Are technical skills alone enough for an accountant?

Accountancy has always been considered a profession where technical skills are paramount. Is this

true?

The role of accountants has evolved over time. In the past, they were mainly involved in auditing and
tax preparation. Today, accountants are also responsible for managing financial information and
reporting. They are also required to provide expert advice to businesses and individuals.
However, despite these changes, accountants still require strong technical skills but are technical skills alone enough?

Accountancy is a highly competitive field. The number of qualified candidates applying for accounting jobs has increased over the years. This means that employers are looking for candidates who possess additional skills. 

What are these skills? 

Accountants are required to have strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and good interpersonal skills. They also need to be able to solve complex problems and deal with clients effectively. Accounting professionals should be well-rounded individuals who are capable of working independently and collaboratively. They should also be able to communicate effectively both in writing and oral. 

The following are some of the most common non-technical skills an accountant needs:

• Analytical Skills – An accountant must be able to analyse data and draw conclusions from it. He or she must also be able to interpret information and present it clearly. 

• Communication Skills – A successful accountant must be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels within an organization. He or she must be able to listen carefully and respond appropriately to others’ questions. 

• Problem Solving Skills – Accounting professionals must be able to identify and resolve issues as they arise. They must be able to think critically about situations and determine the best course of action. 

• Interpersonal Skills – An accountant must work well with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and business partners. He or she must develop relationships based on trust and respect.

How can you prepare yourself for this career? 

1. Learn how to use spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are used by accountants to organize and manipulate financial data. You will learn how to create and modify tables, calculate formulas, sort data, perform calculations, and more. 

2. Take courses in basic accounting concepts such as double entry bookkeeping, accrual accounting, and cash flow management. These courses will help you understand the basics of accounting and prepare you for your first job. 

3. Develop your problem solving skills. As an accountant, you may face many challenges when dealing with clients. You will need to be creative and flexible to come up with solutions to difficult problems. 

4. Practice public speaking. Public speaking is one of the most important skills an accountant can master. It helps you interact with clients and other employees. 

5. Work on your interpersonal skills. As an accountant you will often be responsible for communicating with people outside of the company. You will need to build rapport with them and make sure they feel comfortable working with you. 

6. Be aware of current trends in accounting. There are always new developments taking place in the accounting industry. Stay abreast of these changes so you can keep up with what’s happening in the profession. 

7. Network! When you apply for jobs, don’t just send out resumes. Make connections with people in the field and introduce yourself. This way you can stay up to date with what employers are looking for. 

8. Keep learning. The world of accounting is constantly changing. To remain competitive, you need to continue to grow and improve your skills. 

9. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Accountancy is a great career, but there are times when it can get stressful. Remember to take time off every now and then to relax and have fun. 

10. Get involved. If you want to advance in your career, you should volunteer to do something that benefits the community. For example, if you love animals, consider volunteering at an animal shelter. 

11. Have fun! No matter what type of job you choose, you should never lose sight of why you chose accounting in the first place. Enjoy your career and remember to live life to the fullest.

Please comment and share if you enjoyed reading this. Stay with us for more interesting and enlightening articles.