There’s a common misconception that all accountants spend their workdays staring at, and forecasting, numbers. In reality, accountants usually work in teams to analyse a report and interpret it, and then present their findings to stakeholders and decision-makers.
As such, it can be argued that numbers and profit margins aren’t the actual core of the accountancy profession, although they play a large part. Instead, communication and interpersonal skills – the ability to transfer information verbally and through the written word, clearly and jargon-free – is.
The very function of communication is to make sure that all involved parties (in a company or even externally) are on the same page, and can coordinate effectively to maintain profit margins. On the accounting department level, clear communication means less stress and conflict, and higher productivity.
Thus, in accountancy, communication and interpersonal skills are especially crucial, as miscommunications and misfires may lead to poor coordination at best, and lost revenue stemming from distorted information at worst.
Employers are well aware of this, and actively show a preference for graduates with good communication and interpersonal skills as a result. But with so many employers out there to choose from, how do you know which communication and interpersonal skills you should pick up and develop? Furthermore, how can you prove your skills to recruiters? Read on to find out.
A combination
Communication and interpersonal skills are really more of a combination of skills rather than just one. And as various graduate employers have different areas of focus, they usually stress different aspects of this broad term and look out for specific nuances in assessment centres.
For instance, PwC emphasises relationship-building and looks out for a candidate’s ability to network with colleagues, clients and others. KPMG, on the other hand, prefers applicants who are able to get their point across to clients and colleagues both purposefully and clearly.
Communicating effectively
Good communication and interpersonal skills means the ability to get your message across to others in the most concise, and clearest, way possible. In accountancy, this usually means explaining financial pitfalls and forecasts to stakeholders and decision-makers with as little jargon and abbreviations as possible.
This is typically because stakeholders and decision-makers aren’t as well-versed in accounting language as accountants are. Communicating effectively with them normally includes presenting financial findings with visuals to get your point across, a warm tone of voice and even the occasional sliver of humour to keep your audience engaged.
Developing your skills
You can seek courses on communication specially geared towards freshly-minted accountants. Alternatively, there is on-the-job learning. To fully make use of this option, ask fellow colleagues for feedbacks on how articulated you are and your tone of voice. Make it a point to also ask how you can best improve, and make sure to implement any positive changes.
When looking to refine your interpersonal skills, keep your body language in mind. A simple way to start training your body language is to not stand still when presenting. Instead, move about in a professional manner and infuse some of your personality into your speech.
Demonstrating your skills
Because communication and interpersonal skills are some of the most vital things prospective employers keep an eye out for, recruiters take the time to comb look through your resume and cover letter. They want to ensure both are written well and concisely to assess your writing skills, so make sure both are proofread!
During the interview itself, your interviewers will be looking to evaluate your verbal communication and interpersonal skills. So keep your thoughts as articulated as possible and communicate them clearly, efficiently and specifically to your interviewers.
Listen carefully to the questions asked and, if needed, take the time to ponder your answer before giving it. This is where your skills in face-to-face communication will be evaluated, whether in-person or over a live video, so give honest answers, keep from rambling and ask questions of your own about the company or the position you’re looking at!
Use your communication and interpersonal skills to prove to your interviewers that you know what accountancy is all about, and that you have what it takes to pursue a career in accountancy! Take note that interviewers won’t be expecting you, as a fresh graduate straight out of university, to have in-depth knowledge. But if you show your understanding of the company and accounting concepts alike, it’ll impress them!
