The world is evolving at pace. Technological advances and developments in AI mean that, more than ever, the role that people need to play in the workplace, specifically public practice, needs to offer more and more of the human touch.
And it’s for this reason that employers now care just as much about your soft skills as they do your technical skill, qualifications and experience.
Your CV is your very first opportunity to impress hiring managers and alongside your professional training, these are the top 5 soft skills that we firmly suggest you weave into your CV wherever you can.
Teamwork
Whether you’ll be working remotely, on a hybrid basis or purely in the office, no firm in 2023 wants to employ an accountant who works in a silo. Together we are stronger and the firms that are thriving are the ones who have solid teams of professionals who can work together to provide a flexible, tailored approach to creating services that are client led.
Words and phrases to showcase this skill?
Thrives in a team environment. Dedicated to the success of the team. Team oriented. Dependable.
Accountability
We all make mistakes. But modern firms have open and blame free cultures where staff who can, are given the opportunity to own their mistakes and learn from them. Employees who are able to be accountable for their actions are an asset and will become valuable members of teams who work well together and approach learning with maturity.
Words and phrases to showcase this skill?
Learned through experience. Committed to professional development. Always learning.
Initiative and Creativity
Leaders don’t enjoy micro managing and hiring managers are under pressure to employ professionals who can contribute towards the growth and success of the firm by getting stuck in and adopting a proactive approach to getting the job done. The computer says no approach doesn’t have a place in 2023 and firms need staff who tackle a problem with an open mind and the initiative to find the answers they need.
Words and phrases to showcase this skill?
Hit the ground running. Problem solving. Troubleshooting. Curious approach. Solutions focused. Creative approach. Confident to contribute new ideas.
Time Management
Once again, there’s nothing more irritating for a manager than working with an accountant who doesn’t seem to be able to manage their own time. Missing deadlines, overpromising and underdelivering, making silly mistakes because you’re up against the clock; these issues add up to a hiring nightmare. So make sure you showcase how you are disciplined with your time, that you are committed to working smarter and not harder and that your manager won’t have to worry that you won’t get the job done in a timeframe that is acceptable to the client.
Words and phrases to showcase this skill?
Project management. Organised. Efficient. Focused. Committed to exceed expectations.
Compassion and Emotional Intelligence
This one is huge in 2023 and it’s one of very few things we can’t rely on technology to get right!
And on the flipside these skills are quite hard to come by in a profession that requires such focus, attention to detail and analytical skill.
But, if you can demonstrate that you have the emotional intelligence that can add so much to a team, whether you’re looking for a position of leadership or to become part of a busy engine room, these skills are invaluable and you should absolutely showcase them on your CV!
Words and phrases to showcase this skill?
Active listening. Skilled communicator. Conflict resolution. Relationship builder. Coaching and mentoring. Empathetic. Diverse and inclusive. Compassionate leadership.
If your CV isn’t finding it’s way on to the shortlist for jobs you feel you deserve and would excel in, it might be time to call in the experts and let us help you with your search for a role in public practice commensurate with your skills (soft and hard) and your experience. By reaching out to our experienced team, we’ll help you hone your CV, make sure it hits the desks of the right people and support you in the whole process of winning an amazing role with a generous set of rewards.
There’s plenty of ways to progress to the next step.
Email our team to request a call back.
Browse our jobs board and apply for any that stand out as the right fit for you.
