Soft skills’ modules launched to enhance ACCA’s complete finance professionals

Two new e- learning modules for students and af f i l i ates have been launched to give them the people skills, as well as the practical expertise, needed to work in the financial world

The optional modules are open to both students and affiliates, designed to help them develop skills in communications, team working and relationship building. The modules will also help students in developing the skills they will need to demonstrate in the workplace in the completion of their practical experience requirements (PER). The two modules are:

Communicating Effectively - covers different communication styles, barriers to effective communication and how impressions and judgements are formed. The modules also help to develop questioning and listening techniques as well as improving written, verbal and virtual communication skills.

Working Relationships - covers interactions with others including preferences on ways to interact with people and the implications of this. It gives participants of the module the ability to understand the impact they have on those around them, as well as recognising the difference in reactions of other people and how to use this to build rapport. The module also helps to develop skills in giving and receiving feedback, and increase the ability to get viewpoints across.

Alan Hatfield, ACCA director of learning, said: “It’s not only important to have the technical expertise of the field you’re working in, it is also vital to have soft skills to build good business relationships and communicate effectively. “The two professional e- learning modules to develop these soft skills will enable ACCA students and affiliates to become more confident and capable finance professionals. The modules may also be of interest to employers and tuition providers to promote to their employees and students. We believe the ACCA Qualification prepares students to become complete finance professionals, with the skills required to meet the needs of employers. Through these developments, we continue to strengthen the competencies possessed by our members to meet the constantly changing needs of business today.”