THE INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING RESEARCH

Vol.27, No. 2, May - August 2024 | https://ijar-iaikapd.or.id/ | DOI: 10.33312/ijar.765

Page 265 - 306

Top Skills Honing for Today’s Accountants: a Literature Review

PREM LAL JOSHI*

Former Faculty at MMU Malaysia and UOB, Bahrain
SUZAN DSOUZA
American University of Middle East, Kuwait

Abstract: Employability abilities are becoming increasingly important in today's

technologically sophisticated, globally integrated job markets. The departments'
continued adoption of new technology, automation tools, and software will ultimately
change the expectations of the accounting teams. With the assistance of prior literature,
this essay examines the vital abilities and skills accountants should possess today.
Today's accountants need to acquire the most cutting-edge skills for effective
performance. The earlier studies, which drew their conclusions from literature
published in the last 20 years, laid the groundwork for the fundamental knowledge and
abilities that modern accountants must possess. The four main skill areas that comprise
the whole skill set needed by accountants in the modern workplace are business skills,
soft skills, digital and technology skills, and ethical skills. It emphasizes how important
it is to provide professional accountants with the most recent skill sets available so they
may perform efficiently in a dynamic workplace. Accounting professionals must learn
to use new technologies to continue in their field. The study suggests a theoretical
framework by classifying twenty-three skills into four main categories: business, soft,
ethical, and technology and digital skills. Future research directions are also suggested.

Keywords: Accountants, Business Skills, Soft Skills, Technical and Digital Skills,
Ethical Skills, Human Capital Theory, Accountants’ Performance

Abstrak: Kemampuan untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan menjadi semakin penting dalam

pasar kerja yang canggih dan terintegrasi secara global saat ini. Penerapan teknologi
baru, alat otomasi, dan perangkat lunak baru yang berkelanjutan oleh departemen pada
akhirnya akan mengubah ekspektasi tim akuntansi. Dengan bantuan literatur
sebelumnya, esai ini mengkaji kemampuan dan keterampilan penting yang harus
dimiliki akuntan saat ini. Untuk kinerja yang efektif, akuntan masa kini perlu
memperoleh keterampilan paling mutakhir. Studi-studi sebelumnya, yang mengambil
kesimpulan dari literatur yang diterbitkan dalam 20 tahun terakhir, meletakkan dasar
bagi pengetahuan dan kemampuan mendasar yang harus dimiliki oleh akuntan modern.
Empat bidang keterampilan utama yang mencakup seluruh rangkaian keterampilan
yang dibutuhkan oleh akuntan di tempat kerja modern adalah keterampilan bisnis, soft-
skills, keterampilan digital dan teknologi, dan keterampilan etis. Hal ini menekankan
betapa pentingnya membekali akuntan profesional dengan keahlian terkini sehingga
mereka dapat bekerja secara efisien di tempat kerja yang dinamis. Profesional
akuntansi perlu mempelajari cara menggunakan teknologi baru jika mereka ingin

* Corresponding Author: prem@acadjoshi.com

The Indonesian Journal of Accounting Research – May-August, Vol. 27, No.2, 2024

melanjutkan bidangnya. Kajian ini memberikan saran kerangka teoritis dengan

mengklasifikasikan dua puluh tiga keterampilan ke dalam empat kategori utama:
keterampilan bisnis, keterampilan lunak, etika, serta keterampilan teknologi dan
digital. Arah penelitian di masa depan juga disarankan

Kata Kunci: Akuntan, Keterampilan Bisnis, Soft Skills, Keterampilan Teknis dan
Digital, Keterampilan Etis, Teori Sumber Daya Manusia, Kinerja Akuntan

1. Introduction
Due to elements like business globalization, the internationalization of economic
relations, the expansion of multinational organizations, foreign investments, and
information systems, the environment in which accounting professionals work today is
continually changing. Along with the more traditional financial management duties and
financial reporting duties, accountants also perform organizational, strategic, and
communication support roles (Rieg et al., 2022). They need to learn more about the
current role and priorities of their organization to use their hard and soft skills to build
lasting values for the company. However, the role of the accountant is changing in the
modern era. Accountants must possess additional soft skills and technical accounting
knowledge to make the case that their knowledge needs to be updated in the current
business environment. Graduates are sometimes accused of lacking the abilities
required in the workplace, a common criticism (Jackson & Chapman, 2012). The
"expectations gap" that arises when accounting graduates complete their degrees
without having attained the level of competence in general skills expected by employers
has been the subject of numerous studies (e.g., Jackling & de Lange, 2009; Low et al.,
2016). Since there are several 21st-century skills that accountants are universally
required to have, we must discuss the top skills for modern accountants (Sally et al.,
2023; Lawson, 2019).
People with advanced accounting skills will be able to secure better employment
since employers are in greater need of accountants due to their ability to understand
money and budgeting in ways that go beyond traditional understandings (Kwarteng &
Mensah, 2022). Success in accounting now requires more than technical and regulatory

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knowledge (Houston, 2023). Clients now expect services that are very different from
what they did in the past, primarily due to technology's major role in the profession's
rapid evolution. Furthermore, these services call for a completely different set of skills.
Financial industry managers and business leaders claim entry-level management
accounting and finance professionals lack technical and non-technical abilities
(McCann, 2015). CEOs may find it challenging to find applicants with the skills needed
to fill professional-level positions in financial analysis, business services, compliance,
and accounting and auditing (Half, 2020).
The conceptual basis for this study is the human capital theory (HCT). The human
capital hypothesis postulates that people are born with a particular set of talents they
may add to or improve via education and training. It was first put out by Becker (1962)
and Rosen (1976). Because of their innate skills and investments in themselves as
individuals, workers with higher levels of education have higher production, efficiency,
and skill levels. Individuals become economically productive because of this stock.
Human capital is an intangible asset not represented on a business's balance sheet.
Employees' experience and skill set are believed to be examples of their human capital.
Employers may enhance their human capital by funding workers' benefits, education,
and training because not all labor is equal.
Educating workers benefits individuals and societies (Becker, 1993). Because
educated and skilled employees are essential to the information economy's future,
workforce development is vital for individuals and governments (Tusar & Sooraksa.,
2019). Employers, however, frequently lament their inability to find job seekers with
the necessary skills for the workforce. Accounting businesses claim they have trouble
finding candidates with the requisite skills and competencies even though there is often
a high demand for accounting graduates (Robert Half, 2015, cited by Sandifer, 2018).
Furthermore, an unprecedented confluence of factors created the talent gap for the
certified public accountant (CPA) (Thomson, 2017).
When applied to organizations, HC theory contends that people who spend money
on education and training will become more productive and skillful than those who do
not, allowing them to make more money overall. Economically speaking, it is

