06 Mar Soft Skills That Make Strong Accountants
When people think about accounting, they often picture spreadsheets, tax laws, and financial reports. Technical knowledge is certainly important, but the accountants who truly stand out bring something more to the table.
At Blackman & Sloop, we know strong accountants rely on a set of soft skills that help them collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and build meaningful relationships with clients. We asked several members of our team to share the skills they believe make the biggest difference in public accounting.
Here’s what they had to say.
Communication Is the Foundation
Public accounting requires constant collaboration between team members and clients. Because of that, clear and proactive communication is essential.
Justin Stremme, Audit Manager, emphasizes how important it is to keep everyone aligned.
“There are a lot of moving parts in public accounting, and you are usually multitasking many things. It’s very important to keep everyone on the team and the client updated on where things stand so we can ensure deadlines are met.”
Adrienne Collins, CPA, Manager, agrees that communication plays a central role in day-to-day work.
“It is impossible to over communicate. I always strive to report where I am before people have to ask me for an update. And if you’re struggling or need help, it’s always best to communicate early.”
Clear communication keeps everyone aligned, helps work move forward efficiently, and allows teams to address challenges before they become larger issues.
Relationships Build Trust
Strong technical work is essential in accounting, but the relationships behind the work are often what build lasting trust with clients. Justin explains that building relationships is key to long-term client partnerships.
“Taking the time to build a relationship with clients goes beyond helping them with their financial information. Getting to know them on a personal level helps them feel more comfortable.”
Courtney Murphy, Senior Manager in Client Accounting and Advisory Services, shares a similar perspective.
“Everyone loves to be heard. Showing that we care about our clients and that we understand their financials are often a means to something more personal can really build lasting relationships.”
At the end of the day, accounting is a people-focused profession.
Kindness and Interpersonal Skills Go a Long Way
When starting a career in accounting, it’s natural to focus on mastering the technical side of the work. Over time, many professionals discover that interpersonal skills are just as important.
Courtney recalls a lesson she learned early in her career.
“When I was 23, I interviewed for a job, and the controller asked me what I had learned in my short career. My answer was simple: people are usually willing to help if you are nice to them. Kindness really goes a long way with both clients and coworkers.”
Amy Ford, Campus Recruiting Manager, echoes this idea from a client service perspective.
“Customer service is incredibly important. Your clients will be diverse, and each one communicates differently and has different needs. It’s important to meet them where they are and put yourself in their shoes.”
Empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen can turn routine interactions into meaningful professional relationships.
Adaptability in a Changing Profession
As technology advances and new tools like AI enter the profession, the day-to-day work of accountants continues to evolve. The ability to adapt is becoming more important than ever.
Courtney notes that change is constant in the profession.
“With AI on the horizon and constant technology shifts, our profession is changing more than ever. Change fatigue is real, but it helps to focus on the long-term benefits that come from adapting.”
Amy also highlights how adaptability strengthens the role accountants play as trusted advisors.
“AI is changing the way we work, which makes critical thinking and problem solving even more important as we continue to support our clients.”
Professionals who stay curious and open to change are often the ones who grow the most in their careers.
Organization and Teamwork Matter More Than You Think
Strong accountants also develop systems that help them stay organized and work effectively with others.
Amy points out that organization is often underestimated by new professionals.
“With deadlines, it’s imperative to have an organizational system that works for you so you’re not constantly hunting things down.”
Adrienne adds that teamwork is a core part of the profession.
“Accounting involves a lot of collaboration. I’m constantly working as part of a team, reviewing work for others, and having my work reviewed. Being able to work well with a team is crucial.”
No one succeeds in public accounting alone. Success comes from collaboration, communication, and shared accountability.
Problem Solving and Perspective
At its core, accounting often feels like solving a puzzle. Adrienne explains that strong problem-solving skills are essential to the role.
“As accountants we often find puzzles to solve. That means gathering information from multiple sources and helping clients achieve their goals correctly.”
And when priorities shift quickly, maintaining perspective can make a big difference. Courtney shares one strategy she uses to stay effective during busy periods.
“Sometimes stepping away for a five-minute walk can help shift your perspective and allow you to come back focused.”
The Soft Skills That Shape Future Leaders
At Blackman & Sloop, leadership is built on more than technical expertise. According to Amy, the firm looks for professionals who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude.
These qualities help team members grow, support their colleagues, and better serve their clients.
Adrienne offers a final piece of advice for students and early-career accountants entering the profession.
“Learn what type of communication works best for you as you grow and learn. If you understand how you communicate effectively, you’ll be better equipped to collaborate with others.”
Accounting Is About People
While accounting requires strong technical knowledge, the most successful professionals pair those skills with communication, empathy, adaptability, and teamwork.
For students and early-career professionals considering a future in accounting, these skills are just as important to develop as your technical expertise. Building strong relationships, communicating clearly, and staying adaptable will help you grow not only as an accountant, but as a trusted advisor.
At Blackman & Sloop, we are committed to helping our team develop both the technical and professional skills needed to succeed. If you’re looking for a place to learn, grow, and build a meaningful career in public accounting, we’d love to connect.
Explore career opportunities at Blackman & Sloop and learn how you can start building your future with us.