Hey there, fellow bookkeeping aficionados! I’m thrilled to share my journey with you – from a psychology research major with a knack for precision to a passionate bookkeeperruling the financial realm!
📝 About Me
I worked during my years in college as a bookkeeper. After university, I realized that my heart belonged to helping the American Dream come true for people! I’ve proudly worked with QuickBooks since 2008 (it was Desktop only back then!) – In 2015, I earned my certification as QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and now I’m conquering the financial world as part of the QuickBooks Live team!
🌟 A Longing for Balance of Skillset
In today’s world of technology, learning bookkeeping and QuickBooks Online has become more accessible than ever. Everyone has their own “Masterclass” now and I can’t scroll Instagram without being bombarded with ads for bookkeeping schools or classes that claim to help you pass the QuickBooks Online certification exams (Oh, that’s just my algorithm?…)
Anyway, with so many courses, tutorials, classes, etc., getting a crash course in bookkeeping is within reach for most of us. However, what truly sets exceptional bookkeepers apart lies beyond the realm of book knowledge.
💼 Hard Skills – The Foundation of Financial Expertise
Hard skills are the “book knowledge” or technical competencies that form the foundation of our financial careers. These are the achievements we proudly showcase on our resumes, a testament to our education, training, and financial knowledge!
💡 Examples of Hard Skills
- Account Reconciliation and Reporting
- Software and App Expertise
- Knowledge and application of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
- Accurate Data Entry
- Payroll specialty
- Sales Tax niche knowledge
- Fast Typing
💬 Soft Skills – The Magic of Building Connections
But the power is in soft skills. Soft skills are the soul of bookkeeping – Unlike hard skills, which are specific and teachable abilities related to technical expertise, soft skills are more about how individuals approach and handle situations, interact with others, and manage their emotions and relationships. Soft skills are typically intangible and relate to emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, empathy, and teamwork.
💡 Examples of Soft Skills
- Communication: Effective communication empowers us to convey complex financial concepts with ease, ensuring our clients are always well-informed.
- Empathy: We put ourselves in our clients shoes and talk to them like we would want to be talked to.
- Client Service Relationship: Dedication to client service leaves a trail of trust and professionalism in every interaction.
- Problem-Solving: Armed with problem-solving prowess, we tackle financial challenges with finesse.
- Adaptability: Adaptability is our superpower, allowing us to embrace change and thrive in this tech-driven world.
- Time Management: We manage tasks well and we do not miss deadlines.
🤔 So Why Bother with People Skills?
- Satisfaction: In a 2022 Salesforce survey, 90% of buyers say the customer experience a company provides matters as much as their products or services
- Success: A 2022 Deloitte study revealed that 80% of organizations consider collaboration and communication skills essential for success in a team-oriented environment.
- Reward: In a 2018 PWC study, 43% of all consumers would pay more for greater convenience, while 42% would pay more for a friendly, welcoming experience
🎓 Learning the Art of Soft Skills
Like hard skills, soft skills can also be learned. We as bookkeepers are lifelong learners – we can and should cultivate soft skills on our ongoing journey of self-improvement – Here’s some ideas or things to keep in mind.
Always stay Learning
- Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.
- Stay open to new ideas.
- Practice active listening during client interactions and team meetings.
- Focus on understanding the message, asking clarifying questions, and demonstrating empathy.
Be Open to Feedback
- Request feedback from clients, colleagues, and mentors regarding your soft skills.
- Constructive feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and build on your strengths.
- Regularly reflect on your interactions and assess how you can enhance your soft skills.
Join Others!
- Engage in discussions and share insights – develop your soft skills through real-world scenarios.
- Engage with peers and seek mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Participate in bookkeeping and accounting networking groups can provide opportunities to interact with industry peers and learn from their experiences
💪 The Power of Soft Skills
These essential “people skills” define the true magic of our bookkeeping journey. In an era where technology dominates, the significance of soft skills has become more important than ever. Soft skills, such as effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving, are unique traits that elevate bookkeepers to the top of their field. It’s essential to remember in your day-to-day operations that behind every financial transaction is more than just data – it’s a reflection of someone’s hard work, dreams, and aspirations.
Contact Us
At Purrrfect Bookkeeping, we understand that financial excellence goes beyond numbers. We believe that financial success is about forging meaningful connections and understanding our clients’ unique financial aspirations. If you’re curious to learn more about how soft skills can transform your financial journey, or if you have any questions about our bookkeeping services, we’d love to hear from you!🌟🐾 Click here to learn more
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