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challenging to quantify the costs and benefits of human capital and how improved
education and training boost business profitability (Sweetland, 1996). Additionally, the
main idea of the theory is that improving accountants' education and training leads to
improved abilities, dexterity, decision-making, and work performance, all of which
support a business's ability to survive longer (Sweetland, 1996). Public accountants, for
instance, must stay current on changes to tax legislation, international auditing
standards (ISAs), and international financial reporting standards (IFRS). To be more
productive and successful, companies must invest in the growth of their workforce's
skills and acquire new information (Mugayar-Baldocchi et al., 2021). This paper aims
to elucidate the importance of essential skills that modern professional accountants
ought to possess to navigate the dynamic business environment and job demands
effectively. The skill set is derived from research published in professional
magazines and prestigious academic journals over the past 20 years from
multiple databases such as Proquest, SCOPUS, and Researchgate. It concludes
by outlining the desired skills that future accountants should have when most corporate
functions are automated in the next few years. The article ultimately will group the
twenty-three skills into broad categories and provide the direction for future research
on testing these skill sets through various research methods.

2. Literature Review
During the 1980s in the United States, surveys on the knowledge and skills needed
by accountants began. The expectations-performance gap between practice and
accounting education has been brought to light in part by the American Accounting
Association (AAA, 1986) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(AICPA, 1999). These publications described how the development of technology has
caused changes in the accounting profession. Accounting has various subfields, all of
which demand comparable technical skills but very different sets of soft skills. Many
accounting positions call for a variety of soft and technical skills. Due to software,
automation, and digitalization improvements, accounting professionals are called upon
to upgrade their skills for better performance and industry survival. Although

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accountants work with new technology, they still lack technical and digital abilities
(Mugayar-Baldocchi et al., 2021).
Robles (2012) argues that "soft skills are the intangible, non-technical, personality-
specific skills that determine one's strengths as a leader, facilitator, mediator, and
negotiator." (p. 457), while Kermis and Kermis (2010) relate soft skills to the notion of
professionalism and argue that these should include judgment, critical thinking and
analysis, integrity, and openness and should be directly linked to the requirements of
the workplace and that the accountant must be able to function as a professional in their
field.
According to Dwaase et al. (2020) study findings in Ghana, the accounting
profession is evolving from a purely documenting function to include managerial-type
challenges, indicating its strategic relevance. Findings also show that besides the
technical and functional skills needed for accounting, accountants also require
interpersonal, intellectual, and analytical abilities as well as IT, communication,
organizational, and company management skills.
Tan and Fawzi (2017) examined the employability skills of accountants as
advertised in newspapers in Australia and New Zealand, working under the premise
that employability skills are critical in today's competitive employment market. Their
study's findings suggested that a positive attitude, the capacity for teamwork, and the
capacity to present, debate, and defend ideas are the abilities that employers value the
most. According to their analysis, a team player with a positive outlook and effective
communication skills appears to be the behavioral trait most prized by employers.
The professional abilities and capabilities of accountants that promote a successful
application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) were recognized by
Maradona et al. (2022) in the Indonesian context. They look into the extent to which
professional accountants have acquired these abilities through formal education and
discover that accounting judgment is regarded as the most critical competency for
implementing IFRS. The results also suggest that ethical skills and some generic
abilities are crucial for adequately applying IFRS. Still, cultural sensitivity skills are
viewed as being of the least importance. The results also show that professional training

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programs must strongly emphasize the development of judgment and other pertinent
skills, which are crucial skill categories for using IFRS.
According to the findings of Asonitou and Hassall's (2019) study conducted in a
Greek setting, professional skills were valued. However, there was a difference in the
weights assigned by different stakeholder groups to relevant talents and how those
abilities should be developed through education. Based on the results, it is imperative
to enhance the critical thinking abilities of prospective accountants by implementing
creative teaching approaches and developing courses that support graduates' career
readiness and sustainable growth.
Academic studies and practical research on the connection between accountants'
skill sets and job performance are lacking. An employee's career path and productivity
can be improved through knowledge and interpersonal skills (networking) (Anggiani,
2017; Sisson & Adams, 2013). Ardina et al. (2021) research indicate that hard and soft
abilities positively and significantly impact accounting students' competitiveness.
Furthermore, Fratzeska and Nancy's (2021) study shows that four soft skills—
communication, problem-solving, flexibility, and teamwork—significantly impact
workers' contextual performance.
Accounting managers who enhance their general competencies or learn new skills
in a professional development setting are more likely to observe advances in
performance and, as a result, effectiveness (Trivellas et al., 2015). Rouwelaar et al.
(2021) found that management accountants' effectiveness is correlated with all three
skills (interpersonal skills, conceptual skills, and technical skills), while their perception
of their influence over decision-making is linked to their conceptual and interpersonal
skills. This survey included 215 controllers in Dutch healthcare organizations.
Furthermore, their findings show that, whereas technical and conceptual skills are
jointly related to the influence of MAs, conceptual and interpersonal abilities are jointly
associated with their effectiveness. Kroon et al. (2021) conducted a comprehensive
literature evaluation of 157 articles from the recent accounting literature, emphasizing
the implications of developing technology for the functions and competencies of
accountants. Their study's primary analytical findings specify the competencies

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required of modern accountants and their designated roles. According to Atiqur et al.'s
(2019) research, employees' job performance and managers' use of soft skills—such as
communication, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking—are positively correlated.
Finally, but just as importantly, Vitali and Giuliani (2024) state that the new technology
will help auditors and accountants in their daily work by enabling them to do tasks more
efficiently and effectively.
Table 1 lists some significant research findings from the past 20 years regarding
the skill sets needed for accountants. It includes the authors, sample size, country
setting, and critical findings. Multiple databases, such as Proquest, SCOPUS, and
Researchgate, were used to obtain the prior research articles.

