ACCOUNTING, MORE THAN TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY, SAYS PROFESSIONAL CAREER SERVICES

An industry that has significantly evolved the way it does business is the Accounting and Finance Industry. According to professional talent management expert, Professional Career Services, technology has impacted this industry, changing the role of the Accountant to more than a balancing-of-numbers person. Modern Accountants are equipped with skills that go beyond accounting; they have become critical business experts that are fundamental to the overall success and sustainability of an organisation.

Lesley Holm, Divisional Manager at Professional Career Services, says, “As technology continues to make traditional accounting procedures more efficient, Accountants are increasingly adopting a broader range of business responsibilities including business strategy, revenue maximisation, sales and profitability strategy, information technology, communication, workplace productivity and management as well as taking more control in line management responsibilities.”

The workplace is looking to Accountants to go beyond their traditional day-to-day responsibilities and are increasingly turned to for advice and strategy implementation on more than just cost containment and financial reporting. They are now consulted with nearly all major decision making that involves key business success factors.

Holm continues, “With this evolution comes a demand for professionals with broad-based business skills and industry knowledge. On top of this interpersonal and communication skills are becoming a key advantage as businesses rely more on inter-departmental co-operation that involves all business competencies strategically aligned to maximise output. In many instances the Accountant has to manage these processes with senior and middle management. The appointment of an Accounting Professional is, possibly, the single most important decision to ensure business sustainability.”

As part of the talent search process, recruiters have to look beyond qualifications. Key business skills, obtained from years of building a career, are increasingly becoming a core factor that places the spotlight on top talent. Individuals who have invested in their careers, developed critical business, communication and strategic skills, over and above their commitment to post graduate studies, will stand tall in what is becoming a highly competitive environment.

Professional Career Services suggest that talent seeking to establish themselves in this field look to the following skills to make them more marketable:

• Qualifications. It should go without saying, however, in an industry where basic skills are just not enough, a post graduate qualification will ensure a place on top of the talent pile. While a second qualification propels you up the CV pile, your first goal is to get the undergraduate degree to open doors. From there, further study and experience will provide sturdy steps up the corporate ladder.
• Experience. Experience will set you apart and only time can offer this significant advantage. Not all talent can take advantage of this passing resource and experience can only be obtained through years of taking knocks and learning from them. Putting experience into practice sets the foundation of a career. Key to this is flexibility and an ability to “think-out-the-box”.
• Technical Talent. With technology a key feature, being proficient in accounting software is only the beginning. Technical abilities and understanding software and systems and the knowledge to implement these in a business environment puts the focus firmly on your abilities.
• Strategic Abilities. Accountants are increasingly turned to for strategic advice. Industry knowledge and experience are key in being able to confidently solve problems and develop strategies. With the focus on operational efficiencies and profitability, the role of the Accountant in establishing economic boundaries while maximising workplace productivity has become critical.

The search for talent in the Accounting and Finance industry is on and recruiters are forced to up their game to avoid losing out to competitive firms. Holm advises that professional talent are weighing up options, seeking careers to match their personal and professional goals. This is leading business to adapt talent retention strategies to include family-friendly practices and skills development strategies to attract and retain top professionals.

Holm concludes, “The professional talent market is adapting to various factors, notably the demand for broad-based skills. Professionals with a combination of business skills, technical proficiency, experience and that seemingly elusive and unique “chemistry” with workplace staff on top of industry qualifications, will see opportunity knocking on doors in 2010.”

Professional Career Services can be contacted on (011) 789 3337