The need for accountants is on the rise as invoices and inventory tracking become ever more complex due to insurance and tax regulations. Many graduates possess the basic skills for accounting but lack the real-world experience that can make a big difference in their jobs as internal auditors or accounting professionals. Many skill sets now in high demand come not from collegiate training but are developed through experience that you may have accumulated on the job, either as a paid employee or as an intern.
Accountants typically take on specialized roles after graduation. You may find yourself applying for a position as an internal auditor, a bookkeeper, or a tax specialist. These are all common accounting roles, and many smaller businesses may expect you to take on all these roles under an umbrella title such as accounting expert. According to Neil Amato, one of the biggest skills for accounting needed in today's world is the ability to act with integrity. As the person in charge of key numbers and calculations for a company, you have to ensure that the figures you evaluate are precise and say exactly what they need to say. Truthfulness and honesty are important in all accounting functions, particularly when the news is less than stellar.
Team-building or leadership skills are also exceptionally important in the accounting world. Few, if any, accounting professionals work alone. Even in small-business settings, the person responsible for the inventory or invoice and tax numbers must work with managers, salespeople, and other employees to gather and verify such information. In larger companies, tens or hundreds of professionals may be on standard accounting teams or make up accounting departments. Notable skills for accounting in this set include the ability to share and react to information provided by others and the ability to coordinate efforts under a tight schedule.
According to Alex Kecskes, companies almost always look for experienced candidates in this field. The constant changes in tax and inventory guidelines from businesses and governmental agencies mean that keeping their knowledge current is part of the necessary skills for accounting. New applicants may gain an advantage if they can show that they understand the latest and most important changes in tax law or tracking techniques. Experienced accounting professionals may also bolster their resumes by demonstrating their continuous education and knowledge of the latest developments in the field, including innovations in technology as well as changing guidelines.
No matter what accounting role you're filling in your current employment, these skills for accounting can help give you an advantage in a very competitive field. Integrity, teamwork, and continual education may seem like basic traits, but a lack of any one of them could diminish your chances of landing employment or projects that suit your professional goals. Developing these skills for accounting can give you an advantage in today's marketplace.
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