general, businesses have the right to control their image to clients. Having a tattoo doesn’t generally hurt your job chances. Some businesses still prohibit them, like banking, while others are in transition.
Heavily tattooed professionals can feel tattoos make them more accessible, especially as younger generations take over. Tattoos will likely continue to be more widely accepted. What tattoos depict is very important, regardless of workplace rules. But policies are relaxing as norms change.