Accounting Archives | Accountancy & Senior Finance Recruitment Specialists, Ireland

The Vital Role of Data Security in the Accounting Industry

Posted on 9 May 20239 May 2023 by Martina Quinn

Data security in the accounting industry is vital

The significance of data security cannot be understated, as it poses a crucial concern not only for small organizations but also for large enterprises such as Google, Apple, and Amazon for example. For accounting firms and individual accountants, safeguarding confidential client information is essential to the success of their business. Therefore, ensuring data security is one of their topmost priorities.

Encryption is a widely adopted data security measure utilized by most accounting firms and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to safeguard confidential client data. Although encryption is considered the simplest and most reliable means of data security, some individuals still hesitate to implement it due to the perception that it is too complicated or may restrict their own access to the data.

This blog will touch upon several cases that exemplify the adverse consequences of inadequate data security for accountants and firms. Additionally, it will provide solutions to prevent such situations.

Data Security Breach

A data breach occurs when confidential or sensitive information is accessed, viewed, or stolen by unauthorized individuals, groups, or software. This security breach can happen for various reasons, such as weak passwords, system vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, or insider threats. Data breaches can result in severe consequences, including financial losses, legal repercussions, reputational damage, and identity theft.

Data breaches have become increasingly common in recent times, and unfortunately, many accountants and accounting firms have fallen victim to these cybercrimes in the past. The theft or loss of laptops and other electronic devices that contain proprietary and sensitive client and corporate information is the most prevalent cause of data breaches in this industry. If this information falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be catastrophic in a matter of moments.

The worst part is that in such situations, the accountant or the firm is usually held accountable for any potential loss or damage, which can result in class-action lawsuits or fines to cover data recovery costs. Moreover, the loss of industry reputation and client trust is even more detrimental to accountants and firms in such cases.

Data Security Accounting Solutions

In addition to their conventional roles, modern accountants and accounting firms must also function as data collectors and managers, dealing with vast amounts of data. This data often comprises confidential financial, payroll, and tax-related information, which needs to be handled and distributed with utmost care.

Moreover, in addition to their client’s data, accounting firms and accountants must also manage and safeguard their personal information to ensure robust data security practices throughout.

In the event of a data breach or cyber-attack, both confidential client data and accounting firm data are vulnerable. This jeopardizes not only the reputation and credibility of the accountant or firm but may also result in legal action and significant financial losses for them and their clients.

Here are a few key takeaways from Tech Guru on “7 Security Tips to Keep Your Accounting Firm Secure,” which can help you gain a better understanding of the latest data security practices and standards in the accounting industry.

Secure Mobile Devices for Data Security Accounting

Mobile device data breaches are primarily caused by application-specific cyberattacks, which constitute 42% of all such breaches. Web application attacks account for 31% of these breaches. These application-specific attacks make up a significant portion (73%) of all cyberattacks targeting the finance industry. This trend is attributed to the growing reliance of accounting firms on cloud technologies, web extensions, mobile apps, and client portals.

Using 2-Factor Authentication (with biometrics and strong passwords)
Encrypting devices
Installing antivirus applications
Updating software whenever available
Avoiding public or free Wi-Fi

Enforce Cybersecurity Training

The first line of defence against cyberattacks is proper training. Having advanced security systems and protocols in place is futile if an employee falls prey to a phishing email or inadvertently downloads malware from an attachment.

Managers must ensure that the entire team is equipped to identify and handle phishing attacks. Additionally, employees must be educated about other threats, including:

Ransomware
Malware and viruses
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS)
Insider threats
Brute force attacks
Social engineering

Invest in a VPN

By using a virtual private network (VPN), users can send and receive data sets on a public network as if they were directly connected to their firm’s private network. A VPN also grants access to other resources that may be inaccessible on a public network.

However, it’s important to note that not all VPN service providers offer encrypted connections, even though encryption is typically utilized. Benefits of a VPN include:

Increased security
Enhanced network management
Functionality and convenience

Keep All of Your Software Up to Date

To obtain the most up-to-date security features, users must update their software regularly. This doesn’t just apply to antivirus software, as major hardware and software developers such as Microsoft and Apple incorporate the most advanced security measures in their products.

It is crucial for accounting firms to download the most recent versions of computer operating systems, programs, and applications onto their technical infrastructure, office equipment, and individual computing devices used by staff members.

Use Password Management Software

Password managers are useful tools that allow users to store usernames and passwords securely across their entire team. They are cost-effective and simple to use, whether a company has a small or large workforce.

These programs offer features like setting password strength rules and whitelisting the company’s IP addresses and those of its associates. Passwords can also be locked using IP restrictions or geo-locking, which prevents those outside the geographic area from accessing them. The two most popular and highly secure password management software programs are Practice Protect and LastPass.

Extra tip: To keep passwords secure, it’s important to enforce strong passwords and disable the “save password” feature on all work devices. This is because insider threats often use this method to obtain data for malicious purposes.

Backup All of Your Data to the Cloud

To improve data security, migrating to the cloud is crucial for accounting firms. Cyber attackers may not always intend to steal data for their own use or sell to others. Instead, they encrypt data and demand a ransom to release it.

By backing up data on cloud-based platforms, firms can avoid paying the ransom and still access their data. The following are two recommended cloud-based data platforms:

SharePoint
Rewind

Hire a Team of Experts

Accountants are knowledgeable in finance, but not necessarily in IT. Cybercriminals are adept at bypassing even the most advanced security systems. In contrast, employees within accounting firms may have limited knowledge of basic security features within their tech stack.

This is where IT strategists come in. They specialize in cybersecurity and are able to monitor a firm’s security infrastructure for both internal and external threats. Additionally, IT strategists can educate and train staff on the most effective processes, protocols, and best practices for ensuring optimal security.

Nowadays, data security is a crucial factor that determines the reliability and credibility of accountants and accounting firms. For some clients, data security is even the top priority when selecting an accounting partner.

Conclusion

Large enterprises have the necessary knowledge and resources to ensure top-notch data security. However, smaller firms and individual accountants often lack the same knowledge and resources to establish a robust and dynamic data environment.

Data security has become one of the highest priorities for accountants and accounting firms today. It is an indicator of a firm’s or an accountant’s reliability and reputation, distinguishing between a secure data environment and a total data breach disaster.

What we can do for you

Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment specialises in the placement of qualified accountants up to the executive level nationwide. Our teams have extensive experience (67 years combined) in recruiting in the Irish Market.

