What does it take for an Accountant to be successful in their job?
The following are differentiating skills set that will put you as an accountant ahead of the pack and lead to a successful career.
1. BUSINESS ACUMEN:
Accountants must be strategic-thinking. They need to see the big picture and understand how not only their role impacts the overall organization, but even other roles that exist in the organization.
2. ACCOUNTING TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:
These include; Advanced Excel, ERP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle), data analysis, advanced modeling, knowledge of business intelligence software (e.g., IBM Cognos), Microsoft Visual Basic capability, knowledge of QuickBooks (for positions with small and midsize firms), etc.
3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Accountants must be able to communicate with other roles in the company. Be it presentation of reports or through email communication. Accountants will need to break down to non-data-savvy personalities the story the data tells for their reports to add value in the organization’s strategic stance.
4. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:
Accountants need to be ambitious self-starters who can develop new insights, manage projects, and motivate and engage team members to achieve strategic goals.
5. CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS:
Accountants have been accused of having the enthusiasm of a padlock around the office. 😀 While I believe this is fallacious and also a stereotype, this is an area most Accountants need to work on. Accountants can demonstrate good customer service by truly listening to the needs and concerns of clients, whether they’re internal or external. A positive attitude can also go a long way, especially when stress levels are high especially when the workload is high and deadlines are nigh.
6. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
This is the icing on the cake! What area or business type are you experienced in. Is it manufacturing, service, logistics, Not for Profit Organizations (NPOs), etc. Most Organisations will hire Accountants who have experience in a business similar to theirs.
What are you doing to improve your accounting skills today? Keep the conversation going; click on the link below and make your comments.