Table-1.
Empirical Studies on Accounting Skills for Accountants

Study Sample size Country Findings

El-Mousawi, Jaber 337 certified public Lebanon Using AI applications
& Fakih (2023) accountants improves the reliability of
financial data and contributes
to finding solutions for
complex accounting and
auditing processes.
Abu Asabeh et al., 230 three groups of Jordan Problem-solving skills, ethics
(2023) students, (business and personal), basic
employees, and accounting knowledge,
academics business acumen, computer
skills, decision-making skills,
learning ability, analytical
ability, and listening skills.
Kwarteng & Mensah 435 employees and Ghana Professional skills; technical
(2022) accounting skills; professional ethics
graduates values and attitude
Barisic, Novak, & 73 Job Croatia Use appropriate IT, teamwork,
Malis, (2022 advertisement sites- responsibility, work
accounting independently, analytical
employers skills, commitment to learning,
problem-solving, detail-
oriented, and precision.

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Study Sample size Country Findings

Carvalho & Almeida Focus groups: Portugal Communication; proactive;

(2022) Accountants of successful teamwork; ability to
large and medium- adapt to new contexts.
sized companies;
private and public
sector accountants;
accountants in
accounting offices;
managers or
administrators;
“Big 4” and “non-
Big 4” reviewers or
auditors
Ebaid (2021) 68 working Saudi Arabia Communication, teamwork,
accounting emotional stability, financial
graduates accounting and reporting, and
analytical thinking skills

Kwarbai & 277 employees of Nigeria Artificial intelligence has a

Omojoye (2021) Audit firms positive, significant effect on
reporting accuracy, anomalous
detection, and data analytics in
the Nigerian accounting
profession.
AI is an essential skill for
accountants as it significantly
improves reporting accuracy,
anomaly detection, and data
analytics.

Khemiri, (2021) 306 CPA and CPA Tunisia Analytical/critical thinking,

trainees oral communication, foreign
language, professional
demeanor, measurement, risk
analysis, and written
communication.

Dwaase, Awotwe, Secondary data Ghana Accountants require not just

& Smith, (2020) technical and functional skills
in accounting but also soft
skills, intellectual and
analytical abilities, IT skills,
communication skills,
organizational skills, and
business management skills.

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Study Sample size Country Findings

Cernușca (2020) 250 students and Romania Soft for students and hard skills
300 accounting for professionals.
professionals Technical and functional skills;
intellectual skills; personal
skills;
interpersonal and
communication skills;
organizational and business
management skills
Atanasovski, 68 accounting Time management; good
Trpeska students and 57 South East presentation; characteristics of
& Lazarevska employers self-confidence; motivation
(2018) European and self-promotion; oral
(SEE) communication; knowledge of
countries foreign languages, ethical
attitude and credibility; and
commitment to life-long
learning
AL Mallak (2018) 256 accounting Saudi Arabia Stakeholders considered all
students, 109 generic skills necessary for
accounting accounting graduates to
graduates, and 33 succeed in employment, with
accounting ethical skills rated as the most
educators important.
Sandifer (2018) 330 USA Critical thinking; decision-
making skills; analytical and
problem-solving; self-
motivation/self-direction;
listening attentiveness
 Hussein (2017) 119 professional Egypt Intellectual and
accountants from communication; interpersonal;
audit firms and 126 creative ability; organization;
final-year research and analytical skills
accounting students
Osmani et al. 462 accounting Middle east Interpersonal, planning and
(2017) students organization, communication,
self-management, and
analytical skills
Lim et al. (2016) Asian employers, Asia Communication skills,
lecturers, auditors, analytical skills, critical
and students, thinking skills, time
management skills,
information technology skills,
ability to work in team skills,
and interpersonal skills

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Study Sample size Country Findings

Warwick & Howard 62 accounting The UK. Communication; oral skills;
(2015) educators and analysis skills; problem-
industry solving interpersonal skills;
practitioners team working

Ahadiat & Martin 330 Accountants - United States Trustworthiness,

(2015) Members of AICPA Dependability, Oral
or members of IMA communication skills,
Cleanliness, and Punctuality.

Weaver & Kulesza Three thousand USA Critical/strategic thinking,

(2014) three hundred fifty- time management and
three members of organization, memos and
the Connecticut writing skills,
Society of CPAs. intermediate/advanced Excel
Both managers and skills, problem-solving, and
young professionals work paper skills.
included
Afolabi (2014) 350 employers, Nigeria Written communication;
computer knowledge;
awareness of global issues;
work-based experiences;
interpersonal; problem-
solving; leadership; knowledge
of spreadsheet and word
processing.

Weaver & Kulesza Young accounting United States Critical/strategic thinking;

(2013, 2014) professionals intermediate/advanced Excel
skills; basic work paper skills;
time management and
organization, and writing skills

Klibi & Oussii 81 accounting Tunisia Employers primarily look for

(2013) students and 48 personal talents (autonomy,
practitioners morality, and dynamism),
interpersonal skills (teamwork,
communication, and
leadership), intellectual skills
(critical thinking, time
management, and pressure),
and IT skills (software
selection and usage).

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Study Sample size Country Findings

Milliron (2012) 85 young United States Ethical standards: Work ethics,
professional communication skills, working
accountants and 30 with teams, IT skills.
experienced CPAs

Cory & Pruske 464 Employers United States Creativity in problem-solving,

(2012) spreadsheet, and word
processing; awareness of
ethical issues.

Chaker & Abdullah 77 College United Arab Leadership development;

(2011) graduates Emirates auditing skills; professional
ethics; interpersonal and
communication skills

Uyar & Gungormus 39 accounting Turkey All 21 skills except

(2011) professionals "knowledge of accounting
software" were perceived as
necessary or important.

Massey (2011) 309 CPAs in public United States Analytical/critical thinking;

accounting oral communication; ethics
principles; spreadsheeting; and
teamwork.

Awayiga et al. 131 accounting Ghana Professional demeanor;

(2010) graduates and 25 communication skills;
employees analytical/critical thinking;
computing technology;
technical and functional skills.

Jones & Abraham 26 Practitioners Australia Analysis and ethical standards;

(2009) intelligence, leadership, work
experience, and team skills.

Jackling & de Lange 174 Accounting Australia Communication skills,

(2009) graduates problem-solving skills, and
personal skills.

Wells et al. (2009) 26 Accounting New Zealand Understanding and interactions

graduates in public with client’s timely manner;
practice work organization; effective
job performance.

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Study Sample size Country Findings

Kavanagh & 28 Employers and Australia Communication, analytical,
Drennan (2008) 322 graduating professional, and teamwork
students skills, business awareness, and
knowledge.

De Lange, Jackling, 310 graduates from Australia Communication, team skills,

& Gut (2006) two Victorian leadership, problem-solving,
universities analytical and interpersonal
skills.