We also provide interview preparation to ensure you have the best chance of landing the job. Reach out to the team here at Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

Artificial intelligence Revolutionises Accounting: A Look into the Changing Landscape of the Industry and its Workforce

Posted on 26 April 202326 April 2023 by Martina Quinn

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way the world works, and the accounting industry is no exception. AI has immense potential to replace manual tasks and free up people to engage in innovation and creativity.

But what does this mean for accounting jobs? Will AI replace accountants altogether, or will it create new opportunities for skilled professionals? In this article, we’ll explore how AI is changing accounting, what new opportunities it’s creating, and what accountants can do to thrive in the digital age.

What is Artificial intelligence in Accounting?

Artificial intelligence has reformed the field of accounting, especially in terms of data analytics and automation of repetitive tasks. Machine learning and other AI-powered technologies can enhance data analytics practices for accounting.

In addition, Artificial intelligence can streamline the audit and financial processes, making them more efficient and reducing the risk of human error. With the help of tech-based tools that organize information, AI can save a significant amount of time for bookkeepers, auditors, and financial professionals.

This not only improves their efficiency and effectiveness but also provides real-time financial visibility and insights. Ultimately, AI can lead to better-informed decisions and more value for clients.

Artificial intelligence is Creating Jobs in Accounting

Contrary to popular belief, AI is not going to replace human accountants altogether. In fact, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has issued numerous reports forecasting how AI will impact jobs worldwide. Their analysts predict that automation will result in an increase of 58 million jobs, two-thirds of which will be highly skilled.

They compare the current climate of change to similar times in the past. For example, in the early days of bookkeeping software, accounting jobs changed drastically. Intuit, launched in 1983, and Microsoft Excel, launched in 1985 did not in fact represent the demise of human bookkeepers, as many feared.

Instead, the field grew 75% over the course of a decade.

The net result of new technology in accounting and bookkeeping has been that accounts and tellers performed higher-skilled work than before. With Artificial intelligence and automation, this will continue to be true.

Benefits of Artificial intelligence for Accounting

One of the primary applications of Artificial intelligence in accounting is to automate repetitive tasks. AI-powered systems can efficiently and accurately handle a range of tasks, such as inputting and matching data, reconciling receipts, creating and sending invoices, preparing expense reports, tracking price changes, reconciling accounts, sorting transactions, and generating data reports.

The beauty of AI is that it is based on algorithms that can learn and improve over time as they are fed more data. This means that AI can adapt to changing business needs and processes, leading to even more efficient and effective performance. Moreover, unlike humans who can make mistakes, AI is immune to human error and can work continuously 24/7 without any break or fatigue. Preparation can be automated with AI, allowing bookkeepers to focus on higher-level tasks such as analysis, strategy, and business advisory services.

According to business.com balancing AI and human intelligence, accounting professionals and businesses can utilize technology to benefit their clients, simplify their work, and provide them with greater flexibility to pursue broader opportunities.

Benefits of Artificial intelligence in Accounting

Experts believe that Artificial intelligence can provide significant benefits to accountants, including:

Invisible Accounting: AI can automate mundane and repetitive tasks like data entry, freeing up human accountants to engage more with strategic decision-making. This leads to a more efficient use of time, which can be used to provide more value to clients.

Continuous Auditing: AI can continuously audit financial data without the need for breaks, resulting in no gaps in reason or precision, and providing a more accurate and real-time view of financials.

Active Insight: Accounting managers and leaders can get real-time visibility into their finances through AI-powered analytics and dashboards, enabling them to make better-informed decisions.

Conclusion

While AI may replace some of the tasks performed by bookkeepers, it does not mean that their jobs will become obsolete. Instead, AI can help bookkeepers to become more efficient and effective in their roles. Additionally, Artificial intelligence can provide significant benefits to accountants, including invisible accounting, continuous auditing, and active insight, ultimately leading to better-informed decisions and more value for clients.

What we can do for you

Standing out in a competitive Irish accounting job market

Posted on 10 January 202310 January 2023 by Martina Quinn

Standing out in a competitive accounting job market can be difficult

The accounting job market in Ireland is highly competitive, with a large pool of talented professionals vying for a number of positions. Standing out in a competitive job market can be a challenge, especially in a field like accounting where there are often many qualified candidates vying for the same positions.

However, with the right strategies and a little bit of effort, it is possible to set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing your dream accounting job. In this blog post, we will explore some tips for standing out in a competitive accounting job market.

From earning a reputable degree or certification to gaining relevant experience and building relationships to enhancing your skills and creating a strong resume and cover letter, we will cover a range of strategies that can help you stand out and succeed in your career. So if you’re looking to make a splash in the accounting field, keep reading to learn more about how you can set yourself apart from the competition.

Our Tips For Landing Your Dream Accounting Job

Get a professional qualification: A professional qualification such as the Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification is highly respected in the accounting industry and can give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs. The ACA qualification is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) and requires a combination of study and practical experience.

Build up your experience: Experience is highly valued in the accounting industry, and the more experience you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. Consider taking on internships or part-time work in accounting firms while you are studying to gain practical experience. You can also consider volunteering your time to work on accounting projects for non-profit organizations.

Network and build relationships: Building relationships with other professionals in the accounting industry can be a great way to learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door. Consider joining professional organizations such as the ICAI or attending industry events and conferences to meet and connect with others in the field.

Focus on your skills: In addition to your qualifications and experience, it’s important to focus on developing a range of skills that will make you stand out in the job market. These may include technical skills such as proficiency with accounting software, as well as soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Show your passion: Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about the accounting profession and who will be motivated to excel in their roles. Show your passion by staying up-to-date with industry developments and actively seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.

Tailor your CV and cover letter: When applying for accounting jobs, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position and company you are applying to. Use specific examples to demonstrate your relevant skills and experience, and highlight your achievements and successes. we have more in depth tips on creating compelling CV’s that stand out

Consider specialization: The accounting industry is vast and there are many different areas in which you can specialize. Consider focusing on a particular area such as tax accounting, forensic accounting, or sustainability accounting to differentiate yourself from other candidates. This can also make you more attractive to potential employers who are looking for candidates with specialized expertise.

Get certified: In addition to a professional qualification, you may also want to consider getting certified in a specific area of accounting. For example, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification is highly respected in the field and can give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Build your online presence: In today’s digital age, it’s important to have an online presence as a professional. Consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and creating a professional website or blog to showcase your skills and experience. You can also use these platforms to connect with others in the industry and stay up-to-date with developments in the field.

Be proactive: Don’t just wait for job opportunities to come to you – be proactive in your job search. This might mean reaching out to accounting firms or companies that you are interested in working for and expressing your interest in a position. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on job boards and industry publications for new job openings. According to Riana Topan from Talent Egg it is key to build your network when actively looking for a new role.

