To thrive as an accountant you need several key characteristics: attention to detail, logic and problem-solving, a hard work ethic, and leadership skills.
Good leadership is an often-overlooked trait among accounting professionals, but it is absolutely vital in an industry that depends upon collaboration and heavy workloads. But what does good leadership in the world of accountancy look like? And what techniques, mindsets, and habits can accountants put into practice to ensure they are leading effectively?
In this article, we’ll be dissecting what makes an effective leader, and how accountants and level-up their existing skill set. Whether you’re C-suite, a team manager, or looking ahead to your own professional development, read on to learn our top tips.
Work on Communication
If you have targets you want to reach and goals you’d like to achieve, then it’s absolutely vital that you learn how to communicate with other stakeholders. No matter how many people there are in your team, if you’re unable to explain what you want them to do and how you want it to be done, you’ll never manage to meet your objectives.
So, be as clear and direct as possible in all forms of communication. That means checking written messages for typos and grammatical errors, and ensuring that your speech is concise and explicit. It’s also a good idea to get to know what styles of communication each of your co-workers prefers, so you can lean into the method of comms that works best for them.
Inspire With Positivity
No matter what your job is, or your team goal, or what obstacles you face, a negative attitude will make things worse. In accounting, the mindset of a team trickles down from the top, and an unhappy or aggressive leader will have a hard time motivating their workforce.
So, try to make the work experience positive for your team. Recognise the work that others do, keep them on-track with compliments and encouragement when they are duly deserved, and try to empathise with the struggles and hardship of others. Doing so will make it far more likely that your colleagues will be willing to go the extra mile for you.
Lead by Example
If you intend to be an effective leader, you need to set and maintain the standards you want to see in others. If you make sure your own work is delivered in a timely manner and to a high standard, it’s more likely those you manage will follow suit.
Try to resolve disputes or misunderstandings in a respectable and humble way, and take responsibility on those occasions where you fall short of the mark. Doing so will go a long way towards earning the respect of others, and encourage them to emulate your example.
Mentor Others
An effective leader needs to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the team they manage so they can get the best out of them. They also work to nurture the skills of their workforce and support their professional development.
It’s crucial that you make yourself accessible to those you manage and are sincere about furthering their career goals — either by enabling their education, mentoring them yourself, or delegating more responsibilities onto them where you see fit.
Never stop learning
Effective leaders need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances, and the accounting industry is always in a state of flux. The best way to be adaptable in this environment is by always taking a proactive approach to your own learning and career development.
Continuing education might mean attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, or watching informative videos to stay up to date. You could also regularly read published articles, blog posts, whitepapers, and newsletters from established thought leaders in the accounting field.
Keep Yourself up-to-date with INAA
INAA is committed to empowering accountancy professionals to reach their full potential. Our continuing educational programs enable accountants to stay current with industry developments, improve technical skills, adapt to ethical and legal changes, and meet certification requirements. We’re dedicated to enhancing our members’ career opportunities and fostering the professional and personal growth needed to be a winning leader.
As an association with more than 140 members worldwide, INAA firmly believes that continuing education is not just an option but a strategic investment in one’s career and the key to long-term success.
Are you interested in furthering your knowledge and becoming a more effective leader? Apply for your membership today.