Skills That Are Essential for Those Seeking a Career in Accounting

Accountants often present financial information and forecast revenue for companies.

Those seeking a career in accounting should be detail-oriented, resourceful, logical and very organized. Individuals need to be motivated and should be able to work under stress. Interpersonal communications are another must, as this career will require working with numerous people, from management to customers. As technology continues to advance, the trends of essential skills for this field will also change, requiring individuals to be highly trained in computer knowledge in order to understand the latest computerized financial systems and programs.

Numeracy Skills

Individuals interested in an accounting career must be able to express themselves effectively in quantitative terms. This means being able to understand and do money math, scheduling, budgeting, accounting, data analysis and numerical estimations. These tasks may need to be performed daily, weekly and monthly, making number skills absolutely essential for those seeking a career in accounting.

Math Skills

Math skills are a must in accounting as well. Individuals must be capable of reading and writing whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, equations, formulas, measurement conversions, areas, perimeters, volumes, statistics and probability. Individuals should be able to perform calculations in their heads, with pen and paper, with a calculator, with a computer and other devices including taxation tables and interest. Knowing how to properly use measurement instruments is essential as well; these include a watch, scale, tape measure or ruler, metric measurement system and the imperial measurement system.

Oral Communication Skills

Oral communication skills are an essential piece of a successful accounting career. Accountants will need to listen to voice mails, speak with suppliers regarding invoice amounts, interact with supervisors, communicate with customers regarding accounts and participate in staff meetings to communicate effectively with co-workers. These tasks will need to be performed in person, by telephone, fax or computer.

Critical Thinking Skills

Accounting careers require critical thinking skills to be able to find mistakes, verify claims, deal with shipping and receiving issues and correct errors promptly. Accountants should be good and efficient decision-makers as well. It also takes a great deal of organization to keep track of tasks, which typically include paying invoices on specific dates and creating month-end, quarterly and annual reports. A good memory is also essential, as accountants will be required to memorize general project and ledger codes, remember detailed procedures and understand various requests from suppliers, brokers and customers. Good research skills are also necessary to find information regarding customers, suppliers and financial accounts.

References

• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada: Essential Skills, Accounting and Related Clerks
• BNet: Interpersonal Skills: The New Essential in Accounting
• Careers in Accounting: Accounting: Skills and Talents