Aisha
What skills must you have to become an accountant ?
I'm a sophomore in high school. #accounting #accountant
5 answers
Kevin Durmont
Kevin’s Answer
My answer:
Accounting is a pretty accessible field. For the vast majority of accounting roles, you're going to need analytical skills, comfort with computers, basic facility with with numbers. It would be particularly valuable if you can exhibit clear communications and the ability to synthesize complex concepts into simple explanations for clients. It goes without saying that learning the rules of accounting is a core skill.
Basis for my opinion:
Several years spent in the finance industry. A number of friends who work in accounting fields.
Blake Flota, CPA
Blake’s Answer
Great question! I think the standard stereotype is that accountants are people who are good at math and lack social skills. In today's business environment, that actually couldn't be further from the truth! Accounting can be a fairly social field as you are working with clients and other people in your company on a daily basis. Accounting software is getting pretty complex, so it's always good to be comfortable using computers and other technology. The software does essentially all of our calculations for us so math isn't really required, but it is a more enjoyable field if you enjoy working with numbers and data.
It is important to note that the accounting field is very broad. Many people think of accounting as preparing individual tax returns, but that is actually just a fraction of the possible jobs in the accounting field. There is a career path for almost everything that you could think of. Accounting is a great way to be able to learn how companies and business operate, and an accounting degree can help you get several non-accounting jobs later on.
Sydney Farmer, CPA
Sydney’s Answer
Hi Aisha!
Great question. The accounting field is really broad so there are a lot of skills that can be applicable. Personally, some of the most important skills just have to do with a desire to solve problems or puzzles. As an auditor in public accounting, I focus on being able to solve puzzles that are presented to me and analyze data in different ways. You definitely shouldn't feel the need to have all of these skills (communication, data analysis, problem solving, working with numbers, using computers, etc.) down and be perfect at all of them at any point in your life. If you're really interested in data analysis, there are definitely accounting jobs that are related to that - the same goes for lots of other skills. Try to keep learning and developing these skills and really find what interests you.
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Blake H.
Blake’s Answer
Accounting definitely requires organizational skills as well as problem solving skills.
Thanks,
Blake