Are you on your way to a career in accounting but not sure what all the required skills are?
Or, maybe you’ve outlined a few of the logistics of the job but you’re still unsure that it will be a good fit in combination with your qualifications.
A good accountant is only as good as his or her overall skillsets. It takes more than just crunching numbers to be a reliable and trustworthy accountant. Perhaps you value honesty and integrity. Maybe you’re a born leader. As such, basic accounting skills are still required if you want to be successful.
Here, we’re breaking down the top four skills that every accountant should have under their belt before tackling the books. Keep reading to learn more.
Communication
One skill that will never go out of style, no matter what career path you choose is communication.
Communicating well in person and in writing is an essential task of the successful accountant. You will be required to file reports and go over them with managers and in some cases, staff. Making sure that you can communicate what you’re trying to say clearly is an important function of basic accounting.
You also want to be able to understand others’ requests and directions. Not to mention what may be reported to you for financial purposes.
Adaptability
You’re going to run across problems in your daily work schedule, from reconciling reports to research and problem-solving. Make sure you’re ready for whatever could be thrown at you including rearranging your schedule to make room for fixing issues.
Accounting is a dynamic field and accountants who are able to adapt quickly are at an easy advantage over those who may not move so fast.
Organization
There are a lot of papers, calculators and other items roaming around your desk all day. It’s important to have a system in place that keeps track of everything.
If you’re not organized, you’re not working efficiently and it could cause you to make costly mistakes. Come up with color coding functions or use organizing apps to help keep your desk and office neatly organized.
Time Management
Just as you need to stay organized, you also need to manage your time well. This comes in handy for balance reconciliations and journal entries because if your time management is under control, these tasks won’t seem so heavy.
Take a moment each morning to outline your day and make room, and in some cases extra room, for duties that you have on your plate. Make sure that if there is something that should take priority, it gets done first or early in the day to alleviate malfunctions in your routine later.
Excell in Your Career With These Basic Accounting Skills
Now that you know what you’re up against in the world of accounting, you can get out there and start, well, accounting!
The job opportunities are practically endless when you have your certifications in place. Basic accounting requires these four crucial skills and a specific knowledge of numbers. Put your math skills to use and don’t forget the basics discussed here.
When you’re ready to find the perfect accounting job, submit your resume and we will help you get started.
