Finding the Right Job

Key skills and minimum requirements

Management accountants are the financial business partners of their organisation, interacting at all levels and providing a financial view not only of the past performance of their organisation but also the strategy and planning for the future. Not all organisations will offer trainee positions, and competition can be tough, but understanding the core skills and minimum requirements will help you get ahead.

What degree?

Some recruiters will specify particular degree backgrounds so remember to check the web pages of the firms you are considering applying to. Numerical subjects will always be an advantage, however increasingly employers are considering appliants from any degree background in order to attract the top talent. You should expect your numerial ability to be tested as part of the recruitment process but recruiters will also be looking for other competencies.

If you can prove your skills and have a genuine interest then you stand a good chance of being considered, competition is often tough though and you may struggle to secure a position if you do not have a 2.1 degree or above.


What else do you need?

In today’s recruitment market it is not enough to have a good degree, this is just a stepping stone. Recruiters will be looking for you to prove your competence to do the job. Although this will vary from employer to employer some of the key skills are as follows:

• Numerical ability – management accountants are responsible for providing the monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts so a proven ability to deal with numbers is essential. If you do not have a numerical degree some relevant work experience would be an advantage.
• Communication skills – the management accounting department will often have to liase with many different areas of the business and with people at all levels. Often you will have to explain outcomes and strategies to members of the organisation who are not accountants, therefore good communciation skills are essential.
• Analytical ability – it is not enough to be able to make the numbers work, you also need to understand the impact this may have on the business and its performance. The ability to analyse data and develop or recommend strategies is a key skill you will need to succeed in this field.
• Teamwork – you will rarely be working on your own so the ability to interact with others is important. When you first start you may have to do some of the more basic accounting processes so remember that enthusiasm is always a good way to impress your colleagues and will help you progress more quickly.
• Time management – you may be working on a number of concurrent projects so the ability to organise yourself effectively is a useful skill. You will also often be balancing work and study which can be challenging, so check out the support you will get from your employer for your professional exams when selecting who to work for.
• Commercial awareness – businesses do not operate on their own, they are part of the wider commercial space so it important to get a good understanding of the current business world. Reading the financial press will keep you on top of the latest developments, but remember to think about how this links back to the specific organisation you are working for.

In essence, employers are looking for dedication, commitment to learning and a genuine interest in the industry.

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