If you think it's just technical skill or good connections, you're dead wrong.
by Rick Telberg
for Career Insider
What's the secret ingredient to succeeding as a CPA? If you think it's just technical skill or good connections, you're dead wrong.
Listening to hundreds of working professionals suggests that the critical success factors are, in fact, common-sense people skills.
"A positive attitude and the ability to get along with all types of people will take you far," according to a middle manager at a large company.
"Always be helpful and do more than what the client expects," says Kimberly Schrant, a CPA at a local firm in Anthony, Kan. "Take people out to lunch and dinner. They appreciate it."
"Good communication skills are often overlooked in our profession," according to Dan Livengood, head of his own firm in Marietta, S.C. "While technical ability is a necessity for all accountants, those that communicate and relate well to their clients definitely have an advantage. This is most applicable to those of us working with small businesses or in industry, where working with the individuals around us, not organizations, is key."
Livengood adds one more tip: "Make time for your personal life and personal development. People trust other people; not human adding machines who only understand numbers and long hours."
The comments were culled from over 600 responses I received from practicing CPAs who read last month's Career Insider.
Five items emerged as keys to success in a CPA career, in order:
1... Ability to relate to people, get along, communicate.
2... Technical skill and knowledge.
3... Integrity and good character.
4... Constant, lifelong learning.
5... Knowing how to balance life and work.
Professionals also appear to be reasonably happy and satisfied with their careers.
"I enjoy my work and am glad to be a CPA in public accounting," says a middle manger at a local accounting firm. "However, I believe it takes a dedicated person with a strong work ethic and the ability to 'change gears' quickly and to handle the stresses involved."
"In exchange for hard work, which is challenging and stimulating, there is a worthwhile trade-off for flexibility and control over your schedule, not to mention career opportunity," said one managing partner.
"It affords great flexibility," said a senior executive at a small manufacturer. "You can work part time or full time - for a small company or a large one. You can take time off to have a family and step right back in when you are ready."
Indeed, if most CPAs could do it all over again, they would. Fully three out of four surveyed say they would "probably" or "definitely choose a CPA career again.
And, they'd recommend it to others. When asked if they'd urge a young person into the field, just about as many, specifically 72 percent, said "yes."