Joshi & Bremser 36 companies’ Bahrain The most critical skill

(2004) accountants requirements were
professional skills,
"communication skills,
analytical skills, and
managerial skills.

2.3 Important Skills Requirements

As shown in Table 1, the following 23 important skills accountants must possess are
discussed in depth with the aid of earlier research published in professional periodicals
and peer-reviewed journals for the last 20 years, starting from 2004.
Organization Skill
Some of the most crucial accounting skills and aptitudes depend on organization
because an accountant must be highly technical. Since everything must tally up
precisely on the bottom line and every cent a corporation receives or expends must be
reported, the most successful accountants have an eye for detail. Every accounting
practitioner should develop good organizational skills since they are beneficial and
desirable. This involves the capacity to focus on many clients' data, prioritize various
professional obligations, and multitask (AOLCC, 2017). Managing and working with
enormous amounts of data requires a high level of familiarity. The Cernușcă (2020) and
Osmani et al. (2017) research rated organizational and business management abilities
as crucial.

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Leadership Skill
Fast-growing companies look for professionals with specific leadership qualities
in the accounting field. The best accountants use a cooperative approach to issue-
solving. Successful leaders can bring people together in constructive ways. The
distinction between success and failure is made by paying attention to detail. The most
successful accountants produce accurate, meticulous, and detail-oriented work.
According to Kavanagh and Drennan (2008), leadership should be a competency for
contemporary accountants.
Also, they should uphold their moral standards and be proactive thinkers,
constantly learning new things. They are conscious that the public depends on them to
provide a truthful and accurate representation of the company's current condition.
Leadership abilities are in demand by employers in the accounting industry today
(Chaker & Abdullah, 2011; Jackling & de Lange, 2009).

Critical Thinking Skill

The ability to solve problems, add value to data, spot trends in a business, and
adopt a more comprehensive commercial perspective that benefits a company are all
examples of critical thinking. An accountant with this ability may assess challenging
situations, weigh many possibilities, and draw reasonable conclusions. When a subject
or topic is studied from all perspectives, an accountant can use accounting principles to
analyze recent and historical financial data to pinpoint problems and create ethically
sound remedies. Companies want to know that they can trust the accountant to be a self-
starter, conduct research, consider multiple solutions to a problem, and use deductive
reasoning to overcome obstacles (Wang, 2020).
In the context of the US and Tunisia, analytical and critical thinking are among the
top three professional qualities required of accountants, according to Khemiri's (2021)
poll. Similarly, "critical thinking and problem-solving skills" were the skills that
industry executives (61.7%) felt were most crucial for accountants in Tunisia and the
United States. Similarly, "critical thinking/problem-solving skills" was the skill that
industry executives (61.7%) ranked as most significant. Reporting no longer refers to

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just presenting data and graphs. To be an effective business partner, accountants must
have a bigger hand in providing more strategic and deeper insights. Other studies
supporting the previous findings include Osmani et al. (2017).
Networking Skill
Professional accountants can stay up-to-date with changes in the accounting field
by networking. Also, they converse with people in their area to learn about the most
recent news, trends, and best practices. They also converse with peers from other
organizations to learn about the market. As a result, networking is crucial for
establishing open communication channels and building more reliable relationships.
Nonetheless, a widespread myth holds that accountants frequently identify as introverts
who like to work alone. The reality is somewhat different, particularly given the current
corporate environment. Due to their critical role and active participation on corporate
teams, accountants must engage and speak with people constantly. Regardless of their
field, all accountants must analyze and comprehend complex financial data and
effectively convey their conclusions to clients. The position also requires excellent
interpersonal skills since many accountants work in teams and frequently interact with
clients (Warwick & Howard, 2015; Dolce et al., 2020).
The conclusions of the Mandilas et al. (2014) study highlight the value of
networking for accountants in the workplace. An accountant's ability to network and
interact with people is crucial to driving business for the company, as they interact with
a range of groups both inside and outside the organization. Derekoy's (2019) study
results show that they are rated poorly by both professional accountants and accounting
students.

Adaptability
A flexible accountant can handle a heavy workload, anticipate changing
circumstances, maintain composure under pressure, accept new assignments at short
notice, and think quickly. The circumstances in which accountants operate, both legally
and technologically, are ever-changing. The best accountants are, therefore, adaptable
and open to changing how they go about their everyday work. According to Rotich

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(2023), accountants demonstrate adaptability when they promptly respond to demands

from clients or other co-workers and meet their needs. To fulfill deadlines or alter
financial statements, such as budgets, to reflect actual expenses, they may also employ
flexibility to obtain and analyze data quickly.
Accountants had to switch to working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic
outbreak while still meeting the needs of every department and keeping operations
running smoothly. The study findings of Carvalho and Almeida (2022) show that, apart
from other essential skills required by accountants, the ability to adapt to new contexts
is crucial.

Time Management Skill

For an accounting practice to be successful, time management is crucial. The
productivity of the accountants depends on their capacity for time management. Having
a handle on time management will ultimately result in better service for their clients
and a more effective operation of the firm. Accountants must meet the following
deadlines: They must possess the skills and aptitude to handle responsibilities,
expectations, workflows, and interactions with their clients because they work on
numerous projects and in teams. In this procedure, time management is a crucial aspect
that accountants must comprehend (e.g., Wells et al., 2009; Weaver & Kulesza, 2013).
Furthermore, the study conducted by Atanasovski et al. (2018) showed that one of the
most critical skills professional accountants should possess is time management.

Research Skill
Burke et al. (2008) assert that the accountant of the twenty-first century should be
more of a consultant than in the past and be able to locate both financial and non-
financial data. Accountants must understand how to extract the pertinent data, arrange
and evaluate the data, and create suggestions. They also need to know which databases
and other resources they can access. Albrecht and Sack (2000) proposed that to educate
students for an increasingly complicated corporate world, accounting educators should
place a greater emphasis on teaching critical-thinking abilities than on adding additional

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knowledge. They must develop research abilities to locate pertinent sources of data and
information, assess the data, make inferences, and present findings.
A firm's growth or recovery also frequently depends on the knowledge gleaned
through accounting study. The research forms the basis of an accountant's work to assist
clients' financial plans by analyzing their present financial state and recommending
improvements. Based on the findings of studies conducted by Khemiri (2021), Wells et
al. (2009), Weaver and Kulesza (2013), Kavanagh and Drennan (2008), and Wells et
al. (2009), accountants can significantly benefit from having business research skills
and talents.

