Is the accounting profession heading for a polarisation?

With the growth of the commercially-minded accountant to engage more closely with non-finance colleagues, what does that mean for future structure of the finance department?

Increasingly we are seeing finance functions polarise into two key functions – the highly technical “number crunchers” and, some might say, the more urbane, business partners.

You are either a business partner or you’re not

What opportunities exist for transition between the two will depend upon the attitude of employers and the ability of finance professionals to build relevant experience and to adapt.

Some employers have told us that ‘you are either a business partner or you’re not’, pointing to some core communication and people skills which they believe are inherent in some people and not in others.

Not all have this black and white view, however. Many are prepared to consider those from purely technical backgrounds if they can show some aptitude, flair as well as evidence that they understand the differing roles.

For those accountants looking to pursue a career in business partnering but don’t necessarily have the skills needed, the best advice is to seek out and put yourself forward for opportunities within your current organisation to build up experience in this arena. This will certainly put you in a better position when looking for your next career move by demonstrating how you have worked more closely with the business.

However candidates need to take heed as the allure of the commercial roles are creating hybrid accounts who aren’t necessarily strong in either technical or commercial accounts. This is proving frustrating to some employers. Don’t forget, if you’re not cut out for a business partnering role, there is still a fruitful career on the technical side, as financial directors cannot emphasise enough the importance of their ‘wingman’ financial controller.