For years, ACCA has emphasized how important it is for accountants to have digital skills. In 2016, it named digital skills as one of the seven key quotients an accountant needs to be competent and successful. In order to keep up with the growing demands of the clients, accountants should be proficient in the use of technology and software. Digitally literate accountants will also help keep their accounting firms competitive in the accounting industry.
The pandemic changed the way many accounting firms do business. Many accountants began working remotely and had to turn to digital avenues to carry out their services. Clients expect their accounting firms to keep up with the times, which is why accountants must-have essential digital skills and other soft skills that will allow them to provide a seamless experience for their clients.
Here’s why accountants need soft skills and digital literacy to survive in the digital age.
1. The importance of digital skills in a post-pandemic world
Much has been said and written about the changing demands of workplaces in a post-pandemic world. The accounting industry is no exception. In fact, as the business sector has emerged from the initial onslaught of the pandemic, it has had to adapt its operations to cater to the changing demands of clients.
2. Streamlined accounting services boost investor confidence
An accounting firm that’s still operating like its in 1980 will not be able to attract the right investors. Accounting companies that have well-organized finances and streamlined auditing processes boost investor confidence, which results in greater success for the firm.
Reputation matters in the accounting industry. Clients want to hire the best firms which are keen on keeping up with changing trends and using safe and reliable accounting practice management software.
3. Digital skills have become a fundamental part of employment and public health
A shift towards digital was already underway even prior to the outbreak of the deadly virus. However, now that the pandemic has dramatically altered the way accounting firms provide services. Digital literacy and other related soft skills have become an important requisite for employment. Being digitally skilled also helps workers play their part in maintaining public health.
Increasing numbers of accounting firms are now keeping up with the times and using CPA practice management software that provides a secure portal for tax documents.
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants warns accounting firms against being resistant to change in the workplace. Having a digital tax practice management system not only allows accounting firms to cut costs and manage their client’s taxes faster, but it also helps them build their reputation amongst key players in the business and corporate sectors as a competent accounting firm that thinks and works like it truly belongs in the 21st century.
4. What soft skills are essential for accountants in 2022?
Soft skill is a loose term that encapsulates everything from learned behavior to personality traits to skills honed over time in order to be better at one’s job. Some of the most frequently cited soft skills that accounting professionals need to develop include effective communication skills, digital skills and digital literacy, being a good and empathetic listener, and understanding the importance of good customer service. It’s important for accounting professionals to reflect on the importance of good customer service and remember that providing a quality experience for clients is the job of every single employee at an accounting firm.
Accounting firms can empower their employees to provide improved customer service by using accounting practice management software that is tailor-made for CPA firms.
Finally, working collaboratively is an important soft skill. That can drastically improve the quality of your accounting services. Collaboration can take place in many forms. Plus, thanks to advances in technology and accounting management software. Workers no longer need to share physical space to strategize or to share innovative and helpful ideas.
Get cloud-based tax software for accountants
For accounting firms today, using the right software that helps improve workflow management is essential. AccountingWS offers accounting practice management software for CPA firms who wish to provide a seamless experience for their clients. Reach out to them on their website for queries about their cloud-based practice management software for accountants.
About the Author:
The author of this post is an experienced accountant and a Certified Tax Coach (CTC). Whose firm is currently using AccountantWS practice management software. He is a regular contributor to the blogs on Accountant Workspace’s website. He has been associated with the accounting industry for over ten years.