Knowledge of Business
The scope of an accountant's duties has expanded over time, especially in recent
years. Good business acumen is a skill that accounting professionals may bring to their
jobs as business partners in various sectors, aiding in developing strategies and
providing critical information for decisions. Relationships with people outside the
accountant's department will be more successful if the accountants are more
knowledgeable about the company's general operations and how they and their team fit
into them. According to a Massey (2011) poll of Pennsylvania CPAs employed in
public accounting, having a solid understanding of general business is crucial.
Similarly, Siriwardane et al. (2014) discovered that knowledge of accounting standards,
risk assessment, and general business knowledge was necessary.

Team Collaboration Skill

Regardless of the specific industry in which they work, accountants must first
analyze and comprehend complex financial data before effectively expressing their
results to clients. As a result of the fact that many accountants work in teams and
frequently engage with clients, this role also calls for strong interpersonal skills
(Kwarteng & Mensah, 2022; Ingram, 2022). Working with co-workers and other staff
members is essential to completing a task of the highest caliber on time. The accounting
and finance teams must work efficiently and cross-functionally with other staff
members because they impact every company facet. Budgets, cash flow predictions,

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and other employee-driven initiatives like cash flow analysis or strategic planning can
be difficult and require much teamwork. Gaining this information now is crucial for
future growth because, even though entry-level accountants might not be in charge of
these projects alongside other company executives, they will eventually need to work
with teams from throughout the corporation.
For accountants to be successful, they must collaborate with other employees and
co-workers. The accounting and finance teams must collaborate well with other
employees across functional lines since they significantly impact every aspect of the
business. Budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and other employee-involved processes like
strategic planning or cash flow analysis can be challenging and require much teamwork.
Ghani et al. (2018) believed that teamwork was the most crucial skill accounting
graduates should possess when they entered the industry. Researchers have also
discovered that cooperation is vital for accounting professionals (Kavanagh & Drennan,
2008; Milliron, 2012). Similarly, Tempone et al. (2012) demonstrate that collaboration
contributes to good customer connections and trust-building and that team performance
is superior to individual performance. Similarly, Ghani et al. (2018) report that
employers chose teamwork as the most critical skill that accounting graduates should
possess at the time of their entry.
Regardless of their work field, accountants should analyze and understand
complex financial data before clearly and coherently communicating their conclusions
to clients. Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary for this position because many
accountants work in teams and frequently interact with clients (Ingram, 2022).

Writing Skill
Perceptions of aptitude and competence are commonly linked to good writing.
Accounting professionals with solid writing skills outperform their peers regarding
performance ratings, career advancement, and job satisfaction (Cleaveland & Larkins,
2004). Accurate reporting using both words and numbers is the cornerstone of the
accounting profession.

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Most accountants write more frequently than the general public realizes, so they
begin to hone their writing skills during their undergraduate studies. There is no denying
that accountants have various writing assignments (Prather & Allec, 2022). According
to Siriwardane et al. (2014) and Weaver and Kulesza (2013), supervisors and young
accounting professionals must be proficient memo writers.

Oral Communication Skill

Accountants must examine and improve financial records and communicate their
conclusions to clients and colleagues unfamiliar with intricate financial concepts. As a
result, accountants effectively act as data interpreters. Strong communication abilities
can improve these encounters (Prather & Allec,2022). One of the most essential skills
the finest accountants possess is the ability to transform data into a story that the average
person can understand. The finest accountants are skilled communicators who can make
sense of the vast amount of data. This makes it simpler to eliminate irrelevant
information that makes a presentation hard to follow. Past empirical investigations have
demonstrated that a critical skill needed for accounting professionals in the workplace
is oral communication (e.g., Joshi & Bremser, 2004; Siriwardane et al., 2014; Deal et
al., 2015; Osmani et al., 2017; Derekoy, 2019). Tan and Fawzi's (2017) study reveals
similar findings: companies' employers greatly favor team players with a positive
attitude and effective communication skills among accountants.

Technical Skill/ Spreadsheet

In the age of digitalization, an accountant's role is to help businesses make
informed decisions by providing information and support on how the market is
changing (Hasin et al., 2022). Since accountants are assumed to use spreadsheets daily,
being able to produce them efficiently will set them apart from other entry-level
employees. As a result, accountants can greatly benefit from being up-to-date with and
understanding the latest technologies.
The accountant's job involves performing account reconciliations and heavily
using spreadsheet software. The general accountant should know project management
software, database reporting, financial reporting and analysis, financial statements, and

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compliance. Accountants must be familiar with tax software if they plan to prepare
taxes. A further argument made by Ahmi et al. (2016) is that, given the rapid growth of
IT and the sophistication of accounting systems, it may be impossible for auditors to
examine those applications without the aid of IT. Accounting professionals must be
heavily involved in IT governance to safeguard data and ensure the system is supplied
according to company principles (Pan & Seow, 2016).
Khemiri (2021) surveyed accounting professionals in Tunisia and the United
States. Both groups acknowledge the accounting industry's value of word processing,
spreadsheets, and internet searching. These three technological aptitudes appear heavily
utilized in practitioners' daily duties. Information technology security was identified as
the fourth-most important skill by accounting professionals, according to the findings
of a study by Derekoy (2019). According to previous surveys, the most highly rated
subject knowledge categories were intermediate and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
for accounting students and working accountants.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Skills

Everything in accounting is getting a boost from artificial intelligence (AI), from
finding mistakes in record-keeping to forecasting future costs. Both clients and
accounting companies want to offer it to their clients. However, they both require
specialists in the field of technology. While the use of data and techniques by computers
to simulate the learning process used to be known as "machine learning," computer
algorithms gradually became more accurate over time. Engineers, data analytics
experts, and technical managers may need to upgrade their skills in machine learning.
Accountants used to base their choices on frequently out-of-date data. Still, with
automated data processes (e.g., AI), decision-makers can now access up-to-date
information that may significantly impact corporate performance (Santra, 2024).
Artificial intelligence (AI) in accounting is essential in today's digitally
transformed world because technology skills are in high demand. Artificial intelligence
(AI) is the development of computer systems that can carry out operations that humans
previously performed. Results and productivity may be enhanced as a result. AI will

