Essential Skills Lacking in New Accountants in 2023

Over my many years as a professional, I have had the privilege of witnessing the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. The demands and expectations placed on accountants have continuously changed over time, and while the technical knowledge of new accountants can be commendable, there are certain skills that are often lacking in the emerging generation of new hires. In this blog post, we will explore three critical areas where new accountants commonly struggle: formatting spreadsheets and documents, communication skills, and professionalism.

Formatting Spreadsheets and Documents:

In the world of accounting, the ability to present financial information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner is crucial. Unfortunately, many new accountants fall short in this area. Effective formatting skills enhance the readability and comprehensibility of financial data, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and analyze.

Proper formatting of spreadsheets involves techniques such as using consistent fonts and font sizes, applying cell borders, utilizing conditional formatting to highlight important information, and utilizing headings and subheadings to create a logical flow. Furthermore, adopting a standard layout and naming conventions for documents and files ensures consistency and improves efficiency when sharing or retrieving information.

While most of an accountant’s time is spent in Excel, the same attention to detail needs to exist in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint as well. Many accountants are relatively deficient with Word and PowerPoint compared to Excel since it isn’t used as often, but the subtle changes that an experienced user makes in these formats makes a huge difference for overall presentation.

Communication Skills:

The stereotype of accountants being introverted number-crunchers is slowly fading away. Today, accountants are expected to be effective communicators who can translate complex financial information into easily understandable terms for colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, many new accountants struggle to communicate their ideas and findings clearly and confidently. Many students are able to get through school by memorizing information and solving problems on paper without having to train their soft skills too much, which puts those students in a rough spot when starting a career in accounting.

Effective communication encompasses both written and verbal skills. Written communication involves crafting coherent and concise emails, memos, and reports that convey the necessary information without being overly technical or convoluted. Verbal communication entails the ability to articulate thoughts, actively listen, and engage in meaningful discussions or presentations. It is essential for accountants to communicate with empathy, ensuring that non-financial individuals can grasp the implications and significance of financial data.

Professionalism:

Professionalism encompasses various aspects of behavior and conduct in the workplace. Being professional goes beyond possessing technical expertise; it involves demonstrating a high level of integrity, accountability, and respect for others. Regrettably, some new accountants struggle with upholding these professional standards consistently.

Punctuality is a fundamental aspect of professionalism. Arriving on time for meetings, deadlines, and appointments shows respect for other people's time and contributes to a positive work environment. Additionally, maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions, both in person and online, fosters a sense of trust and reliability.

Another crucial aspect of professionalism is the ability to handle sensitive information with utmost discretion. Accountants often deal with confidential financial data, and it is essential to exercise discretion and ensure its proper protection, which is something that most students will gloss over in their required business ethics course. Adhering to ethical guidelines and confidentiality protocols is vital to building trust with clients and colleagues alike. I’ve personally seen new accountants make careless mistakes with confidential information that jeopardize their career growth at a firm because such mistakes are so damaging to client relationships.

Putting it all together

While technical expertise forms the foundation of an accountant's skill set, there are certain areas where many new accountants could benefit from improvement. By focusing on these critical skills—formatting spreadsheets and documents, communication skills, and professionalism—emerging accountants can enhance their overall effectiveness and become more valuable assets to their organizations.

To bridge the gap, aspiring accountants should seek opportunities to develop these skills through training programs, workshops, or mentorship initiatives. Embracing continuous learning and seeking feedback will help new accountants overcome their shortcomings and excel in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Ultimately, mastering these essential skills will not only benefit new accountants individually but will also contribute to the overall success and reputation of the accounting profession. By investing time and effort in developing these areas, emerging accountants can position themselves as competent and well-rounded professionals, ready to navigate the challenges of the accounting world in 2023!