Preparing the future-ready CPA

Emotional Intelligence

Even a robot can carry out technical tasks and routine work. What really sets a person apart in this field, is their level of emotional intelligence. At the end of the day, its about people. Have people skills and the ability to relate to, build rapport with others and be willing to respect other people's ideas and opinions even when you personally don't share the same view. Also, think 20 times before posting anything on social media, whether it is something personal or professional.

For current members, expand the site so they can add details immediately after earning PD points

Data Science

In the digital economy, data science skills are essential. Future CPAs will need a strong foundation in this growing field to keep up with the competition. This includes technical skills like coding in Python to soft skills like ability to set/influence data governance. In the future, like now, exceptional decision-making, judgment and communication will continue to differentiate the great from the good.

Emotional Intelligence

To be future-ready, the most important skill that CPAs will need is emotional intelligence. CPAs will need to be more innovative and adaptive to change than ever before, to lead and thrive in an increasingly complex, rapidly evolving environment. The social and emotional learning underpinning emotional intelligence skills will better equip CPAs to creatively solve problems, demonstrate initiative, view challenges objectively, take charge, build trust that fosters collaboration, connect the dots across businesses and teams, leverage resilience, achieve goals, and deliver effective leadership. The cognitive intellect measure of IQ is important for success at work, and for staying current with emerging technology. Presenting solutions rooted in logic is crucial to building trust. IQ and technical acumen are just not as important as the emotional intelligence measure of EQ. As a CPA with 20+ years in reporting, planning & accounting roles within large private & publicly traded enterprises, it aligns with personal experience. The best and most successful leaders were never those whose intellect surpassed their EQ, period. Research studies show that between 1-20% (avg. is 6%) of success in the workplace is attributed to IQ, while EQ is directly responsible for 27-45% of workplace success, depending on the field under study. And unlike IQ that peaks around the age of 17, EQ can be developed. CPAs with advanced EQ will eclipse their peers. It’s that simple.

Resourcefulness

Along with intellectual agility comes resourcefulness. In order to be nimble and adapt to changes, we need to be able to pick up new skills quickly. Waiting to be “formally” taught something means you are already behind.