CAREER PREPARATION
SOFT SKILLS
A Critical Accounting Tool
T By Neil Fauerbach, MBA
he study of accounting delves into many important concepts, rules and laws that must be mastered to succeed in the field. These concepts and formats standardize the practice and allow efficient communication between accountant and client or accountant and employer. These are the technical aspects of working in accounting.
When you enter the workforce, whether as an intern or staff accountant, you will discover that accountants are very visible within their organizations. You will certainly work on audit or tax teams during the “busy season.” But you will also find yourself working on teams across departments on projects from business development to quality improvement to marketing initiatives to strategic planning. You may also be working with clients and vendors.
Soft skills These activities require you to master skills beyond the technical. They require mastering “soft” skills: listening so you understand and communicating so you are understood. Your ability to communicate effectively will contribute to your success as an accountant. 30
CPA2b Spring 2022 | wicpa.org
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Your ability to communicate effectively will contribute to your success as an accountant.”
Listen up! The Center for Creative Leadership defines a thoughtful process for active listening as listening to understand, not just to answer. • Grant attention — Show you are genuinely interested in the discussion; focus on the moment. • Withhold judgment — Be open-minded to new or different ideas. • Reflect with the person — Paraphrase what you heard to confirm your understanding. • Dig into the topic — Seek clarification, use open-ended questions to gather more information and summarize key ideas and themes. • Share — Once you understand the issues, introduce your ideas and suggestions; discuss potential solutions.
