How many U.S.-born CPAs could pass the CPA Exam in another language or move to another country and communicate well enough to advance in a CPA-related job where that country’s main language is not English?
Our profession as CPAs is probably not much different than many others in terms of working alongside fellow professionals where English is not their first language.
From the employer perspective, it doesn’t seem to be the norm for an employer to provide resources or feedback to an employee to help them improve their language and communication skills in both written and oral form. Nor does an employer necessarily share with an employee that challenges with these may be preventing them from being promoted or getting certain types of assignments.
A professional may get hired for a job or role since it may not require as much interaction with others in terms of talking on the phone, face-to-face meetings or writing a lot of emails. Yet the work requires the types of skills a CPA most likely has or has studied. If the professional performs well in this role, the employer may try to keep them in this role.
From the employee perspective, many professionals may socialize or live with others who speak the same native language and do not communicate in English with each other. As a result, when away from their work environment, these professionals may be impeding their ability to improve their English communication skills. If there is no one to offer constructive feedback, they may not be aware how this may be a hindrance to future success in the workplace. The professional may be self-conscious to begin with, which in turn may contribute to a lack of confidence in selling themselves for a job or advancement at their organization.
I have seen situations where a CPA writes English well, but is hard to understand on the phone. Conversely, speaking English may not be a problem, but writing could be a challenge.
In working with professionals and students, I have suggested they work with a speech pathologist, even if it’s only one or two sessions, to learn how to enunciate words, slow down, etc. (I am a fast talker myself and have to slow down at times as well.)
Other suggestions when English isn’t their first language is to talk to everyone in English that they may come into contact with, including cashiers and restaurant servers; watch TV shows and movies in English; and read books, magazines, newspapers, the internet, etc., in English.
Keep in mind, no one should be ashamed or should be made to feel any shame in asking another what something means if they hear a term, phrase or slang. I know if I don’t understand something, I will ask for an explanation. This happens when I am talking to someone where English is their first language as is mine, and we are both American born. If English is not your first language and you are reading this, don’t be afraid to ask.
I have friends who are CPAs and have lived in the U.S. for 15 or more years who at times ask me what I mean when I say things. I am always happy to explain.
I know from attending many face-to-face CPE seminars and conferences over the years, many CPAs are not quick to raise their hand to ask a question. This can be due to being in a group setting and not wanting to embarrass themselves. With so much online these days, I am hoping that all CPAs are asking questions.
Let’s pay it forward. For many of us Americans, somewhere along the way, someone in our family came to the U.S. and may not have spoken English either. As CPAs, let’s stick together, help one another, and increase the diversity pipeline too.
