INTHEBLACK February 2023 - Magazine - Page 56
WORK SMART
INTHEBLACK PODCAST
Subscribe to the new INTHEBLACK podcast to listen to the first of four episodes in the Career
Hacks series, to be released weekly throughout February. In the series, career experts outline
the latest strategies and tips to help supercharge accountancy and finance careers.
CAREER HACKS: HOW TO BE FUTURE READY TODAY
In the rapidly evolving business world, accountants and finance professionals are required to have
more skills than ever. Layla O’Kane, research director at global labour market specialist Lightcast, and
Michael Edelstein CPA, recruitment expert and business coach, explain where the employment market
for accountants and finance professionals is heading and what employers want from new recruits.
WHAT SKILLS ARE MOST IN DEMAND?
O’Kane: “Of course, basic accounting skills are in
demand, but also soft skills like communication,
attention to detail, planning, stakeholder
management, building effective relationships.
“Accounting is moving towards a bigger
focus on communicating this data to other
stakeholders, so that means skills like Microsoft
Power BI, Python, Tableau and also even soft
skills that go along with that, like creativity.”
THE FUTURE ACCOUNTING SKILL SET
O’Kane: “Four big trends going on with
skills are currently affecting and disrupting
many jobs. One of those is digital skills, so a
lot of jobs are introducing digital skills, like
Python for example, into roles where they
didn’t exist before. Another is soft skills –
more human skills, collaboration, building
effective relationships – so that you can
work successfully with people. The third is
data visualisation. These types of skills are
coming specifically into the accountant role.
The last one is social media. That’s a little
bit less relevant for accountants...so I would
focus primarily on expanding this soft skill
universe and your data visualisation abilities.”
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56 INTHEBLACK February 2023
ADVICE TO BE FUTURE READY?
O’Kane: “Increase your ability to visualise
data and communicate that data effectively
with clients and other stakeholders.”
TIPS FOR A GREAT CV
Edelstein: “Just by doing a spelling and grammar
check, you’ll be way ahead of everyone else.
“You only have five seconds, so make sure
your CV is easy to read and well written,
and in reverse chronological order.
“I like to underline and bold key things.
If I’m not seeing the relevant experience or
the right buzzwords or anything that makes
me go, ‘Yep, that person has the skills to do
the job’, then I will probably pass on it.”
STAND OUT FROM OTHER CANDIDATES
Edelstein: “Ask some engaging questions.
At the end of the day, we’re all human.
“Another thing people forget is that you
leave a digital trail now, so make sure your
digital trail represents you in an appropriate
manner. Every single person, when you
apply for a job, will get googled.”
ADVICE TO BE FUTURE READY?
Edelstein: “If you want to be valued, then
be valuable. Add value to whoever you’re
working with or to wherever you’re working.
“Understand your boss’s priorities and see what
can be improved. Suggest ideas and do projects.
It will help your skill set and challenge you.
“Be curious and be a doer. You will
always be in demand if you know your
stuff and you get stuff done.”
Listen to the podcast