Creative accounting

Did you choose accounting, or did it choose you? Although we are all unique and different individuals, members of the profession do seem to share some common traits. They tend to be analytical 'left brain' thinkers, who thrive on organised and structured activities, and prefer working with facts. However, these strengths tend to be balanced by weaknesses in other areas such as intuitive understanding and the capacity for holistic thinking. Although this isn't much of a problem when you are focused on core accounting activities such as analysis and number crunching, it can create barriers when you want to take on managerial responsibilities or work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

We can't all be good at everything, of course. But if you're ambitious, you will probably need to strengthen your 'right brain' thinking. 'Logic is fine for solving complex business problems requiring detailed analysis, such as the organisation of a company report,' says Dr David Lewis, an expert on mind exercise, 'but there are a wide range of multidimensional business problems where the most effective solutions require the highly intuitive abilities located in the right side of our brain.'

I think, therefore...
Research indicates that the brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left and the right, and that each hemisphere specialises in different functions, processes different kinds of information, and deals with different kinds of problems. Left brain thinking tends to be verbal - focusing on words, symbols, and numbers. Right brain thinking is more visual - and focuses on images and patterns. The former is analytical, and led by logic, while the latter is more intuitive, and led
by feelings.

Most of us have a tendency to use one side of the brain more than the other. Entrepreneurs, for example, tend to be right-brain thinkers. But while their capacity for creativity helps them to come up with great ideas and can lead to innovative solutions to problems, it does not generally translate into the administrative and managerial skills required to run a growing company.

You don't have to look far for examples of what this can lead to. Just cast your mind back to the dot.com boom, when creativity was the order of the day, and financial controls were conspicuous by their absence. As entrepreneur Chris Sebire reflects: 'The dot.com boom and bust scenario taught us that while it's OK to start out with a great idea, and no experience of finance, you need both if you want to create a thriving business.'

In contrast, accountants are not particularly creative when it comes to solving business problems - a drawback in a business world where finance professionals are increasingly called on to think outside the box, and take a more holistic view. 'Soft skills such as communications, sales, management, supervising, coaching, and negotiating are all very important for today's accountants,' says Abigail Stevens, managing director of Think Global Recruitment, adding: 'They have to deal with non-accountants on a day-to-day basis, and communicate in plain English with people at all levels in a company.'

This perspective is echoed by Linda Harlow, managing director with recruitment company Nicholas Andrews. 'In any commercially-driven environment accountancy staff need to see the bigger picture,' she says. 'An accountant who can think outside the box can raise the profile of the finance department and fit in better with office politics,' she adds: 'and they are likely to advance faster than someone who shuts the door and immerses themselves in figures; unless this person is exceptional.'

So, while passing your exams is vital to your future, so is your personal development. 'Major international firms such as Procter & Gamble, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse put emphasis on personality and softer skills as highly as technical skills and experience,' asserts Stevens. 'Applicants are often rejected for lack of these skills rather than others,' she says, adding: 'At least two of our candidates have been rejected for roles recently where the company has said they are perfect in every other way, but did not show strong enough leadership skills.' This and other softer skills become progressively more significant as you climb the career ladder. A survey by Robert Half Management Resources (RHMR) in the US recently found that the ability to communicate well and articulate experience clearly were among the qualities that impressed CFOs most, when they interviewed applicants for executive posts.

'CFOs look for candidates who provide concrete examples of how they organised a team to manage major initiatives, such as improving financial reporting efficiencies or minimising client service interruptions,' comments Paul MacDonald, executive director of RHMR. But they are also interested in how this was achieved. 'Using a direct and confident communication style with the ability to work effectively with top management and lead a team,' he demonstrates.

Unfortunately, the ability to convey your skills is as important as developing them. While only time and experience can help you become more articulate and confident, even those whose natural tendency is to think with the left-hand side of their cerebral cortex can learn to make better use of the right-hand side, putting creative thinking within the grasp of everyone. 'Many companies do offer soft skills training for their finance staff,' says Stevens, 'because they have recognised its potential to develop and retain a happy and productive workforce.'

If you aren't fortunate enough to be offered this type of opportunity, there is plenty of scope for helping yourself. You can start by finding out a little more how your brain works by clicking here and completing the quiz. Then, you can undertake a number of activities that will help you to strengthen your 'right brain' thinking.

In addition to formal training courses, there are less obvious (and less costly) routes available. Before you panic, you don't have to start painting, learning a musical instrument, or rush out to join an amateur dramatics society. According to Dr Lewis' research into mind exercise, it is possible to encourage and cultivate 'right-brain' thinking simply by experiencing the creativity of others.

In some countries, you can do this by taking on voluntary work with non-profit arts organisations. In the US, for example, Arts and Business (www.artsandbusiness.org) provides opportunities for finance professionals (and others) to share their business expertise through the Business Volunteers for the Arts scheme.

Party on...
Accommodating this type of structured activity as well as studying can be a bit tricky. But if you fancy something a little less formal, there are plenty of options. Next time you need to take a break from the long hard grind, you can kill two birds with one stone. Apparently, visiting art galleries and exhibitions, watching films and plays, and even going to the occasional gig can all help you to develop the right-hand side of your brain and become a more balanced and creative accountant.

Lesley Meall is a writer on business and technology issues