Accounting and bookkeeping are pivotal functions in any organization. They measure and check the financial status of the organization and provide invaluable data for business decisions. As a result, these fields demand topnotch accuracy and excellent organizational skills. Better defining and understanding the skills and qualities of an accountant can ensure you hire the right fit.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS MAKE A GOOD ACCOUNTANT?
An accountant requires a wide variety of skills and characteristics in order to succeed. It is not just about job qualifications but also about soft skills. Here are some of the top accountant qualities.
1. A STRONG SENSE OF ETHICS
Ethics and integrity are valued characteristics in an accountant. They must know right from wrong and always display integrity in his or her accounting and bookkeeping activities.
2. CONSTANTLY LEARNING
While accountants need to have a strong grasp of the basics, they must also display interest in keeping up-to-date. With the introduction of new principles, laws and taxes, the field of accounting is ever changing. Accountants must ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the latest news and developments in their fields. Nowadays, technology is playing a greater role in the industry and accountants must be cognizant of these emerging trends. An accountant who does not keep learning will not remain an asset to an organization in the long run.
3. EMPHASIZING ACCURACY
It is essential for accountants to be accurate in their work. Misplacement of digits or even a comma might result in huge financial risks for an organization. As such, accountants must focus on the details and place a lot of emphasis on the accuracy of the work. Accountants must have developed the skill of double checking their work to the point where it is second nature to them.
4. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Accountants need to deal with a lot of paperwork, numbers and data on a daily basis. To remain on top of all these details and access the right information in an efficient manner, they must exhibit excellent organization skills.
5. SENSE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
A good quality of an accountant is to accept the result and any fallout of their work. Accountants must own up to their mistakes and ensure that they are not repeated. Mistakes can happen to even the most diligent person. Accountants should, however, be taking steps to prevent inaccuracies.
6. ABILITY TO WORK IN A TEAM
Accounting and bookkeeping requires a team effort. An accountant must be able to work with a team in delivering the work required. They must be comfortable meeting with clients directly and coordinating tasks with the rest of the team including senior stakeholders. Accountants must know how to work together to reach the organization’s goals.
7. KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD
Accountants are necessary in a diverse array of fields and industries. While the basic tasks remain the same, additional requirements and functions might be expected of the accountant in specific fields. As such, the accountant must have a thorough grasp of the industry and niche of the client’s business. Understanding the requirements, goals and the way the business is being run is vital to determining the right way to proceed with the accounting.
8. TRUSTWORTHINESS AND RELIABILITY
One of the most important qualities of a good accountant, trustworthiness, is a valued asset in this field. Accountants deal with the financial health and condition of an organization, a confidential topic. The accountant must have the integrity and reliability to ensure confidential data remains secure.
9. CREATIVITY
Often overlooked, creativity is one of the valued personal qualities of an accountant. These days, accountants need to be creative when crunching numbers. They must be capable of developing fresh ideas and strategies to solve complex and unique issues.
If you are looking for an outsourced accountant who has these qualities, contact NuVest to see how we can help.
