AICPA

Wanted: Accountants Who Can See Far Beyond the Numbers

Companies today have some new ideas about what makes an ideal accountant. To get a hint, just check the job listings.

By Robert Half International

As you prepare to embark on your career, you'll find that many companies today are looking to hire accounting professionals with some very particular qualities. When creating job descriptions, besides providing a list of desired technical skills, many employers are describing additional attributes required in today's workplace. You'll likely encounter listings that include characteristics such as: "must be a self-starter, but also, team-oriented"; "needs to be able to create synergy within a group"; or "should have 'can do' work ethic." Why are businesses paying more attention to these traits, and what do they really mean?

Requirements such as these clearly underscore the high expectations many employers have for their staff. They also reflect the complexity and fast-paced nature of the accounting field. Accountants are no longer looked at as bookkeepers or tax consultants only; instead, they are given increasingly high-level responsibilities, such as assessing risk, advising on major technology investments and making presentations to executive-level committees.

For those just starting their accounting careers, the expectations some businesses include in their job descriptions may be a bit surprising and also, perhaps, difficult to interpret. Knowing what an employer means when they ask for something like "strong interpersonal skills" - and why they want and need those qualities in an accountant - will help you feel more confident when applying for or entering a new position. Following are examples of qualifications you may see in job ads for entry-level and junior positions:

"Capable of adapting to changing priorities and meeting multiple deadlines"

When you start working as an accountant, your employer more than likely will expect you to be a pro at multitasking. You're going to have a full plate not just because there's plenty of work to be done, but because there are so few accountants to do it. Business expansion, the strengthening economy and corporate governance initiatives have companies scrambling to hire accountants.

In the not-too-distant future, the ability to balance multiple priorities will become even more indispensable. Changing demographics - in particular, the anticipated retirement of millions of baby boomers in the coming years - means many companies eventually will face a shortage of highly skilled talent. This won't happen overnight because many people are deciding to work later than the traditional retirement age, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in the year 2010 there will be 10 million more open positions than available workers. As you mature in your career, this situation is not likely to change. In fact, the Employment Policy Foundation projects the gap between open positions and available workers will grow to 35 million by 2030.

As an accounting professional entering the workforce today, you will be expected to step up and handle much more than what may have been asked of someone in the same position previously (hence, the "multiple deadlines" warning). And you will be expected by your employer to change gears at any moment and jump in on a project that requires your accounting expertise (the "changing priorities" part).

"Team player who creates synergy within the group and can work under pressure"

The ability to handle pressure is certainly a reasonable expectation, and being a team player is self-explanatory. But what do hiring managers mean when they say they need someone "who creates synergy"? Today's workforce has become multigenerational as well as highly diverse. And because of globalization, it's not unusual for people from very different cultural backgrounds to interact on a regular, if not daily, basis. Employers want accounting professionals who can work with anyone - and more importantly, people who can inspire others to work harmoniously as a cohesive and productive unit.

"Problem-solver willing to make recommendations"

Young accounting professionals are being asked to provide advice that can be vital to the day-to-day operations and long-term growth of their companies. Firms want people who think - cliché as it may sound - "outside the box" and aren't afraid to suggest different ways of doing things that may be more efficient and cost-effective. A need for a junior accountant who will demonstrate initiative and anticipate needs may sound like a tall order for those just getting their feet wet, but that's the nature of accounting today. So, don't be surprised - or feel intimidated - if you are asked for your insight, advice and analysis on various matters.

"Excellent communication skills"

This may seem like a simple expectation, but the need for enhanced communication abilities has grown in recent years. Seventy-five percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled in a recent survey from Robert Half International said that verbal, written and interpersonal skills are more valuable now for accounting and finance professionals than five years ago.

It's not surprising that employers want accountants who can communicate effectively and professionally through e-mails, business letters, reports and other documentation. But companies also want practitioners who can explain financial data and concepts to senior management and nonfinancial audiences and interact with many different groups within or outside the company. Employers seek savvy business professionals who are adept at making presentations and participating constructively in conference calls, in-person meetings and videoconferences.

"Upbeat and motivated and possessing a good sense of humor"

First of all, let's get serious: Work is not always fun. Accountants certainly know this to be true - especially when tax season rolls around. Organizations strive to create an environment that is pleasurable for their teams - a place people enjoy coming to every day. But when it gets down to it, what really makes a corporate culture function is the way in which employees interact with one another and handle stress.

So, when employers say they want to hire an accountant who is an "upbeat" person and has "a good sense of humor," by no means are they expecting you to be the office clown or excessively cheerful. They seek professional accountants who have positive outlooks on life and healthy attitudes toward work - and who are tactful and diplomatic to those with whom they come in contact. They also want accountants who can handle stressful periods with poise and class - and maybe even a smile.

While strong functional skills may be able to help new accountants land a job, professionals won't get very far without flexibility, strategic thinking and the ability to interact smoothly with others in the workplace. So when you're checking those employment ads, keep on top of the mind the desire of businesses for accountants who are adaptable and can thrive in a constantly changing business world.

Source: Robert Half International