When we talk about ‘creative thinking’, the DPS accounting profession is probably not the first thing that springs to mind.
Accounting companies are often seen in the United Kingdom and across the world to be only involved in rigorous compliance work with no space for creative expression. This belief that accounting or business advice services do not involve creativity might even influence how accountants perceive themselves.
However, accounting is not immune to the professional benefits of creative thinking and attracting creative employees. On the contrary, the accounting sector is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that come with innovative thinking.
The increasing significance of soft skills
So-called’soft talents’ have grown in relevance when evaluating employee skills throughout the employment process. What are soft talents, exactly?
LinkedIn defines soft skills as “essential interpersonal skills that make or break our ability to get things done.” We regard them as basic, and each worker should be trying to establish them.”
While expertise and hard skills such as cloud computing and business analysis are still important, acquiring and developing soft skills should be a focus in every accounting firm.
Why you should value originality in your company
Creativity is a fundamental soft talent that is inextricably linked to generating novel solutions to challenges.
To think creatively, you need to:
Openness to creativity, capacity to create new solutions, and mental flexibility.
When the mechanics and bolts of accounting or business advising are set aside, the capacity to be creative is vital to addressing client concerns, linking ideas, and seeing new solutions to a company’s challenges.
Why you should encourage and hire innovative employees.
Soft talents, such as creativity, are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after qualities when hiring new employees. This is true even when you consider the continued emphasis on essential ‘hard skills’.
As accountants’ day-to-day job shifts away from data entry and compliance and toward a variety of business advising services, creativity in accounting is becoming more valued.
This is especially relevant when employing new employees.