Luhova Olha, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Senior lecturer of the Department of Accounting and Taxation, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4432-0295
e-mail: lugova@mnau.edu.ua

Soft Skills of a Modern Successful Accountant

Abstract. Introduction. Professional accountants of today have careers that use a wide variety of skills applicable to highly specialized roles. International Accounting Education Standards prescribe the technical competencies and skills accounting professionals need to develop. But there is another category of skills no less important for a financial specialist   soft skills. Numerous foreign publications consider the accountant’s professional skills in tandem with their soft skills.

Purpose. The research aims to analyse the content, role and factors of development of soft skills of professional accountants in the context of business requirements in the current economic environment.

Results. The study shows, as requirements for hiring, professionals who demonstrate, in addition to the hard skills exclusive to accountants skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. In a world that is becoming more digital, computerized, and automated, soft skills can be the differentiator between two employees competing for the same promotion or position. Poor organisation and time management skills could cause unnecessary stress, and accountants could risk tarnishing their reputation if important deadlines are missed. Accountants have to stay organised throughout their processes and work. Regulations are constantly changing, as is the technological environment in which accountants function, so the best accountants are open to change and remain adaptive and flexible in approaching their day-to-day activities. Effective communication is essential to all business roles, accountants included. They’re responsible for translating data in a visualised and easy-to-understand format. Since accounting and finance teams touch every area of the business, they are expected to work cross-functionally and collaborate well with other employees. Learning and education are constant in the accounting profession. Accountants are required to remain objective, ethical, and honest with regard to their tasks. The contribution of this research is to provide institutions, educators and professionals in the area, with insights into the requirements demanded by the job market for accounting professionals.

Conclusions. To develop certain soft skills is always necessary in tandem with hard skills. Some of soft skills are character traits, the rest are acquired with life and professional experience. However, it is possible to develop soft skills at any age, the main thing is to set up such a goal and clearly determine the competencies that require improvement. The study found that the importance of both groups of skills to perform professional tasks by the accountant is undeniable. The success of the accountant’s career depends directly on achieving the balance of soft and hard skills.

Keywords: accountant; accounting; soft skills; hard skills; employers.

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