Some time back, employers explicitly focused on a job seeker’s educational background, hard skills, and professional experience when hiring. Today, however, employers are looking for more than academic qualifications; they are interested in hiring people who not only have the proper skill set but also showcase the personality traits associated with that specific industry. Such employees are more likely to fit into the company’s culture within a short time. Although no two companies are exactly alike, the must-have traits for accountants and finance professionals include:
Business Knowledge
The scope of accounting and finance is ever expanding. To inform key decisions, work with various departments in your organization and help to develop strategy, candidates need a deep business understanding. You have to look at the bigger picture and evaluate the impacts of your job on the company.
Leadership Capabilities
Employers look for candidates with strong leadership skills. Although you may not have applied for a managerial position, accountants and finance professionals usually step into senior roles when the time is right. Make your leadership skills known by including your experience in the resume. Your resume should portray you as an ambitious person who is ready to learn, embraces change and personal development.
During the interview divulge the details on your resume, generate new ideas and share insights in a way that shows you can motivate and mentor other employees at the organization.
Communication Skills
Accounting and finance professionals should be able to tell the story behind the numbers in layman’s language. This comes in handy when addressing clients or colleagues who are unfamiliar with accounting principles. Therefore, you must have a good command of both verbal and written communication. The way you answer open-ended questions from your interviewer will tell a lot about your communication skills. Being well informed about a company will help you give the answers they are looking for and drive the point home effortlessly.
Humble Confidence
There is more to humble confidence than a short, firm handshake. You must be confident of your capability to get the job done if you are hired. You can’t excel in finance without confidence. During your presentation, you should radiate with confidence while at the same time, making it clear that you will be ready to put the company ahead of yourself at all times.
Unwavering Professionalism
Regardless of the environment, accountants and finance professionals should always exude professionalism. You should be well dressed for the interview and remember to maintain a professional tone. Even if the interviewer switches to a rather casual tone, learn how to adapt to avoid creating an awkward situation, but remain professional.
The field of accounting and finance is highly competitive and you must set yourself apart from the crowd if you want to get the job. It’s not necessarily about being more gifted than everyone else but learning to look at the bigger picture. Only then will you get a job at your dream company. At employement agencies like Hire Authority, they take great pride in offering exceptional staffing services to accounting and finance professionals. Their aim is to help employers get the best employees by seeking committed individuals with a strong desire to succeed.
