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What skill does an accountant need?
#accounting #accountant
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31 answers
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Sunny’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
There are a lot of skills that are beneficial to have as an accountant, but I think there are 3 main skills/abilities that I see from most accountants that I work with.
Pay attention to details - There are plenty of numerical data that you need to analyze, modify or scrutinize. Catching little discrepancies can be very challenging, but it can make a big difference in the output and is still part of an accountant's job. So it is an advantage if you can focus on details very well.
Teamwork - Unless you are a sole proprietor who runs a CPA firm by yourself, you get to work with other people. So it is good to have teamwork skills such as how to communicate with others and how to collaborate to finish the deliverables under tight schedules.
Stay up-to-date - Accounting rules change through time and it is significant to learn about the IRS news and new laws that might affect the client's tax liabilities. So if you like learning more about accounting policies and laws, you are closer to your objectives!
There are a lot of skills that are beneficial to have as an accountant, but I think there are 3 main skills/abilities that I see from most accountants that I work with.
Pay attention to details - There are plenty of numerical data that you need to analyze, modify or scrutinize. Catching little discrepancies can be very challenging, but it can make a big difference in the output and is still part of an accountant's job. So it is an advantage if you can focus on details very well.
Teamwork - Unless you are a sole proprietor who runs a CPA firm by yourself, you get to work with other people. So it is good to have teamwork skills such as how to communicate with others and how to collaborate to finish the deliverables under tight schedules.
Stay up-to-date - Accounting rules change through time and it is significant to learn about the IRS news and new laws that might affect the client's tax liabilities. So if you like learning more about accounting policies and laws, you are closer to your objectives!
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Accountants need to be organized, deadline-driven, and able to communicate effectively. They have to be able to multitask, and work long hours at times. They have to be able to build relationships with their clients or other people within their companies so they can get the information they need to do their jobs correctly. In addition, especially if an accountant wants to stay in public accounting and become a partner in a firm, they have to be able to identify needs that their clients have, and they have to be able to sell their services to their clients. Many accounting students underestimate how important selling skills are going to be in their accounting careers.
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Kristina’s Answer
Hello. I agree with many answers regarding the analytical, time management, and organizational skills. I also wanted to stress the importance of interpersonal skills, as some people tend not to associate those with accounting. In public accounting, for example, we spend a lot of time working together, communicating with clients, and collaborating across levels throughout the firm. Another point I want to highlight is the importance of being willing to continue to learn. The industry is constantly changing, and it is very important to be open to continuing the learning process throughout your career. This might include learning new rules, implementing new technologies, or building expertise. I believe that these skills along with an interest in accounting can lead to a very fulfilling career.
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Aaron’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
Accountants need many skills of which some may come as a surprise. Analytical skills, love of numbers, ability to articulate conclusions, organization, adaptability, flexibility, time management and communication skills. One of the biggest assets will be your ability to build relationships and share key messages that’s are clear and concise. Depending on where you work not everyone will be an accountant, so it’s important that you can articulate sometimes complex messages for all to understand.
Accounting will offer you a large array of career opportunities and with each role certain skills are more crucial than others. Find what you love to do and be open to developing all of your skills!
Accountants need many skills of which some may come as a surprise. Analytical skills, love of numbers, ability to articulate conclusions, organization, adaptability, flexibility, time management and communication skills. One of the biggest assets will be your ability to build relationships and share key messages that’s are clear and concise. Depending on where you work not everyone will be an accountant, so it’s important that you can articulate sometimes complex messages for all to understand.
Accounting will offer you a large array of career opportunities and with each role certain skills are more crucial than others. Find what you love to do and be open to developing all of your skills!
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Hello, to be a good accountant you need to have strong analytical, communication (both verbal and written) and personal skills. You also need to be very detailed oriented. Accountants do more than just add and subtract, we help run businesses.
