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Top Skills for Accountants to Develop

Want a career with a future? Think business, think accounting. Business majors with advanced degrees, including accounting MBAs, will be the most sought-after new hires in the coming year, according to Forbes.

The business field edges out computer science and IT majors who previously held that spot.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, job opportunities for accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 11 percent between 2014 and 2024, which is faster than the 7 percent average for all occupations.

Here are some skills you can expect to develop with a master’s degree in accounting and that employers will be looking for.

Expertise in the Latest Rules

The tax code is constantly being updated or changed in some manner. You will have a solid knowledge base when you graduate, but expect to attend seminars to stay current on trends and technological advances to better serve your company and/or your clients.

Organization

As an accountant, you will have to be highly organized to stay on top of the paperwork and sheer amount of data that comes across your desk every day. You will also need to be able to find information quickly to do your job efficiently. You should be able to streamline daily processes that will free you up to spend more time in research, analysis, and number-crunching.

Accurate and Detailed

These traits are the very essence of an accountant and you can expect to be held to high standards. Accuracy is crucial in any business environment and it should be second nature to an accountant. It is human nature to make mistakes from time to time, but doing your due diligence will keep you from making too many.

Communicate Complex Issues

Communication is an essential tool whatever your industry. As an accountant, you must be able to turn complex functions and industry jargon into ideas that clients and colleagues outside your area can easily understand. Learn to communicate well in writing and face-to-face. You’ll find this skill helps you greatly in your interactions at the office and socially as well.

Maintain Confidentiality

You are likely to be working with information such as taxes, loans, finances, salaries, etc. that needs to be kept confidential. Your ability to play your company’s cards close to your chest will earn you high marks for professionalism and trustworthiness. You may also have first-hand knowledge of mergers and acquisitions; should you let that information slip, it could land you in some very hot water and even jail.

Growing Economy Equals Growing Demand

Be part of a growing occupation with the accounting master’s degree program at MVU Online. Those with advanced accounting degrees can expect to work in a variety of fields, as their skills and knowledge can be transferred across many industries. NEC offers a master of accounting online to put you at the front of this in-demand profession.

As the job market grows, accountants will be in demand to prepare and review financial records and to process financial documentation as more and more businesses go public. The ongoing globalization of business may also create a bigger demand for accounting skills related to international trade, mergers, and acquisitions.

Peter Christopher

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