{"id":13272,"date":"2026-10-28T06:48:56","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T13:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/?p=13272"},"modified":"2026-10-28T06:48:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T13:48:57","slug":"accounting-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/job-readiness\/accounting\/accounting-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Skills Every Accountant Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light hero-with-image-center has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);min-height:100vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-olive-10-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-20047fdc wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500)\"><div style=\"background-color:#dfdfd866;font-size:0.63rem;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.2;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);margin-bottom:0.625rem\" class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms has-background has-avenir-font-family has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/category\/job-readiness\/accounting\/\" rel=\"tag\">Accounting<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/category\/job-readiness\/\" rel=\"tag\">Job Readiness<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7f408794 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500)\"><h1 style=\"font-size:clamp(2.257rem, 2.257rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.882), 4.13rem);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-3px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:3.25rem\" class=\"wp-block-post-title has-avenir-font-family has-text-align-center\">10 Skills Every Accountant Needs<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n<figure style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:3.25rem\" class=\"aligncenter wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1360\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?w=1360\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?resize=150,84 150w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?resize=740,416 740w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1360px) 100vw, 1360px\" data-attachment-id=\"13273\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/job-readiness\/accounting\/accounting-skills\/attachment\/shutterstock_2744134733-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1920,1080\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-title=\"10 Skills Every Accountant Needs\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstock_2744134733-1.jpg?w=645\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-avenir-font-family has-fs-0750-font-size is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4a907d44 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:2px;line-height:1.2;text-transform:uppercase\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-28T06:48:56-07:00\">Oct 28, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written By<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author-name\">Intuit Academy Blog Team<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"reading-time wp-block-rkv-reading-time has-fs-0750-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-rkv-reading-time-is-layout-flow\">14 Mins read<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You probably already know that the skills you need to be an accountant include some proficiency in mathematics and accounting principles. But accountants aren\u2019t merely number-crunchers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It takes more than that to make it in this competitive field, for which the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/business-and-financial\/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-6\" target=\"_blank\">US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/a> projects employment will grow 5% through 2034.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the 10 skills for accounting that matter the most, and why pursuing them early in your career (or studies) makes sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The skills needed to be an accountant differ somewhat by specialty, but all accountants start with a foundation of technical and soft skills.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>According to the Intuit QuickBooks Accountant Technology Survey, the vast majority (95%) of accounting firms adopted new automation tools in the past year, and 75% increased their focus on tech skills when hiring.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Core accounting skills include math, accounting principles, and tax knowledge. Being well-organized, analytical, and capable of communicating complex concepts also helps.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll need to keep refining your skills throughout your accounting career, but starting with the fundamentals will set you on the track to success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Knowledge of Accounting Principles and Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting principles are the rules that make financial statements legible across companies and industries. Without them, it\u2019d be a struggle to compare a public company\u2019s quarterly report to last year\u2019s, or to a competitor\u2019s. People often pick this up in a degree program, but <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/\">accounting classes<\/a> online typically cover some of the same ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why It Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without a working knowledge of accounting standards, you can\u2019t do most of an accountant\u2019s job. Two core accounting frameworks dominate the field:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)<\/strong>: The standard used in the United States, maintained by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). GAAP is rules-based, meaning it spells out specific requirements for how transactions should be recorded and reported.