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Lindsey’s Answer
Accountants need a combination of hard and soft skills, including analytical skills, computer skills and attention to detail. They also need good communication skills (both written and verbal), interpersonal skills, ability to work well with others, and lastly the ability to multitask and manage time.
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Alyssa’s Answer
Successful accountants need to have hard skills as well as emotional intelligence. You will find that being organized plays a crucial role in your success of meeting deadlines and staying on task. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are part of the day-to-day and something that you should practice as often as you can.
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Karma’s Answer
Great question! This question is generally asked in an interview when you will try to land a job in the accounting field. Some of the key skills that would be good to have in an accountant are attention to detail, organized, ability to follow directions well, good listening and communication skills, and a positive attitude.
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Paula’s Answer
There are several skills an accountant should have. The first of them is analytical skills. They should be good at math. They should be good at solving problems. They should be good at handling cash. These are just a few skills that an account uses. There are several different types of accountants. My suggestion is to check with the college you are looking at attending. They should have a list of skills that will help you determine if accounting is the right fit for you.
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Salma’s Answer
I believe to have good communication skills and high Emotional Intelligence,
I agree with many answers above mentioning an eye for details, analytical skills, time management and being organised.
mainly these are the key skills to accounting/ auditing.
I agree with many answers above mentioning an eye for details, analytical skills, time management and being organised.
mainly these are the key skills to accounting/ auditing.
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Susana’s Answer
You should be organized, analytical, detail oriented, be able to multitask.
By being an accountant, you also have the opportunity to work in other departments such as Financial Planning, Forecasting, Sales, Marketing, Project Management, Properties, Operations. Is a career that offers many opportunities to keep growing in any direction you want.
By being an accountant, you also have the opportunity to work in other departments such as Financial Planning, Forecasting, Sales, Marketing, Project Management, Properties, Operations. Is a career that offers many opportunities to keep growing in any direction you want.
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Keesa’s Answer
Organization skills and attention to detail are extremely important! Time management and problem solving skills are also needed.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Getting CPA license or at least pass all 4 exams after college should be your starting point.
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Michael’s Answer
Like every career, the most important skill to have is desire and the willingness to learn. Skills can be learned but desire must come from within. Once you have the desire, key skills to focus on would be the following:
1. Technical knowledge within the accounting profession - obtaining an accounting degree and perhaps a CPA certification (depending on your focus)
2. The ability to apply such knowledge to everyday application (nothing is ever as straightforward as textbook examples)
3. The ability to pay attention to detail
4. The ability to step back after the work is done and ask the question - does this make sense
5. Being organized with the ability to multi-task
6. Teamwork and communication skills
The above is but a few of skills that I believe would be necessary.
1. Technical knowledge within the accounting profession - obtaining an accounting degree and perhaps a CPA certification (depending on your focus)
2. The ability to apply such knowledge to everyday application (nothing is ever as straightforward as textbook examples)
3. The ability to pay attention to detail
4. The ability to step back after the work is done and ask the question - does this make sense
5. Being organized with the ability to multi-task
6. Teamwork and communication skills
The above is but a few of skills that I believe would be necessary.
Updated
Barbra’s Answer
- technical skills
- team work skills
- certificate (ACCA/CPA...)
- Excel skills
- team work skills
- certificate (ACCA/CPA...)
- Excel skills
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
In addition to the other comments, I would say that you would do well to start learning some of the rules of accounting from a textbook on your own. Accounting 1 and 2 are fairly straightforward to teach yourself. There will, of course, be some journal entry types that will be a smidge confusing. This might sound crazy, but the sooner you can get yourself in a position to start studying for your CPA exam, the better. It's probably the hardest part of qualifying to become an accountant professionally. If you can get your hands on study materials, it's better to start studying a little bit for it each week, something like 15 to 30 minutes. Your future self will thank you, but I suppose some cram studying is inevitable.
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Danny’s Answer
Accountants need a plethora of skills to succeed in their field. That does not mean that you are expected to have all of these skills when you first start. Having an open mind and persistence will allow you to succeed!
