The accountancy sector requires professionals with interpersonal skills as well as technical expertise, according to Sonja Stockton, PwC director of recruitment.

Stockton told Recruiter: “Technical competence is a prerequisite, but these days it’s equally important to have the ability to build relationships and become a well-rounded business adviser. It’s no longer enough for candidates just to be good with numbers.

“People are what makes our reputation. Come feast or famine in the market, it’s that first impression or going the extra mile that’s remembered. It’s the interpersonal skills first and the technical skills are a given.”

For more on the accountancy sector, see the next issue of Recruiter, out next Wednesday.