Bookkeepers and Accountants both work with financial records and data, they play a fundamental role in the successful operation of any business. As you would expect with a professional occupation there are some key skills that are required to excel in this field.
We Look At The Top 5 Skills The Group Thought Were Important For A Career In This Field.
1) Quality
It is little surprise that the group rated having high quality standards as the number one skill required of an accountant. High standards from an accountants perspective is the result of having a thorough accounting knowledge, to consistently deliver high quality, accurate data and information as and when required. This enables clients to be compliant as well as succeed and grow. This includes paying attention to detail, being highly organised with a keen eye for accuracy and being able to work to manage workloads in a timely manner.
2) Communication
Having effective communication skills is the second most important skill, this includes both written and verbal communication to internal as well as external stakeholders. Bookkeepers and accountants regularly communicate with clients, customers, suppliers, colleagues, managers and juniors, therefore interpersonal skills are a must have. It is essential for accountants and bookkeepers to adapt their communication to suit different customers or colleagues who may not understand the technical aspects of finance. Good communication is also very useful while building good, long lasting relationships with clients.
3) Problem Solving Skills
For financial professional’s problem-solving skills can be put to the test on a regular basis especially when they come up against non-routine problems such as the current Covid pandemic that is causing disruption to many client’s financial position. Using analytical techniques, accountants are able to uncover and minimise areas of concern or even identify areas that could contribute to exponential success within a business. When you are new to bookkeeping and accountancy, problem solving may take the form of balancing accounts, helping businesses with their cash flow and record keeping. As your career progresses problem solving can be more advanced and require you to use logic, knowledge and experience to enable clients to improve and thrive.
4) Adaptability
It is said that change is the only constant in life. Adapting to changes is another important skill for you to possess an accountant and bookkeeper. New technology, new regulations and uncontrollable external factors such as customer’s perceptions and values change regularly. Accountants lead the way in adopting and adapting to these changes and then advising clients on its use and impact within their business. It is important that you are up to date with changes in legislation, technology and policies internal and external to your organisation. You should feel comfortable working within an ever-changing and challenging environment.
5) Analytical Thinking
Our group rated analytical thinking as their next top skill. As an accountant or Bookkeeper, you need to be able to create, analyse, interpret and present information to clients in a way that adds value to their organisation. Whether this is identifying problems within their organisations and make recommendations for improvements or helping them understand what the numbers suggest so they are able to make better informed decisions.
Undertaking professional training allows you to hone these skills along with enhancing your technical knowledge to boost your career as an Accountant or bookkeeper.