bean counter

American  

[been koun-ter] / ˈbin ˌkaʊn tər /

Or bean-counter

noun

Sometimes Disparaging.

1. an accountant or other financial officer, often one placing undue importance on spending, financial accountability, and profit, or anyone regarded as having a reductively quantitative focus.

   If it were up to the bean counters, this company would never take risks or innovate.

---

bean-counter British  

noun

1. informal an accountant

---

Etymology

Origin of bean counter

An Americanism first recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Mr. Glassman might be an effective bean counter, but that is not nearly enough to justify his having a seat on the Maryland Board of Public Works.

From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2022

It would not bother me in the least to give my niece the higher amount, because I’m not a bean counter.

From Slate • May 26, 2021

Young running backs sell jerseys, spur the fantasy industry, provide thrills and inspire dreams; it’s hard to criticize their big paydays without sounding like a grouchy, myopic bean counter.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2020

There no bean counter with a backbone stiff enough to hold the reins.

From Washington Times • May 23, 2019

Jenkins’ character is a bean counter who questions the need for two shooters to handle this particular job.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2012