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS):<\/strong> Used by companies in more than 160 jurisdictions, including the European Union and much of Asia and Latin America. IFRS is principles-based, giving accountants more room to apply judgment within a defined framework. US companies with international operations or foreign investors often need to work in both systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Build It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A degree program is the most direct path, since accounting principles are core to accounting curricula. If you\u2019re going a different route, look for structured online programs that teach the accounting cycle, double-entry method, and the major principles (revenue recognition, matching, conservatism, consistency) through worked examples rather than abstract definitions. These concepts make a lot more sense when you see them applied to real transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Tax Knowledge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tax proficiency is 1 of the top skills for accounting. Whether you specialize in tax work or not, clients expect their accountant to understand how their taxes affect other financial decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why It Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even accountants who don\u2019t specialize in taxes need some level of tax proficiency. An auditor needs to recognize when a tax position looks aggressive, for example. And a management accountant needs to factor tax implications into forecasts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s where it most helps to be tax-fluent:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tax law (state, federal, local)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federal and state tax codes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filing requirements&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Differences between business and individual taxes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deductions and credits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax liabilities and implications&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sales tax&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulatory compliance&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most practical way to build tax skills is to learn them in the context of preparing actual returns. <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/programs\/tax-level-1\">Intuit Academy\u2019s free tax prep program<\/a> walks you through federal individual tax returns from start to finish, covers the common deductions and credits, and ends with a certification exam you can put on your resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to prepare returns for paid clients, including as part of an internship or seasonal role, you\u2019ll also need an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/tax-professionals\/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers\" target=\"_blank\">IRS preparer tax identification number (PTIN)<\/a>. The application takes about 15 minutes online and costs $18.75. Anyone preparing federal returns for compensation needs it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Proficiency in Accounting Software<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firmofthefuture.com\/news\/accountant-tech-survey-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\">Intuit QuickBooks survey<\/a>, 95% of firms use automation technologies in their daily operations. Software fluency is central to accounting work. And, consequently, it\u2019s high among the skills you need to be an accountant. It\u2019s how the work gets done, and how firms decide who to hire.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find an accountant who doesn\u2019t have some fluency in financial and accounting software. Software does the work that used to take entry-level accountants the longest, such as reconciliations, transaction categorization, data entry, and basic reporting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every accounting firm uses the same software, but core systems worth learning include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage (bookkeeping)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TurboTax or Lacerte (tax prep)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excel (modeling and analysis)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most accounting software offers free trials, student versions, or free certifications. Start there before paying for anything.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re learning QuickBooks, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/programs\/intuit-bookkeeping-certification\">Intuit Academy\u2019s free bookkeeping program<\/a>. It\u2019s built around QuickBooks Online and teaches the platform through real customer scenarios. For Excel, you might build models from scratch using public financial data to learn pivot tables and financial modeling basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Attention to Detail<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In accounting, the difference between a small error and a serious problem is often a single digit. That\u2019s why practically any accountant job description lists detail orientation as a must-have trait.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being detail-oriented is vital to doing your job well, given that accounting work involves long chains of small decisions. A mistake as tiny as a misplaced decimal point or a missed deduction could mean hefty penalties or a client being audited.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost might show up in other ways, too. An accountant who misses small errors risks getting assigned simpler work because partners don\u2019t trust them with the complex projects. The accountant who consistently catches them could land the high-stakes engagements and better clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detail orientation is a skill you can build. Here\u2019s where to start:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Review your work in sections<\/strong>. You might take a pass for math, another for categorization, and 1 more for completeness, rather than 1 general check at the end.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use checklists for recurring work.<\/strong> Creating lists for high-stakes tasks like month-end close, quarterly filings, and year-end procedures can help keep things from slipping on busy days.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slow down on the routine-looking parts.<\/strong> Many missed errors hide in the work that\u2019s easy to skim, like data entry or account coding.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside of a real job, you could practice on real material. For example, you might pull a public company\u2019s 10-K from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.gov\/search-filings\" target=\"_blank\">US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) EDGAR database<\/a> and try to reconcile reported figures against the underlying notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Analytical and Critical Thinking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recording transactions is the entry-level part of accounting. Making sense of them is where the work gets interesting. That\u2019s why the BLS rates analytical and critical thinking skills highly among the skills needed to be an accountant.