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Employability in Accounting: What Firms Want

3rd Apr 2018
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Qualifications in the accountancy job market are utterly essential. Acquisition of minimum standard certification is non-negotiable, and any aspiring accountant is required to be at least AAT qualified. Yet, those who have gained such qualifications will be aware this is not a free pass into the sector.

As with any industry, education can only get you so far. Finding a placement amongst accountancy firms is a competitive market, which means candidates must find ways of raising themselves above their peers if they hope to land a job.

I’ve been running a chartered accountants firm for over a decade, hiring staff at every level. I’m also connected to other Directors of companies in the industry and know how they select their candidates. This article looks at what most accountancy firms will search for in their prospects. This is what you should be aiming to demonstrate during the hiring process:

Adaptive Computer Skills

Accountancy firms will work across a wide range of software. Not only will they have numerous programs internally, but it is often the case that they are forced to work with whatever systems their clients use as well — at least in part.

Being able to use one system to execute perfect accounting practices is next to useless for a busy firm. They need employees that can adapt and react to using a diverse range of accounting systems.

One surefire way to demonstrate you can be that employee is to familiarise yourself with as many software systems as possible. The aim is not to be able to say that you’ve already got skills in the programs they are using, because it is highly unlikely that you will (plenty of firms will use unique software or at least adaptations).

Instead, the idea is to show that you can adapt and familiarise.

If you can convey your ability to use multiple accounting programs effectively, then your potential employer has reason enough to believe you are capable of learning, and could also adapt to their systems.

The Right Attitude

Every employer is looking for an employee with a good attitude. That’s not a surprise. But what exactly that ‘good’ attitude is varies from job to job. A firm hiring a stockbroker might be looking for a risk-taker, not the same thing you want in an aircraft engineer.

So, what are accountancy firms looking for?

Above all, they are looking for people with a head for responsibility. Making mistakes is all part of life and in accounting is no different.

Occasionally, errors will occur. It is all about how you handle mistakes which defines whether or not you have the right attitude for accounting. Employers are looking for those who are conscious of their decisions and capable of accepting repercussions and culpability.

In the business of money, people are keenly aware of what is going on.

This means if you make a mistake, you either own it or you cover your tracks. If you were to be caught scapegoating, masking mistakes or deceiving a client in any other way, the ramifications would be severe. Even if there was no legal implication, the importance of financial management is far too serious for a simple slap on the wrist.

That is business lost. Bridges burned. A black mark against the firm.

Accountancy practices that work above the line will do anything they can to avoid such scenarios and retain a clear and untarnished reputation, which means only hiring individuals who are capable of operating with extreme levels of transparency and professionalism.  

An Immediate Capability

An accountancy role will always come with some required training. Different firms will use different software, processes, administration methods and ways of communicating both internally and externally. You’ll likely receive mentorship to aid with this if hired.

You are expected, however, to be proficient in the exact job you are hired to do. Accountancy in its most basic form is a universal practice, and applicants are understood to know how it works, given their qualifications.

Accountancy firms have no desire to supply further training to recruits that should know exactly what they are doing. This means they don’t just want people who have studied the accounting profession, but remember what they were taught.

How can you convey this in an interview?

Experience with volunteer accountancy roles for local communities or charities, or work placements and internships, are obviously your best bet. However, failing that, asking probing questions about how specific processes are executed under company policy can help give insight into your practical skills.

Leadership Qualities

You are being entrusted with the financial health of people and businesses. As such, you must be able to demonstrate that trust is not misplaced.

How do you convince an employer and a client that you are capable of taking care of their money? You can:

  • Make decisions
  • Manage problems
  • Use initiative
  • Communicate with authority
  • Take responsibility
  • Use the resources at your disposal

These are all the marks of a good leader.

Confidence must be inspired. Nobody wants an accountant who is unsure of themselves or their abilities. But how do you inspire an employer? Experience is key to demonstrable leadership.

Graduates, in particular, will be tempted to cite group projects during studies, and while these have value, more desirable experience such as volunteer or community work, or management roles in different industries, will increase your chances of landing the job.

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