Volunteer your time: Volunteering your time and skills can be a great way to gain valuable experience and make a positive impact in your community. Consider volunteering with local non-profits or organizations to help with their accounting and financial needs. This can not only help you build your skills and experience, but also show potential employers your dedication and commitment to the profession.

Ace the interview: The interview is your chance to really shine and show potential employers why you are the best candidate for the job. Be prepared to answer a range of questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills, and come prepared with specific examples of how you have demonstrated these in the past.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of standing out in the competitive Irish accounting job market and landing your dream job. In conclusion, standing out in the competitive Irish accounting job market requires a combination of qualifications, skills, experience, and a proactive approach to your career.

Extra Tips

By getting a professional qualification, building up your experience, networking and building relationships, focusing on your skills, showing your passion for the profession, and tailoring your resume and cover letter, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

You may also want to consider specializing in a particular area of accounting, getting certified, learning a foreign language, building your online presence, and volunteering your time to gain valuable experience and make a positive impact in your community.

Remember, it’s important to stay focused and be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you – seek them out and be prepared to go above and beyond to differentiate yourself from other candidates. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can stand out in the competitive Irish accounting job market and achieve your career goals. Good luck!

Our Solutions.

Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment specialises in the placement of qualified accountants up to executive level nationwide, Our teams have extensive experience (67 years combined) recruiting in the Irish Market. Reach out to the team here in Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

The Best Accounting and Finance Recruitment Trends in 2023 To That You Need To Know – Top 5

Posted on 15 December 202227 February 2024 by Martina Quinn

Top 5 Accounting & Finance Trends in 2023

The current accounting and finance recruitment trend for 2022 is set to to continue for 2023. Job seekers should be aware that the current lack of accessible competent qualified professionals makes it a candidate’s hiring market.

Many businesses are employing new personnel and growing their operations despite the pandemic’s lasting affects and economic factors like rising inflation. According to new figures from the Central Statistics Office show that 2.55 million people were employed in the State in the second quarter of this year.

In some industries it is especially difficult to find candidates due to skills shortages. Companies are enticing top workers to join their company by offering signing bonuses, financial incentives, additional paid time off, and job title changes, to name just a few. All of these tactics, as well as others, are ones many of us are familiar with. These options, nevertheless, are frequently insufficient, especially if the option of working remotely is not provided.

Remote work is and will become a popular benefit in accounting and finance for 2023

Having stated that, here is a suggestion for candidates: Keep an open mind on the “where” of job if you want to increase your employability. Many organisations are attempting to decide if they want to continue using a remote, hybrid, or in-office strategy in the future. Therefore, being open to several possibilities may help you find employment opportunities. However, you should also be up forward about your preferences and underline that, when the time is appropriate, you’d like to discuss a flexible work schedule.

Accounting and Finance Recruitment Trend 1

Remote Workforce

Traditional employment is evolving. Businesses are benefiting from the fact that employees are no longer confined to an actual office. The accounting sector is one that can accomplish it more easily than others and is not an exception to this rule. Due to the epidemic and the use of cloud-based software, an increasing number of accountants are working remotely, enabling staff to fulfill their allocated jobs without being in the same building.

Accounting and Finance Recruitment Trend 2

AI & Automation

The practice of manually entering data into spreadsheets is quickly becoming obsolete. To save time and money, accounting businesses that want to remain competitive need to automate as many of their operations as they can. Workflows for approval, bank reconciliation, journal entries, inter-company consolidation, revenue recognition, lease accounting, and depreciation are a few of the activities being automated.

Accounting and Finance Recruitment Trend 3

Big Data Combined With Analytics & Forecasting

The demand for accountants who can properly manage and analyze data has expanded along with data complexity. To help them make sense of the wealth of information at their fingertips, businesses and accounting firms are seeking people with strong data analytics abilities and experience. Accountants need to employ advanced analytics and forecasting methods in addition to big data. In the subject of accounting, there is a clear need for data specialists.

Accounting and Finance Recruitment Trend 4

Utilising The Cloud

Accounting firms are following suit to satisfy the needs of organizations that are migrating to the cloud at an increasing rate. These businesses may access their data from any device with an internet connection thanks to cloud-based accounting solutions. This is a great choice for businesses with numerous locations or remote workers. From a financial perspective, there is a need for employees with cloud capabilities and AI automation.

Accounting and Finance Recruitment Trend 5

Diverse Range Of Skills

Employers are looking for accountants with a variety of talents to stay up with the evolving accounting landscape. Accounting is no longer just about creating financial statements and tax returns as more transactional activity is automated. Accountants who want to succeed need to know how to use technology, comprehend data analytics, and interact with clients well. this where your soft skills come into play.

Our Solutions.

How To Write A Compelling Accounting CV That Stands Out

Posted on 24 November 202227 February 2024 by Martina Quinn

Write an accounting cv that allows you to stand out

Even though you’re an expert with numbers, you might freeze when you read the job description for an accountant role because you know you need to write a standout Accounting CV and cover letter. Being invited to an interview in the competitive field of accounting is a major accomplishment and its your CV will help you get there.

How to Write an Accounting CV?

It’s critical that you comprehend the proper format when writing an accounting CV. Although hiring managers don’t like generic CVs, they nonetheless expect a particular format that is simple to scan. Here is a CV template that you may use, but first, let’s look at the proper organization.

Personal Details

At the beginning of your accounting CV, the necessary personal information is what hiring managers expect to see. Your full name, email address, phone number, and address should be provided. When completing online job applications, you could be required to provide additional information, such as your gender, birth date, and marital status, but only if specifically requested.

Accounting CV Bio

This is possibly the most important section of your resume. Employers typically decide at this point if they want to continue reading. Give yourself a two-sentence summary. It can be difficult to convey your best professional qualities in 50–60 words, but you must succeed.

Accounting CV Skills Section

List the qualifications that make you the best candidate for the position in this section. For example, possess strong IT skills, including knowledge of how to use the necessary programs. The hiring manager will examine many CVs, so you need to make sure yours stands out by writing something unique.
The following are the top accounting skills are in demand by employers in Ireland:

Experience with SAP and Oracle systems,
Experience working with a multinational, or big 4
Post-qualification experience.