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why It Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accountants need to be able to look at a set of financials and notice what doesn\u2019t fit, whether that\u2019s a margin trend that contradicts what sales is reporting or an expense category outpacing revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With increasing automation in the field, analytical work is where firms have the opportunity to grow. The Intuit QuickBooks survey cited earlier found that 79% of accountants expect strategic advisory work to grow, and that work is almost entirely analytical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read financial statements with a question in mind. The notes are where the analytical work lives, as they explain the choices behind the numbers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To practice, you could pull 3 years of a public company\u2019s 10-Ks and look for trends the company doesn\u2019t highlight, or compare 2 competitors and trace why their financials differ. SEC enforcement actions also read like forensic accounting case studies. The same skill set transfers into budgeting and forecasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Communication Skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accountants might spend more time explaining numbers than producing them. Translating financial information for people who don\u2019t read balance sheets for a living is a big part of the job.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why It Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clients, executives, and cross-functional teammates rarely have an accountant\u2019s financial fluency. If you can\u2019t explain what a variance means or why a deferred revenue adjustment matters, you risk your work not landing.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fastest way to build this core accounting skill is via a client-facing role. A role in virtual tax preparation, for example, gives you ample runway to practice on the job by explaining real tax situations to real clients. If a client role isn\u2019t available yet, you could practice translating on your own:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rewrite a financial report\u2019s key findings in plain language for a hypothetical non-financial reader.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present analysis to coworkers outside finance before any official deadline and watch what trips them up.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay attention to repeated questions. If 3 people ask the same thing, your presentation might be more of a problem than their understanding of it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Organization and Time Management<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/cpatrendlines.com\/tax-and-accounting-professionals-survey-results-busy-season-barometer-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\">busy season<\/a> remains characterized by aggressive deadlines and long hours, even with many firms reporting that their workloads are becoming more manageable through technology. Even outside busy season, multiple deadlines can stack on top of an already-full workload. Strong organizational and time management skills are crucial to keeping up with your responsibilities.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting is highly deadline-driven. You\u2019ve got month-end closes and tax filing milestones scattered throughout the year. And then there are audit schedules to contend with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of this is in addition to your everyday workload. Even when things aren\u2019t as busy, you\u2019ll be juggling multiple projects and deadlines. Each comes with significant paperwork, which can be a lot to manage. And that\u2019s why organization and time management skills are your greatest allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Implement organizational or task management systems into your workflow. Automating routine tasks like invoice processing and client onboarding can help you stay on top of everything and potentially save you time. The same goes for batching tasks, which can simplify your day-to-day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re coming up against multiple conflicting deadlines, try to stagger your work accordingly. It\u2019s better to finish tasks early rather than later or not at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Ethical Judgment and Integrity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accountants see the parts of a business that its owners don\u2019t share with anyone else. That access is the entire basis of the work and the reason ethical judgment is a job requirement.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting runs on the assumption that you can be trusted with that information and that you\u2019ll push back when something crosses a line. An accountant who can\u2019t be trusted on either count is likely to be unemployable, regardless of how good their technical skills are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/life-at-intuit\/intuit-experts\/how-to-become-a-cpa\/\">certified public accountants (CPAs)<\/a> and non-credentialed accountants face real ethical decisions on the job, such as a client asking you to reclassify expenses aggressively or a colleague who\u2019s cutting corners on documentation. Knowing where the lines are and being willing to hold them is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you don\u2019t become a CPA, take the time to study the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/topic\/ethics\/code-of-professional-conduct\" target=\"_blank\">Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Code of Professional Conduct<\/a>. If you\u2019re planning to work in tax, learn the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/tax-professionals\/office-of-professional-responsibility-and-circular-230\" target=\"_blank\">IRS Circular 230<\/a> as well. They detail what it means to work in compliance with tax law and to handle conflicts of interest and client confidentiality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Adaptability and Continuous Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tax law changes annually. Accounting standards get updated. Software gets replaced with newer software. And AI is changing what entry-level work even looks like, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/quantumblack\/our-insights\/the-state-of-ai\" target=\"_blank\">88% of organizations<\/a> now reporting regular AI use in at least 1 business function. Adapting to industry shifts and treating education as never-ending are key to keeping your skills marketable.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For CPAs, <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/job-readiness\/accounting\/what-is-cpe-accounting\/\">continuing professional education (CPE)<\/a> is typically a must. Most states require about 40 CPE credits each year to maintain licensure. But a lot of learning happens between the formal requirements, too. New tax legislation and evolving software and AI tools, for example, all reshape what accountants do on a daily basis.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Build learning into your routine the way you\u2019d build it into your workflow:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tune in to industry trends.