Question

Choose an accounting specialization (i.e., accountant, financial analyst, budget analyst, auditor, etc.) that is of interest to you. List and describe three skills or traits that you think would be desirable of someone in that type of position. Try to think of skills or traits that would benefit the organization and/or would be of value to management. Describe how you would illustrate to perspective employers that you have those skills or traits.

Answer 1

I will choose the accounting specialization of an auditor

The three skills that would be desirable for an auditor are as follows:

-Self motivation and confidence:

An auditor should be a self starter and dive into the intricate details of the working of an organization on his own. He should be confident in his conduct and leave a good impression on the client.

-Attention to detail:

An auditor reports to both the external and internal stakeholders of an organization. Thus, accurate reporting is of utmost importance. To make sure that data reported is accurate, attention to the miniscule details is extremely important.

- Problem solving skills:

An auditor works both in a team and as an individual contributor. There will be many times where no one will be available to guide the auditor as an individual or the auditor will have to guide the team. Problem solving skills are extremely important in this regard.

The skills that would be desirable to the management can be as described below:

-Communication skills-

As part of the auditor's responsibility involves reporting, good communication skills are a necessary pre-requisite for the role.

-Business acumen-

An auditor has to add value to the organization. This can only be possible if he has a thorough understanding of the business.

To illustrate that I have good communication skills, I would speak fluently, precisely and to the point in an interview and try to come across as an eloquent person. Before meeting a prospective employer, I would study the financial statements of the company to understand the business and background and thus showcase my business acumen.