Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

bean counter

noun

/ˈbiːn ˈkaʊntər/

Definition

A bean counter is a slang term for an accountant or financial professional who is overly concerned with numerical accuracy and financial details.

Examples

As a bean counter, she meticulously reviewed every receipt and invoice.
The company needed someone who could balance the budget, but not just a bean counter who only cares about the numbers.

Meaning

The term often implies a person who is meticulous about numbers and calculations but may lack creativity or be overly focused on the minutiae rather than the bigger picture.