Include Hard & Soft Skills on Your Accounting CV

An accountant must possess a wide range of skills. The secret is to just highlight your greatest skills that are relevant to the job description. Make a list of your hard and soft abilities before preparing your resume. Pick those who are most pertinent to the job description next. The following are a few of the most in-demand accounting skills:

Critically Thinking
Problem-Solving
Analysing Skills
Time Managment
Coordination
Systems Research
Communication Skills

Education & Qualifications

Ensure your qualifications stand out on your accounting CV — Ensure your qualifications stand out

Hiring managers need proof that you put in the effort in your schooling. Ensure that the most recent qualification is listed first. Include information about your Chartered Accountant status after receiving your Bachelor’s degree, for instance. Professional qualifications are quite important for an accountant’s cv.

Previous Employment

It is typically not required to add more than three jobs because space is at a premium. It is also better if you only include positions that have duties and abilities that can be transferred to the potential future employment. You can omit the brief period you spent working as a sales clerk and payroll accountant in the local off-license.

Interests and Hobbies

The CV’s least significant section, it shouldn’t make or break your application. However, it is still a good idea to dispel the myth that accountants lack personality. Additionally, it gives you a chance to fill in any knowledge gaps. You might, for instance, demonstrate your leadership abilities by demonstrating your role as a successful sports team captain.

References

Employers have been known to request up to four references on applications! Only professionals, educators, and employers should be listed in this section. Include the person’s name, job title, phone number, and, if available, the address of their company. You may also simply put available upon request and provide these details when you accept the job offer.

Accounting CV Example

PROFILE SUMMARY

John Doe
Jon.Doe@gmail.com
087-000000000

Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA), currently working as a Financial Analyst in Boston Scientific. Previously trained in PwC Corporate Audit department and as a Financial Accountant in Apple. Keen interest in the aviation industry, having studied the industry during my masters and worked on aviation clients in PwC.

EDUCATION

Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland (2016-2019)
ACA – Qualified Chartered Accountant

University of Limerick (2015-2016)
MSc in Asset Management – 2H1

University of Limerick (2011-2015)
Bachelor of Commerce – 2H1

St. Mnuchin’s (2006-2011)
Leaving Certificate – 480 points

EXPERIENCE

Bostin Scientific Jan 2022 – Current
Financial Analyst
• Responsible for setting up budgeting and forecasting templates for capital investments.
• Developed and automated financial models through Power BI dashboards.
• Present trending and variance analysis to the Board of Directors monthly.
• Supported the drawdown of the IDA grant and R&D tax credit.
• Developed monthly accrual forecasts for capitalisation, tax and revenue.
• Prepared and presented ROI analysis on technology projects and warehouse purchases.

Apple Cork Jan 2021 – Jan 22
Financial Accountant
• Perform KPI analysis on revenue trends driven by the current market conditions.
• Preparation and presentation of flux analysis to management comparing QoQ movements.
• Responsible for timely posting of accounting transactions ahead of quarter end & preparation of balance sheet recs on a quarterly basis.
• Projects: co-ordinating & implementing process automation to create efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP accounting rules along with SOX compliance.
• Responsible for posting journals daily and preparing rebates to customers.
• Strong knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office suite. Currently developing Tableau skills.
• Providing timely support to auditors.
• Developing strong relationships across multiple teams – tax, market finance & project managers.

PwC Philadelphia May 2020 – Jan 21
Assistant Manager (Corporate Audit)
• Awarded secondment to PwC Philadelphia office due to excellent ratings across all assigned engagements.

PwC Dublin Oct 2016 – May 20
Assistant Manager (Corporate Audit)
• Experience working as an audit senior. Completed all aspects of auditing financial statements including planning and fieldwork in line with US GAAP and IFRS.
• Planning and discussing audit approaches with relevant Engagement Managers and Engagement Leaders in advance of audits.
• Preparation of client communication documentation for presentation at board meetings.
• Keeping Engagement Manager/Partner informed as to the progress of the audit and any issues arising.
• Managing time efficiently to ensure all tasks were completed to meet group reporting deadlines.

Client Work

Description	Responsibilities	Turnover
Italian Management Company (IFRS)	-Experience leading the group reporting and statutory audit of 2 entities with multiple subsidiaries. -Based on job performance on other engagements, selected to lead challenging first year audit. -Performed substantive testing over key areas including revenue, payroll, intercompany, liabilities, PPE & cash.	€3bn Globally
US Management Company (US GAAP)	-Completed three years as a team member, leading the statutory audit of 7 EMEA entities. -Audited balances including revenue, payroll, intercompany, operating expenses, liabilities, accruals and PPE. -Audit senior leading and coaching a team of 4 junior team members across entities in Ireland, US, UK, Hong Kong and Japan.	$21bn Globally
London Real Estate and Private Equity Firm (IFRS)	-Completed four years as a member of the team, with responsibilities growing each year. -Co-senior leading an audit team of 8 with tight group-reporting deadlines. -Performed valuation testing on real estate, private equity and recalculations of performance fees. This involved reviewing discounted cash-flow models, co- ordinating with PwC corporate finance department and reviewing client valuation reports. -Provided coaching to junior staff and delegated audit work amongst team members.	£4bn Globally

Davy Stockbrokers Mar 2014 – Aug 2014
• As part of my Commerce degree, I undertook a 6-month work placement in the private client’s wealth management division supporting Davy Select and intermediary clients.

SKILLS
• IT: Proficient user of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI and Alteryx.
• Tutor: based on job performance, chosen to tutor new associates in PwC, helped prepare content of the course and presented to a group of 60 people over 3 days.
• Sport: Golf – Handicap of 1, Hurling
• Full and clean driving licence.

References available on request

Need Some Help With Your Accounting CV?

Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment specialises in the placement of qualified accountants up to executive level nationwide. Our teams have extensive experience (67 years combined) in recruiting in the Irish Market. We help you find the right accounting job that matches your experience and needs.

Our leading finance recruitment agency is based in Limerick, and we have excellent accounting and finance jobs in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. Check out some of our roles in our job portal.

Reach out to the team here in Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

8 Practical Reasons To Change Your Secure Accounting Job

Posted on 4 November 20224 November 2022 by Martina Quinn

The market is an accounting jobseekers market right now — The market is a jobseekers market right now

Why didn’t you change your accounting job this year? What is preventing you from seeking out a new position that better satisfies your needs? A position offering greater compensation, benefits, flexibility, and career prospects?

We switched from a employers to a job seekers market over the last two years. There has been a change from candidates almost being able to pick and choose where they can work. Accounting jobs are plentiful but there is a shortage of supply of fully qualified accountants.

Right now, the Great Resignation, the skills gap, and Covid’s effects are causing the personnel scarcity to spread to numerous other industries. Employers’ difficulties in hiring are not improving. Particularly for hiring managers in the finance industry, where 82% of them cite hiring accountants as their greatest challenge..

