TOP SIX SKILLS OF ACCOUNTANT.
1. Organization
Accountants are important people. They manage a lot of responsibility, which means that they generally stay pretty busy.
To be a good accountant you need to have a system to keep track of those responsibilities – such as any portfolios you manage, the transactions you handle, and any important dates and deadlines you need to meet – to ensure that you ful fill all of your duties to the best of your ability.
You can make use of tools like calendars, alphabetized folders, day planners, colour-coded post-it notes and highlighters, and apps and programs designed to help you stay highly organized and in the short- and long-term.
Being well-organized is a great way to demonstrate to your coworkers and manager that you are reliable, competent and able to get the job done. Start honing your organizational skills now and by the time you begin applying for jobs, you’ll be able to discuss your organizational skills with confidence.
Tip: Not sure where to start? Try creating a study schedule for each of your classes, using a day planner for your daily to-do list and starting a filing system for your notes
2. Time management
Good time-management skills go hand-in-hand in with strong organizational capabilities.
A system for managing your workload is only effective if you also know how to budget your time. As an accountant, you’ll need to manage competing priorities and juggle myriad tasks – while completing everything on time.
The ability to work within deadlines and to continually re-prioritize your to-do list will take you far. Not only will it impress your boss, co-workers and clients, it will also help you to maintain a healthy work/life balance and keep your day-to-day productive.
Tip: Give yourself blocks of time to complete certain tasks. Got an exam coming up? Allocate four or five 2-3 hour windows to get your studying done, and make a list of what you want to accomplish during each study session.
3. Adaptability
The accounting industry is highly dynamic, so accountants who are able to adapt quickly and easily are at a distinct advantage.
In addition to being able to provide better services to their clients, adaptable individuals are more likely to learn and grow in their careers because they see each new challenge as an opportunity to learn and test their skills.
Embrace change – learn to make the most of every curveball that your work throws your way.
On a related note, it’s also great to be proactive. Although it takes a bit of extra effort to be informed about changes as they happen, it definitely pays off: it will keep you on the cutting edge of the industry, earn you the respect of your peers and ensure that others look to you when planning ahead.
Tip: Next time something unexpected happens, look for the opportunity in the situation. If you have to work with a difficult classmate at school, for example, focus on your his or her strengths and use the situation.
4. Communication
No matter where you work, what your job entails or who you work with, strong communication skills are incredibly valuable. Being able to communicate well in writing and in person will help you to get a job, work as a team with your colleagues, interact with clients and, with time, advance professionally.
Well-developed interpersonal skills will also be useful for networking. Whether you have to attend a corporate function or are simply welcoming a new coworker to the office, the ability to assert yourself when meeting new people in order to establish profitable relationships will serve you well. Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression.
Tip: To start with, work on your smile, your handshake and your posture. Then move onto practicing communicating clearly and tactfully with family and friends, and memorize a short list of questions to ask people about themselves when you first meet them.
5. Openness
Honesty and integrity are highly valued in the accounting world.
Accountants – and the firms they work for – pride themselves on adhering to the strictest ethical standards. It’s why the public, other businesses and the government know that they can trust accountants to always look out for their best interests.
Being transparent when making decisions and giving advice has the added benefit of improving your working relationships. It will make teamwork easier and will help you to foster an environment that is respectful and collaborative.
Many accountants work on larger teams, so the importance of being trusted can’t be overstated. Get into the habit of thinking about the consequences of your actions each time you have to make a big decision.
Tip: Ask yourself the following questions: What are my reasons for coming to this decision? Who will benefit from this? Who stands to lose? What is the short- and long-term impact of this choice? Be honest with yourself about your motives for making particular choices and see what you learn.
6. Leadership
Being a good leader means knowing how to mentor and teach, and making yourself approachable and available to the people you’re responsible for. You have to balance being a role model and the person in charge while still being part of the team. It also takes confidence, patience, and the ability to delegate – traits which don’t come easily to most people.
In accounting, leadership skills also include strategic thinking and long-term planning. Many accountants provide consulting services, which means that they offer advice and business solutions to help companies improve their operations, so the ability to look ahead is key.
The top players in accounting are generally known for being visionary – for making logical decisions that also involve a bit of creativity. To be a successful accountant, you need to be able to show your clients that you’re working to improve their present and future.
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