Many of the firms teach you much of what you will need on the job. They give you many opportunities to grow while you start client work.
Many of the firms teach you much of what you will need on the job. They give you many opportunities to grow while you start client work.
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Rachit (Richi)’s Answer
Would highly suggest taking beginner level accounting courses to develop your interest and see for yourself if you have those skills. The most important ones I can think of are:
- Analytical & Problem Solving Skills
- Teamwork and Organization Skills
- Time Management
- Digital Skills are becoming increasingly important too
- Analytical & Problem Solving Skills
- Teamwork and Organization Skills
- Time Management
- Digital Skills are becoming increasingly important too
Updated
Hammad’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
The skills an accountant needs are:
-ability to reflect on one's own work as well as the wider consequences of financial decisions
-business acumen and interest
-organisational skills and ability to manage deadlines
-team-working
-communication and interpersonal skills
-proficiency in IT I.e. Excel
-analytical ability
-a methodical approach and problem
-solving skills
-high level of numeracy
Hope this helps.
Hammad Saeed
The skills an accountant needs are:
-ability to reflect on one's own work as well as the wider consequences of financial decisions
-business acumen and interest
-organisational skills and ability to manage deadlines
-team-working
-communication and interpersonal skills
-proficiency in IT I.e. Excel
-analytical ability
-a methodical approach and problem
-solving skills
-high level of numeracy
Hope this helps.
Hammad Saeed
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Jessica! Some of the skills that an accountant should have are analytical skills, organizational skills, critical thinking and time management. They need to be able to work with large sets of financial data, identify errors and deliver results in time for their clients. Industry knowledge is also very important to ensure compliance with accounting standards. Some firm also prefer accountants to have professional qualifications such as the CPA.
To work towards your career goal to be an accountant, I would suggest majoring in business with a concentration in accounting in college. You would get a good exposure of both business related and accounting courses that can help you decide whether this is the right industry for you.
To work towards your career goal to be an accountant, I would suggest majoring in business with a concentration in accounting in college. You would get a good exposure of both business related and accounting courses that can help you decide whether this is the right industry for you.
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Jessica!
I have found that one of the most important qualities for accountants is to be organized. You will continuously learn things along your career that will help you on the technical side, but being organized is an important part of the building blocks.
I have found that one of the most important qualities for accountants is to be organized. You will continuously learn things along your career that will help you on the technical side, but being organized is an important part of the building blocks.
Updated
Hongyun (Heley)’s Answer
Curiosity and capability to learn.
Updated
naveen’s Answer
The primary task of accountants,is to prepare and examine financial records. They make sure that records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors perform overviews of the financial operations of a business in order to help it run efficiently.
Requirements
Bachelor of Science in accounting information system
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Requirements
Bachelor of Science in accounting information system
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Updated
Steve’s Answer
One needs to be good with numbers and enjoy deep-diving into the details. Suggest taking Accounting 1 and Accounting 2 along with related math coursework tied to Accounting field. Try to shadow an Accounts Payable, or Accounting Team Leader for a few days to get a lay of the landscape to determine which part of accounting you desire - A/P, A/R, Billing, Collections, or Management of any of these areas.
Enjoy the numbers.....
Enjoy the numbers.....
Updated
Mel’s Answer
Numbers... in order to work in the accounting field, one needs to be good with number: as others have posted - good analytical skills, attention to details as it is important to give accurate reports and organized.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3713
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jessica,
Essential Skills for Thriving Accountants
To shine in the accounting field, a professional must possess a wide-ranging set of skills. Here are the key abilities an accountant should master:
Analytical Prowess: Accountants must have robust analytical abilities to decipher intricate financial data, pinpoint trends, and tackle problems effectively.
Precision: Accuracy is paramount in accounting to ensure faultless financial records and reports. Accountants should be meticulous to prevent mistakes.
Mathematical Aptitude: Accountants deal with numbers, calculations, and financial data daily, making a strong grasp of mathematics indispensable.
