Final
Abstract Eugene Flegm has a long history in the field of accounting. He has seen a lot over the years and has come up with four paradoxes which accountants deal with. Of the four paradoxes, two of them have a direct correlation with leadership and management. The paradox of balancing “soft” skills and technical skills is the first paradox. The paradox of the education of accountants is the second paradox that deals with leadership and management. This essay will consist of defending Flegm's paradoxes while bringing in other sources to help the argument.
Accounting Paradoxes and Leadership
In any field or practice, skills are either gained or further developed. As an accountant is it important to develop skills like knowledge of basic accounting principles, ability to conduct research, hard work ethic, etc...Rarely is it thought of that accountants are leaders, but leadership skills are also very important for accountants. While I am just beginning my career in the accounting profession, it can already be seen the development of leadership abilities. Eugene Flegm wrote an article identifying four paradoxes for accountants. The first paradox is how to balance the need for those good with technical skills with the need for articulate managers. The second paradox is the auditee paying the auditor causing independence problems. The third paradox is the precision of bookkeeping and the subjectivity of applied accounting theory. The fourth and final paradox is the education of accountants (Flegm). The first paradox deals with the relationship between the two main personalities. The introvert is someone who has the technical skills. An extravert is someone who has the articulate skills. While many accountants have the personalities of an introvert, it seems as if employers are looking for those with extravert personalities. From a leadership perspective, it is important to have the correct technical skills to be able to teach the staff and correct them when errors
Accounting Paradoxes and Leadership
In any field or practice, skills are either gained or further developed. As an accountant is it important to develop skills like knowledge of basic accounting principles, ability to conduct research, hard work ethic, etc...Rarely is it thought of that accountants are leaders, but leadership skills are also very important for accountants. While I am just beginning my career in the accounting profession, it can already be seen the development of leadership abilities. Eugene Flegm wrote an article identifying four paradoxes for accountants. The first paradox is how to balance the need for those good with technical skills with the need for articulate managers. The second paradox is the auditee paying the auditor causing independence problems. The third paradox is the precision of bookkeeping and the subjectivity of applied accounting theory. The fourth and final paradox is the education of accountants (Flegm). The first paradox deals with the relationship between the two main personalities. The introvert is someone who has the technical skills. An extravert is someone who has the articulate skills. While many accountants have the personalities of an introvert, it seems as if employers are looking for those with extravert personalities. From a leadership perspective, it is important to have the correct technical skills to be able to teach the staff and correct them when errors
Bibliography: 1. Flegm, Eugene. "CPA Journal Online."NYSSCPA.ORG | The Web Site of the New York State Society of CPAs. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2013. http://www.nysscpa.org/cpajournal/1997/0897/aug/NV7.htm 2. Gerzon, Mark. Leading through conflict: how successful leaders transform differences into opportunities. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School, 2006. Print. 3. Baysden, Chris. " Demand for accounting grads reaches all-time high." Journal of Accountancy. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2013. 4. Hagel, Jack. " Softer skills for a broader role." Journal of Accountancy. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2013. http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2013/Feb/20126846 5. "CPA Horizons 2025: A Road Map for the Future." Journal of Accountancy. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2013. http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Web/20114688.htm