Creative thinking is the most important skill according to 73% of employers

While the definition of a good tax accountant may be someone who has a loophole named after them, the most in-demand skill in modern workforces isn't your technical capabilities.

In fact, it's creative thinking that has topped the list of priorities for approximately 73% of organizations surveyed in the latest World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report.

Creative accounting jokes aside, it's a stereotype that accountants are always left-brain thinkers. Of course, there is a focus on logic and analysis in the profession, but accountants must also use creative thinking when problem solving, which is a constant.

As accountants climb the corporate ladder, being commercially-minded also becomes more and more important. And to succeed in senior roles, you need to come up with innovative pricing models, new funding streams and investment incentives, and when times are tough, you'll be the one proposing cost-cutting measures.

Here are some examples of how creative thinking is essential in modern accounting.

Establishing and refining tool stacks
While Excel and paper ledgers have their infinite uses, modern accountancy firms are constantly refining their tool stacks to drive new efficiencies. Between new products and features, and the transition to cloud, accountancy software has come a long way over the last decade.

Accountancy departments now use core accounting software to manage the general ledger, taxes, bookkeeping, bank reconciliation and accounts receivable. Plus there's software for payroll, billing and invoicing, and project management to consider.

Formerly time-intensive operations can now be automated, which saves time in the long-run, however the set-up and refinement of systems and integrations requires considerable convergent thinking.

Leveraging Gen AI
As automation and AI continue to get more sophisticated, many repetitive tasks in accounting are taken care of. This has freed many professionals up from the mundane, allowing for more time to focus on the more strategic aspects of their roles.

There is simply more time for creative thinking, and role requirements are changing to reflect this.

Navigating regulatory changes
Nothing stays still in finance, and accountants must interpret and implement new regulations as they arise to ensure compliance.

These regulations may even involve considerable pivoting of the business, which means collaborating with other departments, which brings us neatly to…

Working in multidisciplinary teams
In many businesses, accountants have a reputation as being hidden in the back office, and for always being the people who are either saying no, or who are hounding people for additional information.

But in progressive organizations, accountancy teams do not work in silos, and are integrated with the management team.

When accountants work like this they produce more accurate and more relevant data, and give numerous departments the tailored reports they need to make decisions faster. 

Feeling stifled in your current role? Check out the Accounting Today Job Board, where you'll discover exciting roles all across the country, like the three below.

Accountant, TaylorMade Golf Company, Carlsbad, CA
Here's one for the keen golfers, TaylorMade Golf in California is seeking an Accountant with two to four years' recent accounting experience to work under its Accounting Manager. The role involves leading daily banking reconciliation for U.S. cash accounts, and payment processing for Accounts Payable and Treasury. You'll be the primary point of contact for related-bank communications, and be responsible for ensuring payments are reviewed and released timely with the banking system. A Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent is required, as is excellent knowledge of Excel and Word. See the list of requirements here.

Staff Accountant, Stress Engineering Services Inc, Houston, TX
With more than 80% of business from repeat clients or direct referrals, Stress Engineering Services prides itself on its reputation, backed by over fifty years experience. The Houston based company is hiring a Staff Accountant to review ledger accounts, prepare and adjust journal entries, perform account analysis and reconciliation, work on client billing (F&O) system setup, as well as client contract/PO setup, financial data and maintenance. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a business-related degree, while strong technology skills are critical, particularly with an ERP system, like Dynamics 365. Apply here.

Senior Accountant, Salesforce, Indianapolis, IN
As one of the world's leading AI, data and CRM companies, Salesforce can really drive your career growth and performance. It's hiring for a Senior Accountant to report to the Manager of Consolidations, and support the team's strategy, growth, and innovation. The successful candidate will be working in a fast-paced, non-traditional environment, and will build relationships within the accounting team, and the larger business operations organization, like FP&A, Treasury, Tax, SEC Reporting, IT, Compliance, and International Accounting. A list of responsibilities and experience requirements are available to view here.

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