bean counter

Definition

A person who is excessively interested in controlling or reducing expenses, increasing profits, or in quantitative details in general.

Etymology

Probably from German Erbsenzähler (literally “pea counter”).

Example Sentences

• "As any good bean counter will tell you, it costs money to treat people at a hospital."
• "And, in our case, the accounting firm of Halpern & Mantovani, CPA, in Encino, Calif., Chais' chief bean counter, pumped out the quarterly statements as if it were all rock solid."
• "With bean counters hopefully no longer in charge of the railways, Great British Railways has an opportunity to justify the adjective in its name."