A short blog on something I noticed in a recent recruitment exercise…

Technical skills and IQ for many years have been the big differentiators when a hiring client makes a decision on which #Accountant to appoint. But now, EI (Emotional Intelligence) is definitely at the fore, the ability to understand and manage emotions is what is truly setting top performers apart. I wonder if this is an output from our increasingly AI-driven business world? Are we valuing the personal element even more?

‘High EI’ professionals connect better with clients, build trust, and create lasting partnerships—qualities that traditional skills or AI, alone can’t deliver. Teams run smoother when people have strong emotional skills; they handle stress better, resolve conflicts faster, and keep morale high even when the pressure is on.

It’s no surprise that most firms now see EI as crucial, but there’s still a gap between recognising its value and actually hiring for it. Why is that? For me, its ‘Old habits die hard’ and many organisations still lean on technical and academic achievements – they are also easier to score because they are not subjective.

The upside is clear: employees with high EI adapt more quickly to industry changes, stay motivated through uncertainty, and bring out the best in those around them.

Leadership in accountancy and finance is no longer just about numbers—it’s about inspiring and understanding teams. After all, how many #CFO‘s or #FD‘s are running numbers? Leaders with high EI are more effective at motivating others and driving results, simply because they get what makes people tick.

The good news is, EI can be developed, not just discovered. Firms are starting to use behavioural interviews and psychometric tests to spot these hidden strengths early in the hiring process. As with anything new or unusual like EI assessments will be for many, it is crucial to explain why you are adding this element to the process. Top talent will understand, appreciate and accept.

Investing in EI assessment pays off in the long run, building resilient teams ready to face any challenge. As competition for top talent heats up (even during this period of slacker demand), the organisations that put emotional intelligence front and centre will stand out and attract the best candidates.

Something to takeaway…

* Ask yourself, how can your hiring team start prioritising EI assessment from now on?

* What would your workplace look like if emotional skills were valued just as much as technical ones?

The future of accountancy and finance belongs to those who see people as their greatest asset. Focusing on EI isn’t just a recruitment trend—it’s a blueprint for lasting success.

#Leadership #Recruitment #Finance