What's The Equivalent Of A 'Blinker Fluid' In Accounting Firms?

A few days ago I came across a Reddit thread asking about the equivalent of a blinker fluid joke in the field of accounting. As a long-time accountant and self-proclaimed office prankster, I have to admit that it rang a bell as I've played my fair share of jokes on unsuspecting colleagues over the years. And while some of my pranks have been harmless and good-natured, there's one joke that I kept coming back to in my early days: the infamous "blinker fluid" prank.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the joke, it goes something like this: you tell a new or inexperienced colleague that they need to pick up some "blinker fluid" from the store or supplier. They'll look at you with confusion, not realizing that there's no such thing as "blinker fluid." Then you can sit back and enjoy a good chuckle as they try to figure out what's going on.

As I said, while most pranks have been harmless and good-natured, the truth is that this Reddit thread made me remember all of those times when a prank could have gone horribly wrong. And that's what I want to talk about today.

Confessions of an Accounting Prankster

Now, I know what you're thinking: the blinker-fluid joke is outdated and unproductive, and it creates a culture of distrust and animosity in the workplace. And you are definitely right. But here's something about the "blinker fluid" joke that just never gets old. Maybe it's the look of confusion on someone's face or the shared laughter that comes from a harmless prank.

But here's the thing: as an experienced accountant, it's my job to help new colleagues learn and grow in the industry. And while pranks and jokes can be a fun part of office culture, it's important to balance that with mentorship, guidance, and support. So, while I may have played my fair share of "blinker fluid" jokes in the past, I'm also committed to being a positive and constructive force in the workplace.

The Impact of Pranks on Company Culture

Office pranks can be a fun way to break up the monotony of the workday and build an emotional connection among colleagues. When done well, pranks can help to create a positive workplace culture that fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of community.

However, pranks can also harm workplace culture if they are taken too far or if they create an environment of distrust and animosity. This can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and even employee turnover.

It's important to strike a balance between fun and respect in the workplace. Pranks should never be harmful or hurtful, and they should never undermine the trust and professionalism that is necessary for a successful workplace.

Tips for Striking a Balance

So how can you strike a balance between fun and respect in the workplace? Here are some tips:

• Set clear boundaries: Make sure everyone knows what is and isn't acceptable when it comes to pranks. This could include setting guidelines around timing (e.g., not during busy periods), type of prank (e.g., nothing harmful or offensive), and who is allowed to participate (e.g., only those who are comfortable with pranks).
• Avoid harmful pranks: Pranks that cause physical harm, emotional distress, or property damage are never acceptable. These types of pranks can lead to serious consequences, such as legal action or termination of employment.
• NEVER involve clients: In the Reddit thread, a user shared a story about how the blinker fluid prank led a new intern to plug the difference into a client's share capital. This is unacceptable, a joke should never backfire this way.
• Prioritize communication and collaboration: When planning a prank, make sure to involve everyone who will be affected by it. This can help to build trust and ensure that everyone is on board with the idea.
• Keep it light-hearted: Remember that the goal of a prank is to have fun and create a positive workplace culture. Keep the prank light-hearted and don't take it too far. If anyone seems uncomfortable or upset, it's time to stop.

Why I Don’t Longer Do The Blinker Fluid Joke

It's important to remember that new employees are often eager to learn and contribute to the team, and it's not helpful to create unnecessary obstacles or waste their time with false tasks or impossible requests. A better approach would be to offer guidance and support and to help the new employee learn the ropes in a positive and constructive way.

So, the next time you're tempted to send a colleague on a wild goose chase for "blinker fluid," think twice. Instead, offer to help them learn and grow in their role, and create a culture of respect and professionalism in your accounting firm. But hey, a harmless prank every once in a while never hurt anyone, right? Just make sure not to humiliate anyone or endanger the capital of your clients.

Kevin Mitchell, CPA

Senior Manager and CPA with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial services, specializing in risk management and regulatory compliance. Skilled in managing audits and leading teams to deliver exceptional services. Proud father of two.

🔗 Kevin Mitchell | LinkedIn

References:

What’s the equivalent of “blinker fluid” in accounting? (n.d.). Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Accounting/comments/12134q7/whats_the_equivalent_of_blinker_fluid_in/