By Gavin Warner, published 3 January 2026
Technical Competence: The Foundation for Accountants, Auditors, and Tax Professionals
From Sheridan Maine’s perspective, technical competence is the first thing employers look for in accountants, auditors, and tax professionals in both the UK and USA. Candidates must have strong knowledge of auditing standards, and tax legislation, alongside the ability to apply them in practical business situations. In today’s digital world, expertise in accounting software, data analytics, and AI-assisted finance systems is increasingly expected. A skilled accountant, for instance, can spot when a “marketing expense” is actually a director’s holiday, ensuring accuracy and compliance for their organisation. Technical skills alone, however, are just the starting point - today’s market demands professionals who can interpret numbers intelligently and make sound business recommendations.
Ethics, Integrity, and Professional Scepticism
Ethical integrity is a non-negotiable trait, Sheridan Maine emphasises, separating a trusted finance professional from one who is simply qualified on paper. Employers value accountants, auditors, and tax professionals who demonstrate objectivity, confidentiality, and professional scepticism. Auditors must challenge management when discrepancies arise, while tax professionals must distinguish between lawful tax planning and risky avoidance schemes. In highly regulated environments across the UK and US, integrity and compliance are critical to protecting both clients and the reputation of the profession. Independence and ethics are skills that keep careers (and businesses) safe.
Professional Judgement and Commercial Awareness
In today’s fast-paced business world, technical knowledge must be combined with commercial awareness and professional judgement. Sheridan Maine sees clients consistently seeking professionals who can make decisions beyond the textbook, balancing compliance, risk, and business realities. A tax adviser might suggest lawful strategies to minimise liability while explaining implications to management, and an accountant must interpret financial statements in context, rather than merely ticking boxes. Candidates who can communicate why they made certain decisions - rather than just what they did - stand out in recruitment, especially in cross-border roles and global teams where international rules intersect.
Communication, Adaptability, and Lifelong Learning
Finally, communication skills and adaptability are among the most sought-after traits in today’s changing finance landscape. Finance professionals have always explained complex data to non-finance colleagues and overseas stakeholders but now may also need to do so to automated reporting systems. Those who continuously update their skills, embracing new technology, digital reporting tools, and evolving standards, remain highly employable. Today’s top candidates combine expertise, ethics, judgement, and adaptability, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in the ever-changing accounting, audit, and tax world.