Organizational Acumen: Accountants often juggle multiple tasks at once. Hence, excellent organizational skills are required to manage workloads efficiently and meet deadlines.
Communication Expertise: Accountants need to communicate effectively to liaise with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, and to simplify complex financial information.
Ethical Integrity: Accountants are expected to uphold high ethical standards and integrity when dealing with sensitive financial information, ensuring confidentiality.
Tech-Savviness: As accounting software and technology become more prevalent, accountants should be adept at using these tools for data analysis and financial reporting.
Problem-Solving Aptitude: Accountants face various challenges in their work, making strong problem-solving skills vital to address issues and devise effective solutions.
Time Management: Accountants need to manage their time efficiently to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and complete financial reports and projects promptly.
Continuous Learning: Accountants must continually learn to stay abreast of changes and developments in the ever-evolving accounting standards and regulations.
In summary, a successful accountant combines technical know-how, interpersonal skills, and ethical principles.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): A premier organization for certified public accountants offering guidance on accounting standards, ethics, and best practices.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): A trusted source for job-related data, including information on job outlook, salary trends, and necessary skills for accountants.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): An international association providing resources on management accounting practices, professional growth, and industry insights.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Essential Skills for Thriving Accountants
To shine in the accounting field, a professional must possess a wide-ranging set of skills. Here are the key abilities an accountant should master:
Analytical Prowess: Accountants must have robust analytical abilities to decipher intricate financial data, pinpoint trends, and tackle problems effectively.
Precision: Accuracy is paramount in accounting to ensure faultless financial records and reports. Accountants should be meticulous to prevent mistakes.
Mathematical Aptitude: Accountants deal with numbers, calculations, and financial data daily, making a strong grasp of mathematics indispensable.
Organizational Acumen: Accountants often juggle multiple tasks at once. Hence, excellent organizational skills are required to manage workloads efficiently and meet deadlines.
Communication Expertise: Accountants need to communicate effectively to liaise with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, and to simplify complex financial information.
Ethical Integrity: Accountants are expected to uphold high ethical standards and integrity when dealing with sensitive financial information, ensuring confidentiality.
Tech-Savviness: As accounting software and technology become more prevalent, accountants should be adept at using these tools for data analysis and financial reporting.
Problem-Solving Aptitude: Accountants face various challenges in their work, making strong problem-solving skills vital to address issues and devise effective solutions.
Time Management: Accountants need to manage their time efficiently to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and complete financial reports and projects promptly.
Continuous Learning: Accountants must continually learn to stay abreast of changes and developments in the ever-evolving accounting standards and regulations.
In summary, a successful accountant combines technical know-how, interpersonal skills, and ethical principles.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): A premier organization for certified public accountants offering guidance on accounting standards, ethics, and best practices.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): A trusted source for job-related data, including information on job outlook, salary trends, and necessary skills for accountants.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): An international association providing resources on management accounting practices, professional growth, and industry insights.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Stuart’s Answer
This is a great question and one that is helpful to evaluate constantly even when you're already an accountant. My top 3 skill recommendations/development points are: attention to detail, effective communication, and relationship building. Despite stereotypes, accountants speak with clients for a majority of their job and to be able to convey a sense of trust, competency, and confidence to those clients is very important and gives credibility to the profession.
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Catherine’s Answer
In general, an accountant needs to be detailed oriented and has good analytical skills. There are a lot of different opportunities for accountants which requires different skills such as:
a. Accountant in private firms - you need to be good in time management as you need to close the books on a monthly basis and be prepared for monthly, quarterly and annual reporting. Have a good understanding of the reporting requirements and prepare required reports with accurate figures and details.
b. External auditor in auditing firms - you need to be updated with the latest updates of financial reporting standards. Time management plays an important role as well as you will have tight deadlines for completion of audit procedures for the finalisation of financial statements. You need to have good communication skills in dealing with clients.