Just over two years ago we were being warned by the ERSI that we will face the largest recession in history when lockdown was being implemented. However, the post-Covid economic collapse that was expected never happened. In actuality, the opposite happened.

According to Irishjobs.ie, the job market is still expanding strongly in the majority of sectors, with job openings rising 119% on a yearly basis. All these facts lead us to ask our original question Why didn’t you change your accounting job this year? Below is our list of 8 reasons why you should change your secure accounting job.

The Skills Gap Within Accounting Jobs

The majority of LinkedIn users move jobs, companies, or industries every 4 years, making it the exception rather than the rule to stay with one for your whole career. Staying in the same role for many years often leaves employees unmotivated, uninspired and performance levels don’t reach levels required. Often accountants are over worked due skills shortages to meet the demands within the industry.

Flexible Work Options

Employers are not just expanding the work-from-home model because many employees are eager to return to the workplace. You can customise flexible work to meet your needs for a healthy work-life balance. This can range from an individualized hybrid working paradigm to working periodically during the year from a different country.

Employers are paying closer attention to what their employees require. And instead of the conventional expectation that individuals fit their lives around their job duties, they are enabling people to fit their work around their lives.

Increased Annual Leave Days

Many employers are providing more days off for their staff. Some examples include having your birthday off. Multinationals such as Netflix have adopted an unlimited time off policies.

4 Day Workweek

A four-day workweek is an experiment being conducted by Kickstarter and other businesses. Employees are expected to work just as hard and will be paid equally. Trials conducted in Iceland between 2015 and 2019 revealed that production remained constant or even rose. Future-thinking companies should be open to negotiating a four-day workweek as further experiments are conducted in Spain and New Zealand.

Well-being and Mental Health

The pandemic has really brought attention to the importance of mental health and wellness. A crucial first step for managers and HR (Human Resource) is acknowledging the stress that employees are experiencing. Providing resources to assist workers in coping with burnout and other mental health concerns is also important.

Increased leave and flexibility as well as mental health treatment through wellness are crucial strategies for reducing work-related stress. Nowadays, it makes sense to have a solid wellness program that allows employees to have a better work-life balance.

Joining a gym or participating in other activities should be included of employee benefits packages. Think about your priorities and bring them up when dealing with recruiting managers or recruiters.

Access To Accounting Leadership

Employees anticipate that their profession will matter and have meaning. People who are happier, healthier, and less prone to switch roles at work are more productive.

People can better comprehend the purpose of their job by having access to leadership and decision-makers. They can also coordinate their individual ambitions with those of the businesses. It offers workers a strong sense of belonging, which raises morale, and it enables leadership to receive sincere input.

Continuous Accounting Professional Development

A business catchphrase is now “learning is a lifelong process.” The half-life of a taught talent is five years, and for good reason. As automation and the impact of technology increase, “major changes to the working environment” will occur during the next ten years and what it means for accounting jobs.

Success requires ongoing skill development. However, balancing L&D with the demands of work and life can be quite difficult. especially if workers believe the options aren’t sufficient to suit their needs.
Personalized L&D packages with predetermined time and financial budgets are less of a perk and more of a need. Especially for businesses trying to hire and keep talented, engaged, and motivated staff.

Family Care

Women make about 80% of people exiting the workforce. The quantity of household and childcare work that women are expected to perform after working a full day at the office is one of the key contributors.
Employers looking to retain this talent or attract women who are on the verge of quitting their jobs can provide family-related benefits.

Consider these three crucial areas: childcare support (whether financial or time-related). giving upskilling more time to resume their work after a break equal parental leave for men and women would level the playing field.

Stock Purchase Options

An established business with consistent development and obvious career advancement offers a sense of long-term security that a start-up simply cannot match.
Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying, “With great danger comes great profit,” though. It takes a strong person to take the risk of joining a newly founded firm with enormous aspirations, endless possibility, and an uncertain course.

However, especially in terms of stock options, the rewards might be amazing. a benefit that many start-ups provide since they lack the resources and infrastructure necessary to compete with well-established companies.

At least three Irish start-ups have become unicorn billion-dollar businesses in the past two years. Others have been bought and sold for millions of dollars. Investing in one of these businesses early could result in financial success. Whatever happens, it will be a challenging experience.

To Summarise

When it comes to negotiating new employment in a new accounting job, candidates are at a distinct advantage due to the spike in job advertising and lack of applicants. The epidemic has altered an employer’s overall approach to several facets of work, including flexibility, wellness, and learning and development. Employers will need to use more innovative strategies to draw in and keep talent given that over 41% of workers worldwide are considering leaving their jobs.

Workers are in a distinct position, especially those with experience in industries with high demand. Don’t let worries or preconceived notions prevent you from exploring what is possible in the modern workplace.

Need Some Help?

Our leading finance recruitment agency is based in Limerick, and we have excellent accounting and finance jobs in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. Check out some of our roles in our job portal.

Reach out to the team here in Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

Writing The Best Accounting Job Ad That Will Increase Hiring

Posted on 13 October 202213 October 2022 by Martina Quinn

Writing great job adverts will help attract the best accountants — Writing great accounting job adverts will help attract the best accountants

You have an accounting job opening, you need a new accountant and a thorough job description has already been written. You must now draw attention to the position; but, do you know how to create an accounting job advertisement that will increase your hiring?

In addition to encouraging talented accountants to apply, a well-written accounting job posting will help you create your company’s brand and a solid talent pool of future prospects.

Put yourself in the shoes of your ideal new accountant before you begin drafting the accounting job advertisement. What would you want to see on an the ad for your future job? Which language is most appealing to you? What facts will catch your attention?

Consider what makes your business distinct once you’ve written down a few ideas. Consider your own motivations for working there. You are the person best suited to discuss your business, what you do as an organization, and why you do it.

Even though it’s an old cliché, first impressions do matter. There’s a good chance that this job posting is the prospective accountants first contact with your business.

Accounting Job Ad Vs Accounting Job Description

There is some key differences between the accounting job ad and accounting job description — There is some key differences between the job ad and job description

It is vital to understand the differences between the accounting job advertisement and the accounting job description before we begin the writing process. Despite their close resemblance, they must constantly be recognized from one another. Here’s how…

The majority of the job description is internal and outlines the duties that the chosen candidate will perform. One of the initial phases in a company’s hiring procedure is it.

The accounting job advertisement is external and is intended to “sell” the opening by emphasizing the role’s desirable outcomes for candidates.

