The Soft Skills Series Part 2: Critical communication at all levels

Carmine Scalzo our consultant managing the role

Let’s face it. Accountants aren’t always renowned for having top-notch communication skills, but for those seeking to reach the highest echelons, or even make it as Chief Finance Officer (CFO), getting this right is absolutely crucial.

Workplaces where there is free-flowing communication are usually the most satisfying to work in and employees will get their key information and instruction from their manager. Beyond this, discussing the company’s goals and how employees are contributing to achieving these boost engagement and retention because there is a key vision for the business which is being achieved.

Working with direct colleagues you get on with is a significant boost to morale but other relationships can be more challenging. Where you think someone is being difficult it is often worth exploring internally why you think this and being aware of subtle signals you might be giving off which encourage that behaviour. Skirting around issues and withholding information based on the perceived attitude of the other person can waste that most precious resource – time.

At the Board level it is important that the CFO communicates with senior management, not just with direct peers, so key messages filter down. It is worth noting the leaders rated most highly on their communication skills accept and learn from their mistakes rather than taking a defensive stance.

Translating data and numbers into something meaningful is a given for any finance professional worth their salt. The interpersonal dimension is where high-fliers can stand out from the crowd and is integral for management and dealing with colleagues – right up to the C-suite.

11/04/16
posts

Related articles

How will the Employment Rights Bill affect employers and employees?
How will the Employment Rights Bill affect employers and employees?

Teaser

Governance

Content Type

General

25/10/24

Summary

The Labour government have described it as a “once in a generation” change.  Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasised that this bill represents the most significant upgrade to worker

Teaser

The Employment Rights Bill Explained

Read full article
Jamie Miller

by

Jamie Miller

Jamie Miller

by

Jamie Miller

Healthcare Funds Report
Healthcare Funds Report

Teaser

Executive Search

Content Type

General

22/10/24

Summary

We recently reviewed Pitchbook’s latest Healthcare Funds Report the trends in the market. In the first half of 2024, a distinct divide has emerged between Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital

Teaser

Are you aware of the key trends and strategies driving healthcare fund investments?

Read full article
Tracey Alper

by

Tracey Alper

Tracey Alper

by

Tracey Alper

Market Insight & Salary Report | Change & Transformation UK
Market Insight & Salary Report | Change & Transformation UK

Teaser

Change & Transformation

Content Type

Market Insight Reports

22/10/24

Summary

Salaries and contractor rates remain steady across both temporary and permanent roles. The current salary ranges echo 2023, revealing a drop from the unsustainable heights of the previou

Teaser

Download our Change & Transformation UK Market Insight and Salary Report

Read full article
Oliver Bradley

by

Oliver Bradley

Oliver Bradley

by

Oliver Bradley

jobs

Related jobs

FP&A Analyst

Salary:

£40,000 - £50,000 per annum + bonus + generous package

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

FinTech

Qualification

Finalist / Newly qualified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£50,000 - £60,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

I am delighted to be partnering with a household name in the Financial Services Industry on their search for an FP&A Analyst to join their team.

Reference

182478

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Laura Gunby

Author

Laura Gunby
Laura Gunby

Author

Laura Gunby
Find out more
Chief Financial Officer

Salary:

£120,000 - £150,000 per annum + Additional Benefits Package

Location:

Widnes, Cheshire

Industry

Consumer & Retail

Qualification

Fully qualified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£125,000 - £175,000

Job Discipline

Qualified Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

PE backed on-line retail organisation looking for a CFO based near Widnes paying up to £150,000 with bonus.

Reference

BBBH182213

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Nathan  Jones

Author

Nathan Jones
Find out more
Management Accountant

Salary:

£50,000 - £55,000 per annum

Location:

Manchester, Greater Manchester

Industry

Consumer & Retail

Qualification

None specified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£50,000 - £60,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Contract

Description

Management Accountant | Manchester | Up to £55k | 6 month FTC

Reference

BBBH182491

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Conor Brooks

Author

Conor Brooks
Find out more
Personal Tax Assistant Manager

Salary:

£45,000 - £55,000 per annum

Location:

Inverness, Highlands

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£50,000 - £60,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH181631

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Tax Manager

Salary:

£44,000 - £50,000 per annum

Location:

Bury, Greater Manchester

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£50,000 - £60,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH180466

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Trust Advisor

Salary:

£40,000 - £50,000 per annum

Location:

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£50,000 - £60,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH181789

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Corporate Tax Semi Senior

Salary:

£28,000 - £33,000 per annum

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£30,000 - £35,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH181795

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Italian speaking Accounts Payable Specialist

Salary:

£29,000 - £33,000 per annum

Location:

Swindon, Wiltshire

Industry

Professional Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Commerce & Industry

Salary

£30,000 - £35,000

Job Discipline

Part Qualified & Transactional Finance

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

Italian speaking Accounts Payable specialist needed in Swindon - 29-33k - Office based until probation is completed (3 months)

Reference

BBBH182227

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Ali Arslan

Author

Ali Arslan
Ali Arslan

Author

Ali Arslan
Find out more
Corporate Assistant Tax Manager - Leeds

Salary:

Up to £45,000 per annum

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£40,000 - £50,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH181969

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
Corporate Tax Assistant Manager - Birmingham

Salary:

Up to £45,000 per annum

Location:

Birmingham, West Midlands

Industry

Business Services

Qualification

None specified

Market

Financial Services

Salary

£40,000 - £50,000

Job Discipline

Tax

Contract Type:

Permanent

Description

.

Reference

BBBH181972

Expiry Date

01/01/01

Aleksandra  Taranovskaja Find out more
View all jobs