Vivian Ho, CPA, RCIC

I've hired over 100 accounting students in my career. The ones you know will advance possess qualities that have NOTHING to do with accounting. Technical skills are foundational to growth and are a must, but these 3 non-accounting skills help propel you forward: 1. Communication skills that build trust I'm often asked what advice I’d give to early-career accountants — and I always start with how you interact and show up with others. Your ability to: - Write clear, concise emails - Explain complex concepts simply - Be curious and ask good questions - Keep others informed of your progress These communication skills create trust. And in a profession built on trust, this is everything. 2. Reliability that becomes your reputation There are so many "basic" things that require no special talent but make all the difference: - Showing up on time, every time - Taking ownership - Delivering what you promised, when you promised it - Being thorough rather than rushing - Following through without reminders When you consistently demonstrate reliability, people start associating your name with quality work. That reputation becomes your most valuable asset. 3. The ability to develop others Here's the promotion secret not everyone might tell you: You must train your replacement. You unequivocally need to be someone who develops others. Because: - In developing others, you develop yourself - It shows you're already operating at the next level - It frees you to take on greater challenges - It demonstrates leadership without a title The accounting profession is a team sport. No matter where you are in your career, being a reliable, accountable team member who helps others grow is noticed and valued. In fact, people notice the absence of these qualities even more than their presence. What non-technical skills have you found most valuable in your career?

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10 Comments

99% of accountants feel burned out at some point in their career. That number shocked me when I first read it. But when you think about it, it makes sense. Accounting is built on tight deadlines, endless closes, and the constant pressure of getting everything “just right.” Clients ask for “just one more report.” They call with “quick questions” that eat an hour of your day. They slip in extra work that was never part of the engagement. And we struggle to say no. Because we want to be helpful. Because we’re afraid of losing the client. Because we’ve been trained to think this is just how it works. But it's not. Or at least, it shouldn't be. Here’s what’s helped me: • Put the scope in writing • Be clear about what’s included and what’s extra • Set a response standard (ours is 24–48 hours) and stick to it • Stop apologizing for not doing work you never agreed to If 99% of accountants feel the same, the answer isn’t more hours. It’s more discipline in how you work. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means the way the profession operates is broken. And the only way out is to protect your time as fiercely as you protect your clients’ books.

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The CPA Journal tested ChatGPT 4 on real accounting tasks to see if AI will replace CPAs. The researchers had ChatGPT analyze a complex FASB exposure draft on measurement standards. It successfully identified key changes, pinpointed which industries would be most affected, and even drafted a professional memo to a CFO explaining the impacts. They also tested ChatGPT on going concern evaluations using Apellis Pharmaceuticals' financial statements. The AI spotted critical risk factors like consistent net losses and cash dependency on two drugs, then suggested 10 detailed audit procedures. Where does AI fail? AI can't handle ethical judgments, client relationships, or contextual nuances that require human experience. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/g2ZrFZSw

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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has an updated a guide on using the “Represent a Client” service (see guide attached). This guide reflects important changes the CRA announced last week about how tax preparers access clients’ CRA accounts via "Represent a Client". The updated guide is a handy resource with step-by-step instructions on the new process. Be sure to review this guide and get familiar with the new workflow!

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