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continuously impact the workplace in the future. A survey found that 57% of chief
financial officers (CFOs) look for candidates with experience in artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning (ML) (Grant Thorthon, 2021). Decision-makers now have
access to information that might significantly influence business performance, unlike
accountants, who used to base their decisions on frequently outdated data due to
automated data procedures (e.g., AI) (Santra, 2024). Accounting professionals wishing
to thrive in their next job hunt should focus on developing AI abilities to help them
stand out from the competition.
Furthermore, by 2025, Gartner Hyper predicts that over half of the work for finance
and accounting BPO providers will come from technologies that enable hyper-
automation. Automation is a digitalization method that employs artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate complicated jobs requiring human
judgment, such as financial statement analysis. According to a study by Onwughai
(2022), artificial intelligence (AI) will open up new possibilities for the upwardly
mobile accounting professional to pursue a more fulfilling career path outside of being
a mere "bookkeeper.".
Modern technologies in accounting and auditing practices have leveraged the
possibility of processing massive volumes of financial data, facilitating the
identification of patterns, trends, and anomalies. According to Abdullah and Almaqtar
(2024), research, accounting, and auditing procedures may be enhanced by utilizing
deep learning, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics advances.
AI technology helps companies make better decisions more quickly and accurately,
which improves financial reporting and auditing procedures. Bin-Abbas and Bakry
(2014) and Papagiannidis et al. (2022) posited that the accounting industry has seen a
dramatic transformation due to the development of AI under Industry 4.0, which has
improved data quality and accuracy. Additionally, it has been determined that
incorporating technology into accounting processes is a way to increase the efficacy of
management control (Al-Hattami & Kabra, 2022). Few studies have confirmed these
claims (e.g., Tjahjono et al., 2017; Polak, 2021).

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The literature shows AI's impact on workers' physical and manual skills. Parker
and Grote (2022) state that AI tools can automate tasks requiring physical and manual
skills, allowing workers to focus on more complex and demanding tasks. Morandini et
al.'s (2023) study findings show that companies must implement processes to support
workers by providing ad hoc training and development opportunities to ensure workers'
attitudes and mental models towards AI are open and ready for the changing labor
market and its related challenges.
Tandiono (2023) conducted a literature analysis of the top twenty publications and
found that academics have voiced concerns about the effects of AI on accounting
education for a considerable amount of time. Several themes also surface, such as a
desire for accounting curriculum reform, an interest in expert systems, and a study of
the use of AI in accounting education. According to the study, accounting instructors
must modify their lesson plans and course offerings to give graduates the tools they
need to succeed in a changing field.
A systematic literature review by Odonkor et al. (2024) shows that AI greatly
increases the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting by automating repetitive
processes and providing predictive analytics for tactical decision-making. However,
there are several significant obstacles, like the high cost of AI integration, the
requirement for trained staff fluent in AI, and data protection issues. The paper also
emphasizes that a reluctance to change is one major obstacle to AI adoption in
accounting processes. The study suggests integrating AI into accounting in a balanced
way, highlighting the importance of ongoing learning, adaptability, and strategic
planning. It highlights the significance of ethical issues and regulatory compliance and
promotes investment in training and development to increase AI expertise.
Finally, Joshi (2021) showed that most accountants and auditors surveyed online
disagreed that AI and other future technologies would completely replace them, citing
the need for human intelligence in strategic thinking, data analysis, and consulting. AI
will, therefore, transform accounting in the future by focusing more on data analytics,
strategic thinking, and business consulting (see Michael, 2018; Santra, 2024).
Procedures will still call for the use of accountants' judgment, nevertheless.

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Blockchain Technology
Blockchain has been making news for several years. This technology is an
excellent representation of the courses that the accounting industry wants to take.
Blockchain uses peer-to-peer technology to enable users to conduct real-time
transactions without the aid of a bank while keeping current contracts and asset
registrations. This paradigm supports standardization, verification, authentication, and
privacy (Javaid, 2023).
According to the IAA Group's forecast for 2023, global spending on blockchain
solutions will increase to almost $15.6 billion. Companies are vying for advantages of
distributed ledger technologies across practically all industries, and the transition to a
financial system based on blockchain presents various opportunities for the accounting
profession. As a result, the ability to use and execute blockchain is becoming necessary
for accountants in the modern world. Accountants' knowledge of business drivers from
blockchain implementation increases efficiency, reduces costs, eliminates fraud, and
improves regularity compliance (INAA Group, 2020). Furthermore, along with data
analytics and machine learning, the blockchain will make some tedious tasks easier to
automate. Still, accountants will be needed to ensure accuracy and provide the analysis
of the information their employers or clients need (Kunselman, 2021).

Data Analytics
Big data and data analytics (BDA) have recently become highly popular because
of the expanding dependence on digital and automation and the increasing volumes of
data available (Herath & Joshi, 2023; Joshi & Marathandan, 2020). Pratama and
Komariyah's (2023) study findings suggest auditors are adopting BDA technology as a
current innovative technology in auditing.
Data analytics have become more critical as technology streamlines accounting
professionals' workflows in various ways, especially for those in their early careers.
Using different software and tools is only one part of the equation. Accountants need to
be able to find patterns, draw conclusions, and analyze data strategically. Accounting
professionals will increasingly be expected to bring value to business decision-making

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for their clients and within their organizations, according to Wendell Gilland of UNC
Kenan-Flagler Management School in the United States (UNC Kenan-Flagler, 2021).
Additionally, accountants employ data analytics to assist firms in identifying insightful
financial information, pinpointing process enhancements that can boost productivity,
and improving risk management.
Making informed business decisions requires data analytics, the process of taking
processed data and applying it meaningfully and practically. Due to their exceptional
technical abilities, accountants become excellent data scientists. According to industry
experts, accountants are accustomed to combining data to produce an overall image of
a company that condenses the specifics of each transaction. People with great
quantitative skills find working with descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
easier. Accountants also understand the broader context and commercial ramifications.
Accountants are highly familiar with instances where judgments are made utilizing
data-driven insights in a commercial setting. They employ an integrated strategy to
solve various business difficulties (Aziz, 2023).
El-Dalahmeh (2021) in Jordan finds that big data analysis significantly impacts
accounting roles and improves the quality of accounting characteristics. As data
analytics becomes more widespread worldwide, accountants require skills in data
analytics. Despite the necessary skills, a survey study by Omitogun and Al-Adeem
(2019) reveals that accountants lack the necessary technical knowledge and are
unfamiliar with associated data analysis tools, except Excel.

Clients Focus Through Creative Problem Solving

It does not matter if the accountants operate in public or private accounting; strong
client-service abilities are essential. Accounting professionals working for public
accounting firms must be able to keep and acquire new clients. If they operate in
corporate accounting, the needs of the company's other departments and managers
should be met. Creative problem-solving ability is essential for efficient and effective
customer service (Huber & Jiles, 2023).

