The Importance of Soft Skills Training for Accountants

• In Event: Breakfast with Roundtable Forum
  In Paper Session: Table 1 Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Regional accounting firm leaders face challenges with employees who possess strong technical skills, but lack nontechnical communicating and teamwork skills. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies regional accounting firm leaders use to train technical staff on soft skills. The human capital theory conceptual framework supported the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with partners, leaders, managers, and human resource personnel with 5 years or more of experience who participated in the hiring, training, and professional development process at 3 regional CPA firms. The review of company documents and company website postings supported data collected through interviews. Based on an analysis of the data collected, 3 themes emerged after the analysis including soft skills needed for success, mentoring and leadership programs, and team building initiatives.

Authors

• Tonja Gardner, Walden University

• Roger William Mayer, State University of New York-Old Westbury

• Wen-Wen Chien, SUNY Old Westbury