Upskilling is a hot topic in Human Resources these days. It's gained attention because companies have realized the value of internal training after dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Plus, there are upcoming challenges like retaining talented employees, building a good employer brand, and managing teams with different generations.
When it comes to addressing these issues, internal training offers various tools. One of the important ones is upskilling. You might have heard about it, but it's not always clear what it means and its implications. In this article, we'll break it down for you and explain why it's a viable option for training within your company. Implementing an upskilling strategy benefits both employees and the company. It's a win-win situation!
Understand what skills your firm needs
The first step in upskilling your team members is to identify the skill gaps within your accounting firm. Conduct a thorough assessment of your team's current capabilities and compare them to the skills required for your firm's future success.
Once you have identified the areas that need improvement, set clear and achievable goals for each team member. This will provide a roadmap for their professional development and ensure that your upskilling efforts are targeted and effective.
Offer Customized Training Programs
Every team member has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to provide customized training programs that cater to their individual needs. Work with your team members to develop personalized learning plans that align with their career goals, interest, talents and the strategic objectives of your firm. This may include a combination of in-house training, external workshops, online courses, and certifications. By offering tailored training programs, you can ensure that your team members acquire the skills they need to excel in their roles and contribute to the success of your firm.
Encourage Peer-to-peer Collaboration
Cross-functional collaboration is a powerful way to upskill your team members and foster a culture of continuous learning. Encourage your staff to work on projects with colleagues from different departments, as this will expose them to new perspectives and help them develop a broader skill set. This way they can learn from each other's expertise and gain valuable insights into the various aspects of your firm's operations.
Also, experience shows that cross-functional collaboration helps companies expose processes that could work better.
Embrace Data-Driven Technology
In the age of digital transformation, it's crucial for accounting firms to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and data-driven tools. Equip your team members with the necessary software and platforms to streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance their decision-making capabilities. For this to work, make sure to provide training on how to effectively use these tools to maximize their potential and become more agile in their approach to problem-solving.
Keep Doors Opened to Continuous Learning
To upskill your team members effectively, it's essential to create an environment that encourages continuous learning. Promote a growth mindset within your firm by celebrating progress, rewarding curiosity, and providing regular feedback. Encourage your team members to attend industry conferences, webinars, and networking events to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
A good idea is to go for an always-available microlearning platform where employees can learn new things even if they don’t fully connect to their career plan. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, you can ensure that your team members are always eager to acquire new skills and improve their existing ones.
Provide Opportunities for Leadership and Influence
Upskilling your team members involves more than just technical skills; it also requires the development of soft skills such as leadership and influence. Provide opportunities for your staff to take on leadership roles within your firm, such as heading up a project or mentoring a junior colleague. This will help them build their confidence, improve their communication skills, and learn how to effectively manage and motivate others.
Monitor and Adjust as Needed
Finally, it's essential to regularly monitor the progress of your team members and adjust your upskilling efforts as needed. Conduct periodic performance reviews to assess the effectiveness of your training programs and identify any areas that require further improvement.
Be open to feedback from your team members and use their insights to refine your approach to upskilling. By staying agile and responsive, you can ensure that your team members continue to grow and develop in line with the evolving needs of your firm.
Upskilling your team members is a critical investment in the future success of your accounting firm. Your team members, and your firm, will thank you for it.
Kevin Mitchell, CPA
Senior Manager and CPA with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial services, specializing in risk management and regulatory compliance. Skilled in managing audits and leading teams to deliver exceptional services. Proud father of two.
