2 pgs

Let's Discuss!

Carefully read the below comment by Rick and respond with your thoughts on

• the receptive and expressive forms of communication and
• the idea that communication is a form of thinking

Whatwould you add to the conversation?Have you thought of communication this way before?Do you agree or disagree?

Also, tellus whatyou have found in the work environment that would add to

Provide some specific situations thatinvolved communication skills (particularly writing, listening, and reading).Can be either as an accountant (who uses these skills)or asthe client (who is affected by the accountant's communication)of an accountant.What particular communication skills do youbelieve willbe assets in an career as aforensic accountant?What skills would you like to work on?

If you have contactwith apractitioner in the field of forensic accounting, discuss these issues with that person and reportback to the threaded dis

Click the Topic Discussion link at the top of this item to locate the discussion for this Unit.

The power of communication:

Communication, whether oral or written, is essential in all aspects of human interaction. What we say or write leaves an impression on others which cannot be underestimated, especially in a professional environment. This is particularly true for accounting.

Accountants tend to be characterized as people "crunching numbers" in remote corners of offices. For a professional accountant, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. As a professional accountant, you will be dealing primarily with people who will rely on your ability to communicate. Your interpersonal skills, language, and professionalism are equally as important as your academic knowledge.

Professional accounting encompasses a wide range of responsibilities which will require you to relate complex information in a clear, concise, and understandable way. From the moment you meet your client, you must demonstrate that you can effectively communicate your thoughts and knowledge. This ability will continue through to the interviews you conduct, the reports you write, and the testimony you may give in court.

Having all of your accounting knowledge is imperative but does little good if you cannot speak and write professionally. The goal of this course is to give you the communication skill set you need to possess in order to succeed as a professional accountant. I wish you a most rewarding and educational experience.

-Rick