Accounts Jobs - What are Employers Looking For?

Securing the right accounts jobs. Any economy, even those battered by financial turmoil, needs accounting staff. All companies - public or private - need to have their finances organized and financial statements prepared and analyzed.

Attaining success in your search for the right accounts jobs is not just about your qualifications and experience it is also about your competencies and character traits. When you go on interviews for accounting jobs you can expect a mixed bag of interview questions that explore both your skills and experience to provide the required financially related services to the employer and the degree to which you display the key competencies or behaviors required for successful job performance.

The ideal candidate for accounts jobs is a person who possesses both the necessary functional competencies and personal competencies. Functional competencies refer to the technical competencies required to perform the job and personal competencies refer to the attitudes and behaviors of the candidate that contribute to success in the position.

Functional competencies for accounts jobs include good problem-solving and decision making skills. Accounting candidates must be able to make decisions based on logical assumptions and factual information. They should be able to objectively consider the issues, consider alternatives, consider all pertinent facts and weigh the impact of the alternatives before committing to the most appropriate action and solution.

Another functional competence is that of risk analysis and control. The candidate must be able to evaluate controls and take corrective action where necessary. The ability to implement measurement criteria is a required functional competence. The candidate should demonstrate how he or she is able to identify what needs to be measured and then determine the most relevant and reliable method of measurement.

Reporting is an essential part of an accounting job. Communicating findings and recommendations, preparing reports with objectivity and clarity and ensuring accurate conclusions and findings are integral to success in these positions.

Information collection and monitoring is a key functional competency. Many accounting jobs depend on obtaining and reviewing relevant information from inside and outside the organization. The job candidate should demonstrate strong research and data gathering skills, the ability to evaluate and analyze this data and apply it accordingly.

The ability to utilize technology to support and improve organizational systems is another key requirement in accounts jobs. Knowledge and understanding of relevant accounting applications will be explored in the job interview.

Personal competencies are those behaviors which facilitate the successful performance of the candidate in the accounting position.

These include a strong orientation for detail and quality. This manifests as careful attention paid to all aspects of task and job  accomplishment , no matter how small,  and the close monitoring and checking of work outputs for accuracy and completeness.

The ability to interact effectively with others is critical to success in the job. Accounting professionals need to be able to work with others to successfully accomplish job and organizational objectives. Included is the ability to work with diverse people, build relationships and contribute to team and organizational success.

Good communication skills facilitates productive relationships both internally to the organization and externally with suppliers and clients.  Information needs to be communicated in a clear manner that is easily understood by non accounting people. Job candidates should possess the necessary skills to give and exchange information both verbally and in writing.

Stress tolerance and the ability to maintain a stable work performance under pressure are necessary in these type of positions. Candidates must demonstrate appropriate coping techniques and show how they are able to reduce job stress in an acceptable and productive manner.

Integrity is another key personal behavior. Accounting job candidates should be able to maintain and promote social and ethical norms in conducting their business. They should behave in a manner that is consistent with the character and standards of the accounting profession as well as the standards of the organization. The ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to policies and regulations is included.

The motivation to acquire new skills and knowledge and strive for self improvement can be considered a necessary personal competency. A commitment to personal growth is evident in activities the candidate undertakes to learn and apply new knowledge and skills.

Interviewing for accounts jobs can be made a great deal easier by preparing yourself and ensuring that you present the relevant functional and personal competencies to the prospective employer. Use the Accounting Job Interview Guide to view free sample interview questions and answers to help with your job interview preparation.