9 Must Watch Movies/TV Series For CPAs and Accountants in 2024

CPAs and accountants play an integral role in the functioning of every small and large business. With multiple tasks, work for these accountants can get hectic at times.

Watching movies and TV series can be a great way to rejuvenate themselves. Not only do they reduce work pressure, but they also serve as a fun way of learning new accounting skills.

Here are a few TV series and movies that accountants and CPAs must watch to take a break from work and, at the same time, gain knowledge about the industry.

#1. Rogue Trader

“Rogue Traders” is a thrilling financial drama that captivates audiences through the lens of an accountant. The film explores the high-stakes world of financial markets and the ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in the industry. The narrative unfolds as a talented accountant, played by the protagonist, becomes entangled in a web of deception and illegal trading activities within a prestigious financial institution.

From an accountant’s standpoint, the movie delves into the intricate details of financial transactions, risk management, and the consequences of fraudulent activities. Viewers gain insights into the complex world of auditing and compliance as the protagonist discovers discrepancies and irregularities in the company’s financial statements.

The movie not only provides a gripping storyline but also prompts reflection on the role of accountants in maintaining financial transparency and the impact of their decisions on both the industry and society.

All things considered, it’s a fun and gritty tale to watch.

IMDB – 6.4/10

#2. Too Big to Fail (1994)

Too Big to Fail (2011) is a documentary film that chronicles the 2008 financial crisis and the government’s bailout of the banking industry. The film is based on the book of the same name by Andrew Ross Sorkin.

From an accountant’s perspective, the film provides valuable insight into the causes of the financial crisis and the role that accounting played in the crisis. The film also highlights the importance of sound financial reporting and corporate governance in preventing future crises.

Too Big to Fail is a must-see film for anyone who wants to understand the 2008 financial crisis and its implications for the accounting profession.

IMDB – 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes – 77%

Interested in more Storytelling Spectacles- Checkout our list of must-watch movies. Let’s continue with the TV Series to watch.

#3. Super Pumped

Super Pumped is a Showtime anthology series that chronicles the rise and fall of Silicon Valley startup “Uber.” The season of the series focuses on the rise and fall of Uber, providing valuable insight into the accounting challenges that startups face.

From an accountant’s perspective, Super Pumped shows the importance of having a strong accounting team in place from the early stages of a startup.

Overall, Super Pumped is quite interesting to watch in this list, especially for upcoming entrepreneurs. The series is also a reminder of the importance of sound accounting practices in any business.

IMDB – 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 66%

Also See: 11 Best Movies Accountants Must Watch in 2024

#4. The Office- The Accountants

The Office- The Accountants is a spin-off of the American TV series The Office. It revolves around the accountants of a fictional company trying to figure out the lost $3000 from the office budget. The accountants can watch this spin-off in their leisure time.

IMDB- 7.7/10

#5. Narcos

Narcos, one of the leading TV series on Netflix, revolves around illegal drug trading in Colombia. The show revolves around many entities in conflict with one another – legal, political, civilian, and police.

It is a show for every accounting professional wanting to know more about illegal activities and their economic impact.

IMDB- 8.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 89%

#6. Orange Is The New Black

OITNB is an American comedy-drama series on Netflix directed by Jenji Kohan. The story revolves around a female prisoner who was convicted of transporting drug money for over ten years.

Accounting professionals must follow the role of Linda Ferguson, an accountant whose goal is to save the prison as much money as possible.

IMDB- 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 90%

#7. The Wire Card Scandal

Skandal- Bringing Down Wirecard(Netflix) and the Big Four Documentary (YouTube), both docuseries show the involvement of the Big Four. Here are some specific examples of how the Big Four were involved in the Wirecard scandal-

• EY reportedly ignored warnings from its employees about accounting irregularities at Wirecard.
• KPMG allegedly conducted a sham audit of Wirecard’s Singapore operations.
• Deloitte reportedly failed to detect billions of euros in fake transactions at Wirecard.
• PwC is accused of failing to disclose red flags about Wirecard’s accounting practices to its clients.

The Wirecard scandal is a reminder of the importance of auditor independence and competence. It is also a reminder of the need for greater regulation of the auditing profession.

IMDB- 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 68%

#8. Ozark

Ozark is an American crime drama series created by Bill Dubuque and starring Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who relocates his family from Chicago to the Ozarks, Missouri after a money laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel falls apart. Marty must quickly launder millions of dollars to appease the cartel and protect his family.

The series has been praised for its writing, acting, and directing. It has also been nominated for numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Ozark provides a fascinating look at the world of money laundering. The series shows how complex and risky money laundering can be, highlighting the importance of strong internal controls to prevent financial crime.

IMDB- 8.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 82%

#9. Andy Barker, PI

On a lighter note- “Andy Barker, PI” is an American sitcom Conan O’Brien and Jonathan Groff created. The series stars Andy Richter as Andy Barker, a mild-mannered CPA who turns private investigator after being laid off.

The series follows Andy’s adventures as he tries to make a living as a PI, but is often out of depth and over his head. Despite his lack of experience, Andy is a good person with a strong sense of justice and always tries to do the right thing.

Andy Barker, PI is a lighthearted and humorous show that was praised for its writing and acting. The series was canceled after one season but has developed a cult following over the years.

IMDB- 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes- 92%

Final Note

After a long day of crunching numbers, poring over spreadsheets, and deciphering complex financial documents, CPAs and accountants deserve a break from the seriousness of their profession. And what better way to unwind than by diving into some lighthearted and relatable movies and TV series that provide a glimpse into the accounting world?

Whether you’re looking for a chuckle-worthy comedy, a thought-provoking drama, or a suspenseful thriller, these cinematic gems have something to offer every weary accountant. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle into your comfiest couch, and prepare to embark on an entertaining journey through the world of numbers and accounting.