From number-crunchers to business partners

From number-crunchers to business partners

The IFA’s Jonathan Barber (pictured) explains the importance of honing your soft skills superpowers.

There was a time when being a good accountant meant mastering double entry bookkeeping, ticking boxes in audit files and producing precise sets of financial statements only. But in 2025 that version of the profession has long been seen as the bare minimum. The world of accountancy is evolving – and today’s PQs need more than just the technical knowledge in order to thrive.

Businesses rely on accounting professionals to be strategic advisers, helping shape decisions at the highest level. Whether it’s assessing the viability of a new market, building sustainability into the supply chain or advising on cost efficiencies during economic uncertainty – accountants are now justifiably part of bigpicture C-suite conversations.

However, reaching this level and thriving requires the right blend of technical grounding and ‘soft’ skills, including:

• Communication: can you explain complex financial data in a way a non-finance director understands? Can you make the data tell a story that can inform decisions?

• Emotional intelligence: can you work with people from different departments, engage stakeholders at all levels, manage conflict when necessary and build trust?

• Adaptability: are you ready to pivot when the business needs change, or when AI takes over repetitive tasks?

• Problem-solving: can you look beyond the spreadsheet to spot opportunities or risks?

• Curiosity: will you take control of your own personal development and continue to hone ‘soft’ skills alongside your technical ones?

Don’t be fooled by the name – these so-called ‘soft’ skills can be the difference between an accountant being seen as a cost or a key asset to a business.

Automation and AI are already handling invoice processing, data reconciliation, and basic reporting. However, employers are hunting for accountants who can step into cross-functional teams, influence decision-making and contribute to strategy. It’s no longer about just preparing the numbers – it’s about what the numbers mean and what to do with that knowledge.

CPD: your secret weapon

Developing your soft skills isn’t just something you do once. If you’re studying for your IFA Direct assessments or ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW exams, you’re already laying the technical foundation. But here’s how to take your employability to the next level:

1. Get curious: read business news, understand industry trends, join a professional membership organisation and network with peers. Ask why things happen, not just how.

2. Practice public speaking: present in class, join discussion groups or even try explaining technical topics to friends and family.

3. Seek feedback: ask colleagues, tutors or industry peers where you can improve your communication and collaboration.

4. Upskill: consider short courses in data analysis, presentation skills or leadership – many are free online.

5. Get experience: even part-time jobs or volunteering not related to accounting can teach you teamwork, communication and initiative.

The accountant of the future is a storyteller, a problem-solver, a trusted adviser and a numbers expert. So, as you power through your professional qualifications, remember to power up these additional employability skills, too. Because when AI and automation come for your spreadsheets it will be your human skills and knowledge that keep you being an asset in any room.

• Jonathan Barber, Group Executive, UK, the Institute of Financial Accountants