The general consensus from recruitment companies is that there is a strong appetite from employers for trainees who can demonstrate strong soft skills in 2024.
Of course, while technical skills are not to be overlooked, most employers are steadfast in their desire to hire trainees who possess a number of prime soft skills, with four such skills repeatedly highlighted by a number of leading experts.
Communication
Whether you work on-site, remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, being able to understand others and communicate effectively yourself allows you to build trust, improve your interpersonal relationships and leads to better outcomes from all relevant stakeholders.
Having good communication skills means explaining tasks, projects and meeting content succinctly, so that people understand exactly what it is they need to do or can explain what you are trying to do.
Problem solving
Problem-solving skills are those that allow you to identify and understand the causes of a problem, then solve it. This can involve solving problems that impact the entire company, such as falling customer retention rates or challenges that impact just you, such as insufficient training.
While the problems you can encounter at work are endless, you can solve complex pain areas for you and your company by utilising an intelligent and efficient problem-solving process.
Adopt change
Adaptability to change refers to the ability to quickly and successfully embrace change and adapt effectively in response. It is about accepting change not just in the workplace but in every facet of your life.
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Importantly, the ability to adapt well to change is important for your long-term career success as it is a skillset that employers look for as a core capability in their workforce.
Initiative
Initiative is the ability to be resourceful and work without always being told what to do. It requires resilience and determination. People who show initiative demonstrate they can think for themselves and take action when necessary. It means using your head and making the rights decisions independently.
An employer needs to know that you can think for yourself. Approach this with caution and start small – you have got your whole career to develop your skills.
‘While technical skills are crucial for success in today’s digital age, a strong set of soft skills continues to be highly sought after by accountancy and finance employers,’ says Lorraine Twist, director at Hays, specialising in accountancy and finance.‘The top four most in-demand core skills finance employers will be on the lookout for in 2024 include communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving, an ability to adopt change and learn, plus initiative.
‘Being curious and enthusiastic to continuously learn will not only impress an employer, but will significantly propel your personal development and professional career forward.’
Hannah Szymanski, market director, finance and accounting, at Robert Half adds: ‘There are a range of skills that firms are looking for in the new year for both permanent and interim talent, but according to our latest salary guide, finance and accounting hiring managers are also looking for core technical attributes: financial modelling, data analytics, digital proficiency, cashflow management and forecasting.
‘Beyond these, there are a number of softer skills that are highly sought after, including communication skills and problem solving. Given the economic uncertainty, it is also perhaps no surprise that flexibility and initiative also rank highly on the list for employers. Trainees who are able to demonstrate they have these skills will find themselves in greater demand.’
Author: Alex Miller, writer
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This article was first published in Student Accountant in January 2024 |Get the SA appnow
