Six Qualities Accountants Must Have to be Successful

successful female accountant smiling while sitting at a table with other accountants
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Written by AP Community

Different qualities suit different professions. So, if you want to become a successful accountant, it’s essential to know whether you have the right traits for the profession. Keep reading as we share some tips every new accountant must know.

First Things First

If you’re considering a career as an accountant, you need to familiarize yourself with the various types of accounting professions out there. For instance, you could become a cost accountant, an investment accountant, a management accountant, a forensic accountant, or a Certified Public Accountant. We can stress enough how much you should familiarize yourself with all the different types of jobs out there. But before you start crafting your resume, it is important that you get familiar with how to make one properly for the position you desire. There are plenty of resume templates available online. If you can find accounting resume examples, or even business resume templates online, they will be of great help to push you in the right direction.

Keep in mind, the higher the level of accountancy you choose to pursue, the more exams you will need to take. For example, to become a Certified Public Accountant, you need to sit the rigorous CPA examination. And before you can take that test, you must be eligible. Each state in the US has different education requirements to qualify for taking the exam, but most states require a bachelor’s degree.

Gaining a qualification is not the only thing that makes a successful accountant, though. If you don’t have the right qualities for the job, you won’t last long. Some specific accountancy professions require more particular traits. The following list of qualities applies to all accountants who wish to be successful.

1. Exceptional Attention to Detail

The quality of having exceptional attention to detail should be an obvious one. No matter what sector of accountancy you work in, you will need to ensure the numbers add up, and that you don’t miss a thing. You must have due diligence for accuracy and a keen eye for detail every minute of every day.

2. Excellent Organization Skills

As an accountant, your daily life will be filled up with data, figures, and paperwork. So, having strong organizational skills is a must. By organizing your workload and documentation, you will maximize productivity and have the time for things like research and analysis.

3. Complete Trustworthiness

Every day, you will be handling sensitive and confidential information. It is, therefore, essential you are entirely reliable and trustworthy. A great accountant never imparts any knowledge to a third party. Also, being ethical allows you to secure a reputation for trustworthiness, which can help you to climb the career ladder.

4. Dedication

Successful accountants are those who are completely dedicated to their work and their clients. That means you must keep up-to-date with all the latest rules, laws, qualifications, and training. The finance industry is also continually adapting to innovations and new technology, so you must keep abreast of those changes.

5. Fantastic Communication Skills

Whether you are communicating with clients, management, or colleagues on a daily basis, you must communicate effectively. That can involve conveying information in an easily digestible way. For example, you may have to disclose key financial insights to staff members who are not versed in financial terms. No matter who you are talking to, you need to ensure information is understood correctly. Excellent communication skills are also crucial for building successful relationships with clients.

6. Empathy

If you want to become a truly great and successful accountant, you need to be empathic towards your clients. An accountant of caliber builds excellent relationships with clients, which means you need to look at things from their perspectives. Whether your client’s business is struggling or booming, you need to understand the client’s challenges. By understanding clients better, you can understand their businesses better. And by understanding their businesses better, you can provide practical solutions to their problems. Don’t underestimate how much empathy can help you to build long-term relationships with clients.

For more great accounting advice, check out the other blogs on The Accounting Path.

About the author

AP Community

AP Community

Accounting Path community writers are passionate financial & businesses thought leaders eager to share their experience & ideas. Please note, community articles may contain links to products or services which we do not formally endorse and/or for which we may receive compensation.