Most people have some preconceived notions when they hear the word accountant. They imagine a primarily introverted person stuck behind a computer screen looking at rows upon rows of numbers or intently examining a stack of financial documents. While admittedly, looking at the reported numbers is a core aspect of being an accountant, this is a gross oversimplification of what can otherwise be an exciting career option.
To be an account means to be responsible for successfully navigating your clients through the complexities of the tax system. This means that they must have profound knowledge about the system on both the government as well as local level as many districts or municipalities have their own laws in place.
As a result, businesses may need to find professional accounting services based on the area where they are conducting their business operations, such as specialised London accountants if they run their business in that region. An expert accountant can consider the client’s unique circumstances and help them become as tax efficient as possible without breaking their budget. London accountant firm
With enough effort and determination, anyone can become a successful accountant. However, exactly like with any other profession, certain character traits and tendencies could make some people more suited to be great accountants than others.
1. Detail-Oriented
Let’s start with the most obvious one – being an accountant means paying extreme attention to even minute details. If you already display a detail-focused mindset, it can be a great boon in this profession. Identifying an issue with the numbers early on could be invaluable as it will allow the client to resolve the problem before it has managed to cause any serious troubles. Furthermore, having a natural knack for paying close attention to minor details could translate into a far more effective day-to-day workflow.
2. Keep Everything In Order
Another personality trait that can help with work efficiency is being a highly organised individual. Accountants are often required to shift through multiple documents both in digital and paper form. Knowing where every piece of documentation is at all times could help tremendously. After all, it is not a good look when your client has to stay there while you fumble through various folders on your computer or the papers on your desk for 5 minutes before you can find the correct numbers.
3. Being Trustworthy
Accountants have to deal with a lot of sensitive and personal financial information. Their clients must have unreserved trust in the accountant’s ability to handle the data with the required level of privacy. The clients need to know that their information is in the right hands and will not be accessed by unqualified people. As an accountant, it is up to you to show that you deserve to be trusted and, unless required by law, will keep the information safe.
4. Good Interpersonal Skills
Contrary to popular belief, you will need sufficiently developed people skills to be a great accountant and not just a good one. You should try to empathise with your clients, understand their specific problems and issues, and offer a solution that is tailor-made for their situation. This goes beyond simply looking at the numbers they submit. You should be able to make them comfortable enough to share their future goals and business aspirations. Doing so will turn you from the person who does the taxes to a valuable ally in their journey towards success and make you stand out from the potential competitors.
5. Communicate Clearly
The accountant’s job is filled with specific terminology and concepts that seem obvious to a professional but appear entirely incomprehensible to the average client. Being able to clearly, accurately, and concisely explain even complex accounting concepts could be the reason why a client decides to stick with you instead of looking for another accountant. It will also help you gain their trust and solidify your business relationships.
6. Show Flexibility
Innovation and the emergence of new software tools have impacted accounting and changed how many professionals do their jobs. While the fundamentals of the professions are still the same, many processes have become easier to follow and complete thanks to cloud-based solutions and programs. As an accountant, you should avoid being stuck in your old habits and refuse to adjust to the new norms. By being flexible, following the latest developments, and adopting them as part of your practice, you could make otherwise cumbersome tasks far easier and offer more accurate and timely advice to your clients.