c. Internal auditor - you need to have good analytical skills to understand the root cause of a problem, in this way, you will be able to provide good recommendation for your clients with regard to process and control improvement. Time management and good communication skills are important as you need to comply with audit plan and deal with different departments subject to audit.
a. Accountant in private firms - you need to be good in time management as you need to close the books on a monthly basis and be prepared for monthly, quarterly and annual reporting. Have a good understanding of the reporting requirements and prepare required reports with accurate figures and details.
b. External auditor in auditing firms - you need to be updated with the latest updates of financial reporting standards. Time management plays an important role as well as you will have tight deadlines for completion of audit procedures for the finalisation of financial statements. You need to have good communication skills in dealing with clients.
c. Internal auditor - you need to have good analytical skills to understand the root cause of a problem, in this way, you will be able to provide good recommendation for your clients with regard to process and control improvement. Time management and good communication skills are important as you need to comply with audit plan and deal with different departments subject to audit.
Updated
MacKenzie’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
For any job/career, you will always need a variety of skills. The great thing about having a range of skills is that they can be transferable into different careers. For example, an accountant needs to be organized, be a critical thinker, time management, strong written, and oral communication. More specific skills that are related to the job are things such as data analysis and software proficiency that you will most likely learn in coursework and potential internships.
I would recommend looking at the degree plan for accounting at the university you are interested in attending; that way, you can get an idea of what skills you will be learning in the classroom that will help you transition into a career in a accounting.
I hope that helps!
For any job/career, you will always need a variety of skills. The great thing about having a range of skills is that they can be transferable into different careers. For example, an accountant needs to be organized, be a critical thinker, time management, strong written, and oral communication. More specific skills that are related to the job are things such as data analysis and software proficiency that you will most likely learn in coursework and potential internships.
I would recommend looking at the degree plan for accounting at the university you are interested in attending; that way, you can get an idea of what skills you will be learning in the classroom that will help you transition into a career in a accounting.
I hope that helps!
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
I am a tax and accounting professional and I work with a lot of people who are accountants, actuaries, and finance professionals. I think, as many would tell you, that a whole set of different skills is needed in order to be a good accountant, but some of the main skills are:
- Ability to stay organized: when you work on different projects, you have to organize information, make lists of questions and to-do items
- Time management: in accounting, we follow deadlines a lot; for example, you have to file a tax return by the 15th of the month; it is crucial to keep track of those deadlines so you do things on time;
- Attention to detail: you have to be careful and catch mistakes that you make and that others make;
- Team work: for any profession, you would have to work well in a team, collaborate with others, be helpful and willing to teach others.
I hope you will have these skills in mind when you embark on any career and I hope accounting is of interest to you.
I am a tax and accounting professional and I work with a lot of people who are accountants, actuaries, and finance professionals. I think, as many would tell you, that a whole set of different skills is needed in order to be a good accountant, but some of the main skills are:
- Ability to stay organized: when you work on different projects, you have to organize information, make lists of questions and to-do items
- Time management: in accounting, we follow deadlines a lot; for example, you have to file a tax return by the 15th of the month; it is crucial to keep track of those deadlines so you do things on time;
- Attention to detail: you have to be careful and catch mistakes that you make and that others make;
- Team work: for any profession, you would have to work well in a team, collaborate with others, be helpful and willing to teach others.
I hope you will have these skills in mind when you embark on any career and I hope accounting is of interest to you.
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hey Jessica, good question. In terms of primary skills for an accountant in an independent role, I would echo one of the above posters in saying that organization is key. From a public accounting perspective (as that is my background), setting up your day for success is key. I found it helpful to set calendar reminders for things that I have to do across the week, almost like the planners they used to hand out in school. Next would be technical competence which will come with time on a job and asking questions when you are unsure. Lastly, I would say that communication will be more important than you think in the accounting role. The numbers/situations that you analyze or process won't be in a void. These will be sent up the chain and it will be key to do it in a clear manner! I hope that helps.