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What Are Employers Looking For In An Accountant?

By Ruoro Kairu 

With the number of fresh graduates joining the workforce continually increasing, there’s an all-time high competition at the market place.

Most employers are looking for professionals who not only have academic qualifications but also have the practical skills to effectively perform tasks assigned.

In the accounting field, for instance, whilst there are thousands of ready accountants actively looking for jobs, an employer might be hesitant to employ you.

As an accounting professional, how employable are you? How engaging are your skills, experience, and qualifications?

Have you been sending your CV to employers and recruitment agencies but you don’t hear back from them? Here is what employers are looking for.

1. Education and certification

In most accounting jobs, it is a requirement for you to have studied a course closely related to accounting. Furthermore, you need to be licensed by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Kenya.

The education you get while in school will largely impact your skills and knowledge in the workplace.

Sometimes, we will receive an application from a job seeker. They may be looking for a job in the accounting field, yet they do not have the relevant education qualification and certification.

As a general rule, you should always apply for jobs you’re passionate about, and you qualify to at least 80% of the requisite qualifications. If you apply for every job you come across, you may be disappointed not to hear back from the employer or recruitment agency.

Also Read>>> Major Reasons To Update Your Accounting Skills Today

2. Software and accounting programs proficiency

The digital era came forth with a wave of changes and advancements in the accounting field. Unlike the past, a book, pen, and calculator will not work.

Most companies have turned to accounting software such as QuickBooks, Wingu, and Sage. Do you have a thorough understanding of one or more of this software? If not, an employer could easily pass your application by.

If you are looking to learn, you can start with QuickBooks which is one of the most used accounting software today. Enroll in our practical accounting class to learn how to use QuickBooks.

Microsoft Excel is another popular program. As some call it, it is the backbone of accounting. It essentially supports most software. How advanced is your knowledge of Excel? Learning Advanced Excel will greatly increase your chances of getting your dream accounting job.

Quick Read>>> 4 Accounting Skills You Won’t Learn In College

3. Practical accounting skills

Accounting is a highly practical profession. Before an employer can decide if they should consider your application or not, they will first look at your ability to practically execute skill such as:

  • Using QuickBooks
  • Preparing year end statutory accounts
  • Online Payroll Processing
  • Filing corporation tax return
  • Preparing a set of management accounts

How well can you execute these tasks that could potentially make or break your chances of getting an accounting job?

To learn these and more useful skills in the accounting field, enroll for the Practical Accounting Training starting on March 25th.

Have a query? Reach us on 0718-610023.