Accountancy firms are putting more emphasis on communication skills than ever before.
According to “economia” the member publication for ICAEW chartered accountants, more than three-quarters (76%) of accountancy jobs advertised today demand candidates who can demonstrate strong soft skills – according to research from accountancy recruiter Randstad Financial & Professional.
It found that almost half (48%) of all accountancy job listings on its website include references to excellent communication and listening skills, while the ability to build and maintain strong relationships were demanded by 44% of all employers.
A third of those listed mention management and strategic leadership skill, while a quarter require the ability to work under pressure (24%) and sales acumen. This is where 21st Century personal development coaching can help because going forward, it will also become imperative to develop mental resilience and emotional intelligence.
The “soft skills” in the highest demand are, possibly, not the ones we might expect. While we might imagine managerial and leadership skills would be the most popular with big professional services firms, for instance, the ability to communicate effectively is actually their top priority.
Clearly, strategic leadership is important – a trait that the Big Four will look for in all of their A-players – it’s communication and listening that everyone needs to demonstrate at the moment,” said Tara Ricks, managing director of Randstad Financial & Professional.
We’re also seeing a growing demand for people who can collaborate and as silo working falls by the wayside this will become the soft skill of the future.
A recent report suggested soft skills are worth £88bn to the UK economy, with this figure expected to rise to £109bn within the next five years.
For a FREE initial consultation on how to grow your people and your business through Personal Development, Soft Skills, Mental Resilience, Success, Emotional Intelligence, Communication Skills coaching please call Graham Stuart now on 07870 222771 or visit http://www.imperativesolutions.co.uk