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/news-releases-for-current-month\" target=\"_blank\">IRS<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fasb.org\/news-media\/news\" target=\"_blank\">FASB<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/category\/news\" target=\"_blank\">AICPA<\/a> all publish news and updates.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experiment with new tools.<\/strong> AI features in TurboTax and QuickBooks (and other professional software) are advancing fast. The accountants who experiment with new capabilities early help set themselves apart.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take CPE seriously.<\/strong> Pick courses that build skills you don\u2019t have rather than those that just fill credit requirements with what you already know.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to stay curious enough that nothing in the field catches you off guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Understanding of Business Operations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doing the job well requires understanding the business behind the numbers, including how it makes money and where the pressures are.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might not find \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/professional-insights\/article\/unlock-your-accounting-potential-with-business-acumen\" target=\"_blank\">business acumen<\/a>\u201d or \u201cbusiness operations proficiency\u201d in the skill requirements of an accountant job listing. But many employers value it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who understand business operations can better support strategic planning processes and provide insights that drive innovation and growth. This includes ways to mitigate risk and preserve a company\u2019s overall financial health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honing your skills here makes you that much more essential to the business. This makes you harder to replace and might open future opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Build It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look beyond the surface for deeper insights into how the business runs. Ask questions like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why did costs suddenly increase?&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why are numbers different from quarter to quarter, or season to season?&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What drove the revenue change?&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is this line item a 1-time event or a pattern?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more industries and company sizes you work across, the faster you build the instinct for what to ask. If that\u2019s not viable at this stage in your career, consider taking a business class. Or apply for internships at public accounting or business firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Start Building Your Accounting Skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can build the right accounting skills through a combination of formal and informal learning. Hands-on experience takes it further. Not all of it has to be paid. Even a volunteer gig or an unpaid internship can be incredibly valuable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re prioritizing learning right now, <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/\">Intuit Academy<\/a> offers free, self-paced training in tax prep and bookkeeping. That means you can build several core skills simultaneously in an applied, practical context.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And when you\u2019re ready to look for paid work, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/business-and-financial\/accountants-and-auditors.htm\" target=\"_blank\">median pay for accountants and auditors is $81,680<\/a>, with the top 10% earning over $141,000. A CPA license, specialization, or strong technical skills will help you <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/user-focus\/advance-your-career\">advance your career<\/a> toward the higher end faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take the Next Step with Intuit Academy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to wait for the perfect moment to start. If you\u2019ve worked through the bookkeeping or tax prep training, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/user-focus\/qualify-for-role-intuit\">apply for entry-level accounting roles at Intuit<\/a> directly.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do the skills required for accountants differ significantly between small businesses and large corporations?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same skills translate across businesses of different sizes. However, specialized skills may be required if you\u2019re in a specific domain, like forensic accounting or auditing. If you want to move into more strategic roles, for example, you might start by building your skills in business operations.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which accounting skills are most at risk of being replaced or reduced by AI and automation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repetitive tasks like data entry and account reconciliation are most likely to be automated. The same goes for any basic numbers work and reporting. But preliminary research shows that AI is actually augmenting accountants&#8217; efforts rather than replacing them. Those who use it spend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gsb.stanford.edu\/faculty-research\/working-papers\/human-ai-accounting-early-evidence-field\" target=\"_blank\">8.5% less time<\/a> on such routine tasks, freeing up time for quality assurance and advisory work.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How important are soft skills compared to technical skills when it comes to career progression in accounting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accountants need a good blend of hard and soft skills to thrive. Proficiency in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and accounting systems enables accountants to do their jobs. But soft skills, like communication, adaptability, empathy, and leadership, are what separate good accountants from great accountants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You probably already know that the skills you need to be an accountant include some proficiency in mathematics and accounting principles. But accountants aren\u2019t merely number-crunchers.&nbsp;&nbsp; It takes more than that to make it in this competitive field, for which the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment will grow 5% through 2034.&nbsp;&nbsp; Here [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":151418448,"featured_media":13273,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"accounting skills","_yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Skills Every Accountant Needs | Intuit Academy","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want to stand out as an accountant in today\u2019s job landscape? 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