12 Business Training Skills to Help You Stand Out in the Job Market

A career in business accounting can be highly rewarding and stable, but success in this field requires more than just a head for numbers. Aspiring accountants often ask questions like “What skills are needed for accounting?” The answer is that a good accountant needs a blend of strong technical knowledge and well-honed soft skills to manage financial data and communicate effectively. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the top skills needed, from the hard skills you should highlight on a resume to the personal qualities that make an accountant effective.

12 Key Skills For Business Accountants

6 Essential Technical (Hard) Skills for Accountants

Technical skills, also known as hard skills, are the job-specific abilities and knowledge that every accountant should have. These are typically learned through education, certification, or on-the-job training. Below is a structured list of key technical skills needed in business accounting, along with why each skill is important:

Pro Tip: When listing technical skills on your resume, be specific. Instead of mentioning “Skilled in Accounting Software”, mention the name of the accounting software you’ve used (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and any certifications (like CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or software-specific credentials) you hold. This shows employers you have verifiable expertise.

6 Crucial Soft Skills for a Successful Accountant

Success in accounting isn’t just about debits and credits – it also depends on how you work and interact with others. Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal skills that enable you to work effectively in a team and handle the challenges of the job. Here are some top soft skills that make a good accountant:

Accounting Software and Certifications

In today’s tech-driven workplace, accounting professionals must be comfortable with various software tools and should consider certifications to boost credibility. Here are a few important tools and credentials:

• Excel & Accounting Software: Proficiency with spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel and popular accounting programs like QuickBooks is essential for bookkeeping and financial analysis. Being able to use functions, formulas, and accounting systems streamlines work.
• ERP Systems: Larger companies use ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, which integrate accounting with other business functions. Experience with ERP software is valuable if you aim to work in corporate accounting.

As for the certifications, usually employers don’t ask for credentials for entry-level roles; however, obtaining professional credentials like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can greatly enhance your career prospects. 

How Can I Gain These Skills?

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in business accounting, building both your technical and soft skills is essential. The quickest and most effective way to do this is through a comprehensive, career-focused program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and personalized support.

CCI Training Center Business and Accounting Program is expertly designed to equip you with the exact skills top employers seek—from solid fundamentals to the advanced tools and strategies needed in today’s workforce.

Showcasing Accounting Skills on Your Resume

Knowing the right skills is one thing, but effectively highlighting these skills on your resume is another. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will be looking for both the technical keywords and evidence of soft skills. Here are some tips and examples for showcasing your accounting skills on a resume:

• Create a Skills Section: List relevant hard and soft skills, tailored to the job description. For example, include technical skills like “Financial Reporting (GAAP), Account Reconciliation, Excel & QuickBooks” as well as soft skills like “Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, Communication.”
• Use Action Verbs and Results: In your experience bullet points, mention accomplishments that demonstrate these skills. Quantify results when possible. For instance:
  • “Managed accounts payable and receivable using QuickBooks, ensuring 100% on-time vendor payments and accurate month-end closing.”
  • “Prepared financial statements in accordance with GAAP, identifying and correcting discrepancies which led to error-free audits for 3 years.”
  • “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop annual budgets and financial forecasts, reducing costs by 10% through analysis and negotiation.”
• Include Certifications: If you have certifications or relevant coursework, list them. For example, “Microsoft Excel (MOS) Certification.” This can be in a certification section or under education. Certifications show a verified level of expertise.

When describing your experience, weave in soft skills subtly. For example, “led a project…” implies leadership, or “trained new team members” suggests communication and mentorship.

Final Words

Building a successful career in business accounting is about much more than mastering numbers. As this guide highlights, the ideal accountant brings together essential technical expertise and the soft skills that drive workplace effectiveness and leadership. The combination of these abilities makes accountants valuable, adaptable, and ready to grow in a rapidly changing professional landscape.