What to Include in The Accounting Job Advert

Here are six crucial points to concentrate on when creating your job advertisement because, as was previously mentioned, the individual reading it may have never heard of your organization before:

Job Title – While jargon, acronyms, and internal titles may be widespread in your organization, others may not understand what they imply. The secret is to avoid using them.

Pro tip: Consider the search terms a jobseeker would enter into Google. They might enter “accountant jobs” or “accountant ninja,” respectively. The latter is rarely the case.

Selling Features – Following the job title, you should immediately discuss the important selling points of the accounting position, such as what makes the position so amazing and why candidates would adore working for your business. Once more, think about it from the standpoint of the prospect. What do the people in your target demographic value most in their careers?

Pro Tip: Why not ask your present staff members what they enjoy most about their work and the organization, then include that information in your job advertisements? On Glassdoor, you can also find reviews.

3. Summary – The selling elements grab the attention of the reader, but this section of the accounting job ad should let your ideal candidate see themselves in the role. Use concrete language, succinct sentences, and action verbs throughout.

4. Salary – This is a critical component of the accounting job description that candidates look for. Even if you might not want to overtly advertise the pay, those who do typically receive a lot more applications (unsurprisingly). If you absolutely don’t want to mention your pay, think about offering a larger salary range.

5. Location—Being more descriptive here makes a significant effect. Could you give a more specific area rather than simply the city? Include the possibility of working remotely as well, if available.

Job Details – Be as specific as possible about the position so that anyone reading it understands exactly what it entails, to whom it reports, what success looks like, and the prospects for advancement it offers.

When all of this information that applicants will need to know is cohesively woven together, you will have the makings of an excellent accounting job advertisement!

Some examples of excellent accounting job adverts.

How can you ensure that you provide sufficient context to your accounting audience?

Catch the attention of your target accounting audience — Catch the attention of your target audience

After going over the essential details you should always provide in a job advertisement, let’s discuss how you can contextualize it further and give it more life so it catches the attention of prospective hires.

First, briefly explain why you’re hiring. Is the department in question functioning well, is the business as a whole expanding, or do you need a certain set of talents that the current staff lacks?

Next, concentrate a little more on the business itself. Although this may have been covered under the “selling points,” you should tell the reader about your organization, why it’s a fantastic place to work, and any intriguing details that can draw in potential candidates.

Thirdly, mention a few advantages the chosen candidate will receive. Nowadays, people tend to pay much more attention to the perks they will receive than than their wage, even if the latter is still very important.

If you provide employees with a comprehensive list of benefits, this is the time to highlight them!

Finally, describe the perfect candidate for the position. Don’t forget to mention personality type and the kinds of values you expect each employee to uphold, as well as the essential abilities and qualifications. While the latter is more “company-wide,” there may be some traits that would be particularly advantageous to possess for the role.

Here, you might also go into detail about the application procedure, including how many steps there will be and when and where the interviews will be held.

Last but not least put a call to action in there. Depending on where you post the job advertisement, this might be anything. A simple “Apply Now” will do if the platform permits direct applications, but it’s always a good idea to include your email address and other contact information in case someone needs to get in touch with you.

How to write a “transparent” accounting job advertisement and why it might help you identify your ideal applicant.

In a nutshell, a straightforward job posting lacks any filler or sugar-coating. It’s a little bit different, but it’s said to draw better, more docile candidates.

You should consider the following if you want to produce a radically transparent job advert:

Describe “a day in the life” of this job.
Show the requirements for achieving quantifiable goals.
Describe why a top applicant would be drawn to this position.
Give the hiring manager a brief bio
Make the salary known.

Example Of An Excellent Job Advert

An example of an excellent accounting job advert

Time to start writing your Accounting Job Ad…

It’s time for you to start creating a accounting job advertisement for your opening now that you’ve read about how to make your job advertisement enticing and seen a few instances of that in action.

Need Some Help?

As a part of our recruitment services, we also provide writing and advertising for accounting job ads.

Our leading finance recruitment agency is based in Limerick, and we have excellent accounting and finance jobs in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. Check out some of our roles in our job portal.

Reach out to the team here in Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

Newly Qualified Accounts Are Earning More From Their Accounting Jobs

Posted on 22 September 202222 September 2022 by Martina Quinn

A recent survey published by Chartered Accountants Ireland shows that newly qualified accounting jobs have increased by 3%. This is up 6% percent from the previous year. Newly qualified chartered accountants receive on average a base salary of €58,967, car allowance, plus a bonus.

Increase in Accountant’s Salaries

Accountants salaries are rising in their accounting jobs — Accountants salaries are rising

Most members stated that their total remuneration has increased by 86% in the past three years. 37% of respondents, or more, reported that their wage has increased by more than 25% this year in their accounting jobs.

A pension is available to 88% of members, up from 85% in 2021 and 2020, with companies paying an average of 9% of members’ salaries. The pension contribution is the component of their compensation that 51% of respondents value the greatest after their base pay.

Accounting Jobs Bonus Expectations

67%) stated they anticipated receiving a bonus this year from their accounting job — 67%) stated they anticipated receiving a bonus this year,

Despite the fact that fewer chartered accountants (60%) compared to (67%) stated they anticipated receiving a bonus this year, the study indicated that members’ outlooks were more upbeat than in recent years.

Approximately 83% of Chartered Accountants Ireland members stated they anticipated a rise in their overall compensation during the upcoming year, with nearly a fifth (18%) anticipating an increase of more than 10%.

Four in five accounting respondents (79%) think the market will continue to grow, which is a big improvement over 2021 (67%) and 2020 (25%) when the Covid-19 pandemic first appeared.

“This year’s survey shows a number of very positive market trends. It points to continued strong earning prospects for Chartered Accountants working across Leinster, including for newly qualified members,” said Ann Marie Costello, chairwoman of Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society.

“While expectations around bonus payments have fallen back somewhat, overall remuneration packages are rising across the board, and the vast majority of those surveyed remain confident that salaries will increase again in the year ahead and that there is buoyancy in the market,” she said.

Flexible & Hybrid Working in Accounting & Finance Jobs

Work from home options are more common in accounting jobs

The study also captured a broader trend toward flexible and hybrid working arrangements for accounting jobs. The most common option was a hybrid arrangement, which 73% of members said their company supports, while 13% of members work from home full-time.

A healthy work/life balance is supported by their employer, according to almost 80% of respondents, in a non-monetary way by allowing them to work from home. 36% of Chartered Accountants Ireland members claim they are working more hours at home than when working in the office, down from 48% in 2021.

