Actuary

Many years ago the Financial Times of London ran a competition. The task was to complete the sentence:

“My son, an actuary is . . . ”

First prize was a case of champagne.

Unsurprisingly many of the best entries came from actuaries or accountants. Some were so good that the FT decided to award three prizes.

Third prize went to:

“My son, an actuary is a man who found accountancy too exciting.”

Second prize went to:

“My son, an actuary is a cross between an undertaker and a bookie.”

But the clear winner was:

“My son, an actuary is a man who likes you to arrive dead on time.”

Who said that accountants have no sense of humour?