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Thanks to the automation of numerous administrative activities, accountants now

have more time to focus on the strategic decision-making aspect of their jobs, which
their clients are aware of. Clients and businesses will highly value those who have
invested in their accounting education and have good commercial abilities (Jui &
Wong., 2013).
To select the course of action that, given the available data, has the best probability
of success, accountants must have good problem-solving skills in situations including
risk, ambiguity, and uncertainty. Using critical thinking techniques over a long period
will improve decision-making, assessment, and problem-solving skills (Latif et al.,
2004). (2019). Weaver and Kulesza's (2013) research demonstrates that creative and
strategic problem-solving is a crucial talent for accountants to perform better.
According to Abu Asabeh et al. (2023), problem-solving was deemed by accounting
students, accounting professionals, and academicians as one of the most critical skills
for accountants in the Jordanian setting.

Project Management
Since accountants are involved in every part of the business, their knowledge,
discretion, and perception are always in demand. It may be simple to disappoint one
part while focusing on helping another. Being skilled at handling various projects,
timelines, business requirements, reporting deadlines, filing deadlines, and personalities
takes much practice. According to a survey conducted by Cernușcă (2020), accounting
professionals must have knowledge of the present function and priorities of the
organization they work for and expertise in project management, change management,
and partnerships. Additionally, project accountants must polish their skills and abilities
in time management, connection building, leadership, evaluating project budgets, and
creating financial reports (e.g., FCTI, 2022).

The Preparation of Financial Statements and Their Interpretation and Analysis

According to Stobierski (2021), any accountant or financial analyst must have the
knowledge and aptitude to thoroughly comprehend accounting concepts, read and
generate financial statements, and then analyze and interpret them for the benefit of

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their clients. As such, financial statements, which chronicle an organization's business

activity and financial situation, may be considered the general accountant's bread and
butter. The results of Derekoy's (2019) study show that accounting professionals ranked
"financial statement preparation" and "financial statement analysis" as their top two
most essential skills requirements.

Regulatory Management
An accountant may specialize in various fields, including forensic accounting,
business, taxation, and non-profits. Most businesses must abide by accounting and
financial regulations to keep accurate records and lower the risk of fraud. Accountants
must accurately and morally manage, examine, and report to regulatory agencies on an
organization's financial activities. Regulatory management requires compliance
capabilities to ensure the company or organization complies with all national and
international regulatory frameworks and rules (Joshi & Tariq, 2024)
The SOX compliance program was directed and carried out through ongoing
collaboration with the business unit and the external auditor, corporate adherence to
IFRS and company laws, the filing of and compliance with numerous tax authorities,
the review and implementation of new laws and regulations, and the development of
policies and procedures for regulatory compliance, content, and applicability.
Companies' financial accounting must abide by several accounting concepts and
standards. Most public companies must adhere to or follow IFRS. As accountants
crunch numbers and produce financial statements, they do so by a standard set of
standards and best practices known as IFRS (Abrouse, 2019).
In their study, Corsi and Mancini (2015) explore the function of accountants and
the techniques they use to embrace laws and regulations (regulatory compliance) in an
Italian context. The empirical findings present some evidence about the essential
abilities and skills accountants need for successful regulatory compliance.

Negotiation Skill
For accountants, the capacity for negotiation is a critical skill. Whether they
negotiate internally with co-workers or externally with vendors, clients, and regulators,

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their capacity to execute their jobs well, build strong relationships, and forward the
goals of their business rests on their ability and talent to bargain. For accountants,
negotiation skills are essential. The common misconception is that accountants solely
work with paperwork and figures. However, effective negotiation techniques should
benefit accountants at every stage of their careers (Kniffin, 2023).
The success of your interactions with people, whether in an internal negotiation
with co-workers or an exterior negotiation with potential clients, depends on your
negotiating abilities. An accountant often negotiates when talking about budgets or
interacting with banks and clients' payments. Effective negotiation techniques can
achieve some of the best long-term partnerships. Monica (2011–23) states that with
their negotiation skills, accountants perform better in the following areas: Improving
profitability, Improving connections, settling disputes, and improving communication.

Knowledge and Interpretations of Accounting Standards

The two primary accounting standards that all accountants should be familiar with
are Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) (Stobierski, 2021). The regulations, known as International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), must be followed by all accountants. In
particular, the IFRS, which are guiding principles and standards, regulates financial
reporting.
One of the accountants' most important accounting skills is staying current with
the most recent accounting standards and understanding how they relate to business
organizations with pertinent and correct interpretations. Owing to inadequate training
and education, auditors and accountants may occasionally lack these abilities.
Compared to reviewing financial statements based on historical costs, Roekhudin's
(2018) study revealed that auditors from big and small accounting firms feel that
evaluating fair value financial reports is more challenging and risky.
The study results by Maradona et al. (2022) demonstrate that accounting judgment
is considered the most crucial ability for using IFRS. The results also suggest that
ethical skills and some generic abilities are essential for adequately applying IFRS. Still,

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cultural sensitivity skills are viewed as being of the least importance. Furthermore,
professional training programs must strongly emphasize the development of judgment
and other pertinent skills, which are crucial skill categories for using IFRS. Similar
findings from the Ebaid (2021) study indicate that financial accounting and reporting
skills are fundamental abilities needed for accountants in Saudi Arabia.

Professional Behaviour
To do their duties, accountants may be required to abide by rules of professional
behavior, which vary depending on the workplace. Because an organization's financial
well-being and position impact both those inside and outside, accountants are expected
to maintain objectivity, ethics, and honesty in their work. Higher levels of affective
professional commitment in accountants increase their likelihood of understanding the
significance of accounting ethical principles, according to research by Rogosic and
Perica (2022; Kwarteng & Mensah, 2022). The five core accounting ethics principles—
integrity, objectivity, professional competence, due care, confidentiality, and
professional behavior—should be encouraged to reduce unethical behavior among
professional accountants.

Adherence to the Code of Conduct

The application of the accounting ethics code has been supported by prior research
(Cory & Pruske, 2012; Bonaci et al., 2013; Huterski, Voss, & Huterska, 2020; Ishaque,
2021; Egiyi & Ugwoke, 2022 ) because it raises awareness and provides guidelines,
both of which lead to accountants acting in a more appropriate professional manner.
The results of Jaijairam's (2017) study show that the ethics of the accounting profession
influence the accountant's role. Results from Maradona et al. (2022) show that
maintaining moral principles and having certain general skills are considered necessary
for using IFRS effectively.

