In addition to core skills such as knowledge of accounting practices, proficiency in accounting software, understanding tax codes, preparing financial statements, and the ability to analyse data, finance and accounting professionals must embrace innovation, inclusion and sustainability, the president of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Simon Bittlestone, told FE’s Vikram Chaudhary in an interview – during his recent visit to India. Excerpts:
What kind of new-age skills do accounting and finance professionals need to learn?
They need to take a greater interest in data from across the organisation.
– Broaden their digital skills (data analytics, risk management, cybersecurity, and business models), and be recognised for questioning constructively, guiding strategic decision-making, partnering with their peers, managing risks and implementing projects, as well as providing reliable management information.
– Enhance their communication and commercial skills to better tell the story of the business, generate new insights and business solutions, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders to help recovery and ensure long-term, sustainable business success.
– Demonstrate flexibility and agility to seize opportunities and mitigate risks in the current environment.
– Master a wide range of technical, business, people, and leadership skills.
Is sustainability a skill?
Yes, both sustainability and geopolitics skills will help you stay relevant in the job market – the thrust on sustainability has accelerated, and geopolitics has become important since it hugely impacts our supply chains.
Why did you join CIMA?
I saw it as a way of acquiring and demonstrating the skills that would allow me to make a real difference during my working life. The CIMA CGMA Professional Qualification teaches about business and finance across operations, management, and strategy, and is a key differentiator from other accounting pathways.
Any lasting changes you want to implement as president?
I will push the profession to lead organisations through the dramatic transformations that are taking place in technology, in sustainability, and with people. This is an important moment in the development of the finance profession, and I believe we have a great opportunity to make progress in these areas.
What have you learnt so far as president?
It is getting the opportunity to meet our members and candidates around the world. You never know where they are working or what they are working on, so I am sure I will learn many new and exciting things about industries I have not previously worked in. I want to use what I learn from these members to keep CIMA at the leading edge of the accounting and finance profession. It is imperative that as an organisation we keep the needs of our members and candidates at the heart of everything we do. Get that right, and we will be in a good position to shape the future of our great profession.