The Top Things Employers Look for When Hiring an Accountant

While demand for accountants is high, competition for the best jobs in accounting is also fierce. It’s why, if you want to find the right position quickly, you need to make a compelling case for employers to hire you. To do that, focus on these key skills and abilities during the process:

Your high standards.

As an accountant or finance professional, you’re not simply working with theoretical numbers, but actual company profits. This impacts not only the bottom line and health of the organization, but the well-being of employees, too. There’s a lot at stake and, as a result, companies are looking for individuals who adhere to the highest standards when it comes to honesty, integrity and ethics.

Your tech skills.

While old-fashioned fundamentals, like hard work and honesty, are critical when it comes to hiring an accountant, so too are skills and experience in technology. With many software programs and tools available, like Quickbooks and others, it’s not only important for an accountant to be well-versed in these, but adaptable enough to learn new ones as they emerge.

Your communication abilities.

While you’re working with numbers for much of the day, you also have to communicate your findings, future predictions and insights to the leadership team. It’s therefore important to be a skilled and thoughtful communicator when you’re looking for accounting jobs. Accounting employers will be able to assess your aptitude in this area starting with your cover letter and resume, as well as through your interview answers.

Your attention to detail.

One wrong number or little mistake can have a major impact on company finances. It’s why accounting employers are interested in those professionals who can demonstrate that they’re organized, have a keen eye for detail and a strong record when it comes to accurate performance.

Your experience applying concepts to real life.

Knowing accounting best practices and standards is one thing. Applying them to real-life business situations is far more complicated. It’s why when hiring an accountant, companies will only consider those individuals who can explain their past accomplishments with specific examples, facts and figures.

If you’d like help from the experts finding accounting jobs, turn to Provisional Recruiting. We’re leading the way in accounting staffing in and around Spokane and other nearby communities in the Northwest and can connect you with rewarding opportunities with top companies.