A healthy work/life balance is supported by employers, according to 4 out of 5 members, in a non-financial way by allowing employees to work from home.

Martina Quinn Managing Director Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment said “The findings from this survey indicates that employers have adapted well to new ways of working. We are seeing this in the market as many of clients are offering remote working and hybrid working models for accountants and finance professionals. Its also reassuring to see newly qualified accountants being offered great packages after years of study and working to become qualified. Once again, we are seeing these excellent packages being offered to our newly qualified candidates regularly”

Enhanced Accounting and Finance Skills

Working from home has improved accountants skills

The survey also identifies some of the beneficial and long-lasting effects that the pandemic had on accounting jobs:

According to 3 out of 4 respondents, the pandemic has not fundamentally altered their employment as a chartered accountant in their organization, but rather improved methods of operation and skill sets.

3 out of 5 people think that switching to remote work has improved their ability to communicate with others in their organization and improved their performance in their accounting jobs. More than half (53%) claim that switching to remote working improved their IT and finance software skills and 50% claim that it boosted their presenting skills.

Huge Opportunities in the Accounting Jobs & The Finance Jobs Market

The outlook for accounting jobs is very positive

The survey conducted by Chartered Accountants Ireland reflects what we have been experiencing in the market. Newly qualified accountants are being offered some great packages which consist of excellent salaries and benefits. One of which is work from home and hybrid working options which would never be on offer to accountants.

Employment for accounting and finance professionals is projected to grow. The demand for accountants in Ireland is on the rise with the following sectors experiencing growth in 2022:

Practice, audit, tax, advisory, corporate finance
Pharmaceutical and healthcare
Technology and fintech
Financial Services/Insurance
FMCG and transport
Energy

Our Solutions

Our leading finance recruitment agency is based in Limerick, and we have excellent accounting and finance jobs in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. Check out some of our roles in our job portal.

Reach out to the team here in Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

Get The Finance Candidates You Deserve – A Guide

Posted on 1 September 20221 September 2022 by Martina Quinn

Top accounting and finance organizations are reporting that it is challenging to source employees with the necessary skillset.

Getting the right candidates is proving difficult for accounting and finance organisations

Due to a high demand and a limited supply, finding qualified accounting and finance specialists is difficult. It’s critical now more than ever that financial recruiters understand how to locate and hire talent in today’s competitive employment market given that jobs in the finance industry are predicted to grow to 50% hiring intention rate.

According to CPA Ireland who estimates a shortfall of almost 15,000 trainees in the accountancy profession over the last decade. This has led to a shortage in quality qualified candidates in the market.

To help you in your search for excellent hires, we’ve broken down the main recruitment challenges such as:

Lack of qualified candidates
Skills shortages
Intense competition for talent
Quick and ever evolving digital landscape

In this article we will share tips to overcome these challenges and land great hires for your business.

Develop Your Company Employer Brand:

If you want to compete for top talent and stand out in the financial industry, you must invest in your company’s employment brand name. Find out how your potential new hires view your brand and what information they are most interested in learning.

Developing your employee brand is crucial to attract at retain top accountants and finance professionals

Recognize how it differs from what you are demonstrating to them. Try to alter their presumptions as much as you can to ultimately draw in more prospects.

Keep in mind that you’re competing with fledgling fintech start-ups, who probably have a fun, interesting employer brand. You must promote your business to your ideal candidates if you want to be truly competitive.

Use Recruitment Marketing Techniques For Hiring

The process of hiring continues after you establish your employer brand. To create a sizable pool of qualified candidates for present and future job openings and prospects, you should concentrate on targeted tactics.

Using recruitment marketing methods is a sure-fire way to draw in interested job seekers, but in order to do it successfully, you need to be innovative and think outside the box. It is a great technique to get and keep their attention to offer them pertinent electronic content and interesting employment ads.

Think outside the box to attract top accounting and finance talent to your organisation

Additionally, you can utilize technological tools like programmatic job advertising (often known as recruiting “bots”) to help you get your job openings in front of the appropriate candidates. This will enable you to target your ideal clients.

In order to significantly increase their ability to attract digital talent, 24% of firms in the financial services sector change brand perception through marketing and advertising according to PWC

Expand Your Sourcing Processes

You need to be looking in all the right places if you want to find the best financial services experts out there. Expanding your sourcing options is a terrific place to start because of this, but it might be easier said than done.

Make sure to promote your opportunities in as many pertinent locations as you can, including social media platforms and online job boards. Additionally, you can use LinkedIn to upload positions and try to source people.

Use as many different sources as you can to find prospects. A terrific way to meet entry-level applicants is to attend college and university graduation fairs and other recruiting events.

Establish a Graduate Employment Strategy.

One of the largest employers of entry-level workers is the financial solutions industry. Because of this, the majority of financial companies today use a graduate employment strategy to identify recent graduates who are just starting their careers.

While it is a great start, it is insufficient to retain momentum after you get them on board or to compete in such a competitive employment market. Establish a process for employing graduates from universities, but don’t just stop there.

Create a graduate programme that enables graduates to become future leaders in your business

Continuously work to improve their abilities and develop them into future leaders who will undoubtedly advance your business. “Train people well enough so they may leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want,” as Richard Branson once famously said.

Apply Inclusive Hiring Practices

It is clear that the finance sector has diversity issues. According to a recent study, fewer than 25% of people are aware that their companies are actively working to hire more women and people from ethnic minorities. There is always room for improvement even if finance organizations are making slow but steady progress in hiring even more diverse candidates.

You can utilize a variety of techniques to make your efforts at inclusive employment better. For instance, try crafting thorough job postings to attract a diverse pool of applicants and employ the principles of blind hiring to eliminate unconscious bias.

Make it a point to hire people based on their qualifications and skill sets to make sure they closely match what you’re looking for.

It’s critical to keep in mind that communicating your initiatives to both current and potential employees can help your inclusion and diversity policies as you grow your workforce. There is still a long way to go, but financial organizations are attempting to increase diversity in their workforce.

Create A Network of Corporate Alumni

When it comes to recruitment there should be a heavy emphasis on hiring experienced professionals and mid-career professionals not just young personnel and recent graduates. Due to their anxiety that history would repeat itself, many former employees left the sector during the economic downturn and never returned.

But why cut all ties with experienced finance specialists when lines of communication can easily be put in place. Maintaining contact with outstanding individuals is a great idea if you want to create a corporate alumni network that enables you to connect with former workers who left under favourable circumstances.

Consider creating a networking group on Facebook or LinkedIn that you can use to connect with former employees who might be hired again.

Job and Employee Growth Programmes.

