The Most In-Demand Accountancy Skills According to Employers

A global, specialist recruitment group involved in accounting & finance has released its latest Quarterly Report outlining what skills employers are currently looking for in accountants.

Skills in Demand

Technical & Technological Know-How

• Strong technical skills
• Knowledge and ability to use technologies – especially cloud

“In terms of skills in demand for the October to December 2015 quarter, we’re seeing high demand for Senior Accountants with strong technical skills and good knowledge of technologies, especially cloud-based technologies,” noted the report.

Communication is Becoming Increasingly Important

• Communication is now deemed essential for client-facing accounting positions.
• Confidence and ability to talk knowledgably with clients is highly important.

Sector Pigeon-Holing is Becoming Less of an Issue

A candidate shortage within the professional practice arena means accounting firms are becoming more flexible in what they’re looking for:

• An accountant’s skills and capabilities are becoming increasingly more important than which sector they have experience in.
• For example, when it comes to the areas of business & audit services, some CA firms (depending on area of expertise) are considering CPA jobseekers.

Jobs In Demand: Accounting & Finance - Professional Practice, October to December 2015

• Good-quality business services & intermediate accountants remain in highest demand, those who can confidently communicate and engage with their clients are particularly sought after.
• Experienced Tax Accountants, Senior Tax Accountants & Managers.

Jobs In Demand: Accounting & Finance – Commerce & Industry, October to December 2015

• Management Accountants 
• Experienced business partnering analysts
• Hands-on finance Managers
• Commercial Analysts
• Financial Accountants with Big 4 audit experience
• Project Accountants
• Tax Accountants in commerce with research & development experience 
• For temporary assignments: non-qualified, as well as experienced accountants are sought, as are finance graduates with some experience.
• Management Accountants and Financial Accountants
• Asset Accountants and CA/CPA qualified Financial Controllers

Jobs In Demand: Accounting & Finance – Public Sector, October to December 2015

• Business Analysts
• Management Accountants
• Business Analysts or Business Partner Specialists
• System Accountants (System Accountants with specific ERPs and FMIS experience are in highest demand)
• Internal Budget Accountants 
• External Budget Accountants 
• Project Accountants
• Financial Accountants
• Commercial Analysts/Pricing Analysts
• Accounts Clerks, both payables and receivables
• Experienced Accounts Payable Officers
• Bookkeepers
• Multi-skilled accounting support candidates for downsizing businesses
• End-to-end Payroll Officers 

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