Communications is Worth Something

In New York and New Jersey, compliance demands and Wall Street's merger and acquisition work is driving the need for accountants, Myra Thomas tells us. But the real demand is for those who can communicate:

Especially where big deals and M&A work are involved, CPAs need to be very sharp and must come across as highly polished when offering recommendations to clients. Great presentation skills and a smooth delivery can go a long way. "Companies are looking for accountants who are excellent communicators and can effectively convey technical concepts to diverse audiences, including individuals who may not have a financial background," says Dawn Fay, regional vice president in New York City for Robert Half International.

Also, computer savvy is driving the field more than ever. New York area accountants need to be especially savvy on this end, as they deal with some of the largest, more complex, and global firms in the world. "Information technology skills, especially proficiency with products such as Microsoft Excel and Access and enterprise resource planning systems, are highly valued," says Fay.

See Myra's story here.