Finding a good accountant can be a difficult task. Across the industry, skilled accountants are in incredibly high demand.
Acquiring these sought-after accounting skills could help you land a job sooner. However, it takes significant time, effort and openness to change.
How to Elevate Your Accounting Skills
Here are some tips accountants can follow to help them elevate their skills toward a long, successful career.
1. Embrace Technology
Software is an unavoidable aspect of accounting. Unlike in previous generations, being technically savvy is a highly sought-after skill. Therefore, if you’re looking to elevate your accounting skills, it’s essential that you become familiar with – and even an expert in – the most current accounting-specific software.
These may include Hyperion or Xero and additional software used by professionals in other sectors and industries.
As we enter the cloud-based world, accounting professionals proficient in data-based applications and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programs are becoming increasingly desirable.
Whether you’re a new accountant or have some years of experience, learning to embrace technology rather than fear it will ensure long-term success. Increased automation and Technology means accountants have more time to focus on business insights, allowing them to add more value to their work.
Being curious about the latest advancements in industry technology is vital for ambitious accountants looking to grow. Consider what is emerging, how it impacts productivity, and what that could mean for future collaboration.
At our finance and accounting recruiting firms in Ontario, our team of experts understand the requirements of each accounting role, the experience essential to carrying out the responsibilities at a high standard, and the skills needed to perform various clerical and analytical work.
2. Master Data Analysis
While understanding how to operate the data management systems you encounter as an accountant is important, there’s more to it. In addition to running these types of programs, accountants must also be able to read and interpret the information as it appears.
This particular skill is especially crucial for those in mid-to-senior level positions as strategic analysis typically becomes a significant aspect of their role. Any accountant looking to advance should consider learning how to tell the story that data presents.
In other words, accountants require extensive critical thinking skills to fulfill their job duties. Looking at a spreadsheet of numbers isn’t enough – what are the numbers saying? The ability to think creatively and draw solutions from data could distinguish you from other candidates in the talent pool.
Applying long-term planning and analysis can help identify gaps, draw conclusions for future investments and even spark unique approaches to new solutions. Always remember the power of solid business recommendations.
As part of the services offered by our finance and accounting recruiting firms in Ontario, we cater to the needs of all candidates in different stages of their careers and all employers in search of being connected to outstanding professionals.
3. Learn to Communicate
With automation taking over the more repetitive tasks, there has never been a more critical time for accountants to master skills that an algorithm cannot easily replicate.
This often means relaying information – accurately and efficiently – to clients without any unnecessary jargon or confusion. Accountants also need to display advanced written and verbal communication and customer service skills. The industry has changed; clients typically expect a more well-rounded experience than an in-and-out service.
Regardless of how long you’ve been an accountant, having the ability to communicate is essential to every role. These types of professional development skills are highly sought-after across many industries.
That said, you should be able to communicate, listen to, and understand a client’s or organization’s specific needs.
AHK Recruiters strives to deliver clients excellent recruitment opportunities in the accounting field by thoroughly searching for qualified accounting professionals at our different finance and accounting recruiting firms in Ontario.
4. Be Flexible and Adapt
Even in the digital age, predicting the future remains impossible – unfortunately. As an accountant, you must be open to change and quickly adapt to new situations or environments. Refusing to adjust could result in your existing accounting skills becoming obsolete down the line.
Now, precisely what does it mean to adapt? Having a plan for when and how to upgrade your skills will make responding to new situations easier.
In addition, staying up-to-date on the latest industry news, Technology, and software gives you an advantage over other professionals.
When approaching any change as an accountant, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Identify the new situation or problem: Again, this is where your critical thinking skills will come into play.
Whenever you encounter an issue, others often follow as a result. You should be able to adapt your current skill set and anticipate any additional solutions clients may require. - Identify the necessary skills: Sometimes, you may already possess the skills to address particular problems. However, it’s crucial to quickly recognize what skills you are missing whenever you encounter a new situation and then adapt accordingly.
- Find ways to upgrade your skills: Depending on the skill, it can be easy to acquire the necessary upgrades to your portfolio.
However, some situations require additional online courses, in-person classes or workshops. If the educational tools aren’t readily available, take it upon yourself to contact your network.
When you attend a consultation at one of our finance and accounting recruitment firms in Ontario, our team of experts will offer recruitment solutions and guide you through all the necessary steps toward helping you obtain your goals.
5. Find Experience in Your Niche
Although an accountant can provide services to various businesses and industries, many employers may seek professionals from their specific sector. This decision ensures the candidate possesses the required skill set and a pre-existing understanding of how their business should operate.
When looking to evolve your accounting skills – or grow within the industry – be strategic with where you apply yourself. If there’s a sector that you specialize in or have previously worked in, then consider focusing your efforts there.
Your experience can help you stand out from other professionals while allowing you to combine multiple skill sets into one role.
How to Hire an Accounting Recruitment Expert
Employers see value in sector-specific experience. Our talented and skilled team has extensive working experience in accounting, widely spread out into various industries.
To book a consultation at one of our finance and accounting recruitment firms in Ontario, call AHK Accounting Recruiters at 833-399-1663 or email us at info@ahkaccountingrecruiters.com.