It’s fantastic for your company to find and hire the appropriate people, but what do you do with them once they start working? You must have a suitable program for ongoing professional development that benefits you, your new hires, and your current personnel.

Create a suitable program for ongoing professional development that benefits you, your new hires, and your current personnel.

The foundation of your company’s employee growth proposition is a well-functioning development program, which is a great method to show your dedication to assisting employees in advancing their roles and careers.

Remember that having thorough hiring procedures in place is not enough; you also need to provide your team with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary for them to grow professionally. Your commitment to creating an inclusive workplace must be genuine and sincere.

Connect Online

We have access to a variety of technology tools, therefore it only makes sense to use them while making employment decisions. It is quite effective to connect with job candidates via email and social media platforms,

Use LinkedIn to find accounting and finance professionals who are already actively looking for new roles

Social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent places to engage with potential customers. According to a LinkedIn research, 49% of professionals contact with businesses on social media networks primarily to advance their job search. Why not therefore find them there where they are already actively looking?

Set Up an Employee Referral Programme.

Employee recommendations are a great approach to recruit new employees. By saving costs on candidate sourcing, this method shortens the time needed to fill a vacancy. Additionally, you’ll hire new workers that already fit in well with your current team and company culture, making the situation all around advantageous.

Use A Trusted Specialist Finance Recruitment Agency.

Competition is fierce and talent is scarce. To find the best individuals for finance jobs, you must be confident in your recruitment strategies. Everything starts with explaining to them what it means for your company to hire both recent graduates and seasoned employees.

Let us take the pain away from the accounting and finance recruitment task

The simple solution is to leave it to the specialists, like us, If you think you lack the specialized knowledge or just don’t have the time since you are already juggling many jobs already, Once you’ve done that, everything else will be simple to arrange, and you’ll soon be recruiting A-list employees.

Our Solutions

What Separates Good Accountants from Great Accountants

Posted on 4 August 20224 August 2022 by Martina Quinn

Accountants are considered essential cogs in the wheel of an organisation as they are responsible for variety of tasks inside a business. Business choices can be significantly impacted by even a seemingly minor error made by accountants, such as forgetting or adding an extra digit, misplacing a decimal, or any other similar mistake.

Balancing of the accountant’s books serve as a foundation for company decisions and a way to gauge an organization’s financial health. Therefore, it’s crucial for accountants to have a few traits that would enable them to excel in their roles

Below is a list of seven qualities that the ideal accountant should possess.

Attention To Detail

This quality is crucial since accountants must make sure the figures; they are using are accurate. Accountants shouldn’t need reminding to be careful and precise; it should come naturally to them.

According to data from Chartered Accountants Ireland, the majority of accountants work full-time, and many more put in over 40 hours per week. Accidental mistakes like incorrect manual entry or omitting a digit are simple to make, but attention to detail is what sets the great apart from the good. A minor error can have a big impact, therefore saving them sets you distinct.

Practical

Great accountants possess a growth-oriented proactive practical mindset. They should be keen to identify inefficiencies and make immediate improvements.

Outstanding Accountants should be focused on determining the problems or difficulties that they or their company are experiencing and working to resolve them. It not only benefits the organization but also keeps them at the forefront of their field.

Great accountants are goal-oriented by nature, accountants are constantly considering where the organization will be in the next five years and what has to be done to get there.

Reliability

The accounting department is one of the most valuable sectors for an organization. People responsible for the company’s financial records and data can alter the numbers for their own gain in addition to the accuracy that is expected of them.

It typically happens in places where an employee has access to change financial records. But you never know when old ghosts from auditing will return to haunt them. In order to uphold standards and adhere to accounting principles, it is crucial for accountants to have integrity and are reliable and trustworthy.

Only those with an innate sense of right and wrong are suited for this line of work.

Leadership

A strong leader understands how to guide, instruct, and be approachable to their staff. There must be a balance between leading by example and taking command, in addition to being a member of the team.

It requires persistence, self-assurance, and delegation skills. Long-term planning and strategic thinking are also included in the list of leadership abilities for accountants. The capacity to anticipate needs is essential because consulting services are offered by numerous accounting firms.

Structured and Well-Organised

Being organized would make a significant impact in an accountant’s everyday activities because they frequently deal with enormous volumes of data and deal with figures for numerous clients. If they are organized, they can handle their workload and be more efficient.

Being organised is hugely important to an accountant and finance professional

Setting priorities is important, but so is maintaining a tidy desk and email folder. If there is a lot of work, they should feel at ease picking what needs to be done right away and what can wait until another day.

Communication Skills

This is a skill that accountants frequently neglect. The ability to properly convey and interpret complex accounting concepts to others who are not familiar with financial jargon yet require them for decision-making is essential for a skilled accountant.

The processes used to create reports needed for decision-making are also discussed by the accountant with clients. They must also collaborate closely with auditors, who examine accounting records for correctness and make purchasing or investing decisions.

Time Management

Accountants must manage a variety of activities while using a decision-making process to do everything on time. The accountants’ financial data is used by the corporation to guide a number of crucial choices.

Being able to perform and work to deadlines is a must for finance ang accounting professionals

This information can be deemed irrelevant if it is not delivered on time. A competent accountant establishes an organized system that enables work to be completed and filed on schedule. Their capacity for meeting deadlines and setting priorities is what propels them forward.

Conclusion

It should go without saying that being a great accountant needs a lot of work and the essential personality traits of a successful person.

Accountants must to be able to develop extraordinary talents, demonstrating to their clients that they are trying to better both their present and their future.

Good accountants are well-versed in both internal and external financial reporting requirements, and they know how to meet them. They are trustworthy, accurate, and pertinent. They are familiar with a variety of solutions to uncommon accounting issues.

Outstanding accountants have the ability to observe, understand, conclude, and interpret in the face of complicated financial crisis circumstances. They are aware of and skilled in evaluating numerous best-practice solutions to issues that frequently or recently arise for them. They have a remarkable aptitude for subjects where numerical data dominates.

Here at Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment where we have many years experience working with the best accountants in the industry have noticed that the best accountants have abilities not only to solve financial brainteasers, but it’s also the ability to translate environmental knowledge into organized problems and rebuild problematic situations such that they are logically solvable. They are also able to communicate their findings in a way that everyone in the organisation or their clients who don’t come from financial backgrounds understand.

Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment specialises in the placement of qualified accountants up to executive level nationwide,

When making decisions in those ambiguous situations, the best accountants put themselves in the position of the financials report reader. They do this while still producing elegant reports suitable for those who need the information most.