Research Gap
According to a recent survey of finance and accounting experts conducted by
Caseware, an automated software company, the skill gap in accounting is widening.
62% of respondents, up from 51% in 2016, indicated a "severe skills gap" in the industry

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(Chan, 2020). Similarly, Mohamed and Deresse's (2020) study results show that while
there is some agreement between employers' and accountants' perceptions of
knowledge, skills, and attitudes, a sizable difference persists.
The work of accountants is being impacted by digitization and developing
technologies, which necessitates the acquisition of new skill sets. Since globalization
necessitates working across cultures and languages while automation and technology
disrupt social connections, soft skills enable practitioners to create trustworthy
relationships with their clients and co-workers (Pincus, 2017). However, representative
digital technology gradually empowers the fields of accounting and auditing, but
research work in this area is limited. As a result, there are still gaps in the research on
this subject, and performance and expectation discrepancies occur. Accounting
educators could develop an up-to-date curriculum that includes the most crucial skills
for aspiring accountants with the help of a clear understanding of the necessary skills,
particularly technical and digital skills for accounting graduates and working
accountants. This would also help to create highly employable and creative thinkers
who can successfully compete globally (Asonitou & Hassall, 2019).

3. Concluding Remarks
3.1 Proposed Framework and Implications
The entire range of necessary skills for today’s accountants can be categorized into
broader categories: (1) business skills, (2) soft skills, (3) technical and digital skills, and
(4) ethical skills.
The following framework is advised in light of the previous summary of the
essential skills needed for today's accountants. The list of 23 skills can be divided into
four main categories: business skills, soft skills, technological and digital abilities, and
ethical skills (Figure 1).

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Table 2.
Summary of Skills for Today’s Accountants

Business skills Soft skills Technical & Digital skills Ethical skills
●Knowledge of ●Leadership ●Writing ●Professional
business ●Organisation behavior
●Research ●Critical ●Spreadsheet ●Adherence
●Project management thinking to code of
●Regulatory ●Time ●Artificial intelligence conduct
management management (AI) and Machine learning
●Networking ●Adaptability (ML)
● Problem- ● Blockchain technology
solving
● Knowledge ●Data Analytics
and
interpretations ●Preparation of financial
of accounting statements and their
standards interpretation and analysis
● Oral
communication

Professional accountants in the digital era need to embrace this change and
recognize that technology is always changing, as indicated by 89% of research
participants, according to Webb (2020). Professional accountants should be well-versed
in these freshly created abilities since AI, ML, blockchain, and data analytics dominate
the commercial sector. Learning data analysis and coding skills is just as crucial for
accountants as learning artificial intelligence. Because artificial intelligence (AI) can
manage massive amounts of data in real time, it gives accountants and their teams
access to the most recent trends, insights, and information. Understanding the
fundamentals of data analytics computer languages, including Python and R, may help
today's accountants offer ways in which they could help customers, claims ICAE&W
(2024).
Additionally, researchers (e.g., Mohammad et al., 2020) argue that when
accountants and accounting firms stay up to date with AI's ongoing advancements,
accounting-related expenses to the organization will decline, improving the efficiency
and performance of accounting functions and ultimately contributing to the accounting

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industry. Accountants may shift their attention from tedious activities to data-driven
and analytics-based decision-making.
Figure 1.
Honing Essential Skills for Accountants’ Performance

Business
skills
Soft
skills
Accountants
‘Performance

Technical
Ethical & Digital
skills skills

The first and most important thing that business and accounting professionals do
is ensure that their companies run with honesty and integrity, which helps them win
over stakeholders. It strongly emphasizes openness in financial reporting, disclosures,
and management procedures, all of which help build trust with clients, staff, and
investors. As a result, it is impossible to ignore the importance of business ethics and
competencies for current and future accountants in the fast-paced, cutthroat corporate
environment (Jaijairam, 2017).
The top soft skills crucial for contemporary accountants include teamwork and
interpersonal skills, attention to detail, time management, organization, verbal
communication, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Accounting educators may collaborate with communication specialists to ascertain the
needs and expectations of practicing accountants, according to Siriwardane and Durden
(2014). Then, accounting instructors could create innovative accounting programs and
teaching techniques using this information. Moreover, organizations and accounting
professionals may offer soft and technical skill training to newly hired accounting

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graduates. The Human Capital theory highlights that enhancing the education and
training of accountants results in enhanced skills, dexterity, decision-making, and job
performance, hence bolstering the longevity of a corporation (Sweetland, 1996).
Accountants ' business skills and talents include business knowledge, research,
project management, regulatory management, and networking. As accountants take on
more responsibilities as internal advisers and business partners, the value of their
business acumen is growing (Tsiligiris, 2019). Accountants' commercial acumen,
abilities, and insights can aid in our comprehension of the changing demands of various
industries. By fusing their perspectives with their professional backgrounds, aspiring
accountants can uncover areas of innovation and skill shortages in the industry.
Thus, Future accountants will require qualitative advancements in professional
skill development, self-management, business acumen, digitalization, and analytical
and decision-making capacity to compete and prosper in the quickly changing corporate
world. This study contributes to the corpus of literature by carefully examining previous
studies on the competencies that employable accountants in the twenty-first century
would require. It appears that accountants still have large skill gaps across several areas.
It offers a conceptual framework that categorizes the twenty-three talents this study
looked at into four major groups. The areas where accountants will need to grow the
most in the future are digitalization and business abilities.
3.2 Direction for Future Research
Future research might be undertaken in a broader context, and it would be
especially beneficial to consider the opinions of a bigger sample pool of employers,
educators, and professional accountants across countries. Future research could also
gather richer qualitative data by conducting more interviews with a bigger sample of all
stakeholder groups. A more accurate picture of the expectation gap would be presented
if we did so. Future research could compare and contrast respondents' impressions of
men and women with the following effects on cultural dimensions:
Further, future accountants should focus more on consulting and advisory services.
Hence, future accountants must develop their communication and digital skills and
understand how to interact with clients by providing advice, consultation, and

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actionable recommendations. Any ineffective digital and communication skills will

result in inaccurate information interpretation, impacting the company's business
(LaMarco, 2019). This is one of the research areas that could be investigated to
determine how the skill sets of upcoming accountants are changing.
Lastly, future studies should concentrate on determining how companies in
different industries choose new hires with the appropriate combination of skills for
accountants, how to retrain existing staff members who require new abilities, and how
to keep up with the rapid advancement of technology.

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