How to Build a Better and Competitive Accounting Team in 2025

Building a better and competitive accounting team in 2025 goes beyond just hiring a skilled person, it requires a combination of the right people, processes, good culture and technology to create an environment where everyone can adapt, thrive and work well together.  

In this article, I will share some tips on how you can build a better and more competitive team in 2025. 

Read: The Importance of Nurturing Your Internal Talent 

Key Qualities of a Strong Accounting Team 

When looking for the right people, don’t just focus on skills—you must also consider their attitude more.  

Here are the top traits to look in helping you build a better and more competitive team: 

1. Willing to Learn and Adapt 

The first thing you need to do is to find team members who are open to learning new things and letting go of old habits that no longer work. You can do this by looking for people who have experience working in different industries or roles, as well as those who have worked with different software systems.  

Doing this allows you and your current team to benefit from their experience and knowledge and to keep up with trends within your industry, which can help you build a better team.   

2. Focus on Good Communicators 

Good communication within the team is essential. Aside from improving collaboration, it also prevents misunderstandings, especially with your clients.  

Hence, make sure to find someone who can explain their ideas clearly—whether in writing or speaking.  

To help your team be better in communication, you may consider the following: 

• Offer training to improve communication skills. 

• Create an environment where open discussions are encouraged. 

• Lead by example by being clear and direct in your communication. 

3. Respect for Others  

Team works best when there’s mutual respect between all team members. Without it, you will not be able to build a stronger team, no matter how skilled they are.  

Hence, as a leader, it’s your job to create a space where everyone on your team feels respected and valued, regardless of their role or position in the company.  

Here are some ways you can do to build a culture of respect within your team:  

• Be a good listener 

When someone is speaking, listen to what they have to say and don’t interrupt them. This shows that you value their opinion and are interested in what they have to say.  

• Give credit where credit is due. 

If someone does something well, make sure they are appreciated. This can be as simple as saying “thank you,” giving them a shout-out on social media, or sending an email with positive feedback. 

• Be open-minded.  

Don’t dismiss ideas just because they aren’t yours or because you don’t agree with them. Instead, try to understand where the other person is coming from and why they think that way. 

Importance of a Good Team Culture 

Work takes up almost a big part of our day, so being part of a team that supports you is one less task to handle as you go through your day. 

Here’s how you can build a great team culture within your organization: 

Have regular check-Ins 

Talk to your team often, even if it’s just for a quick catch-up. It shows you care about how they’re doing and helps you understand their needs. 

Be easy to reach out 

Let your team know they can come to you with questions or concerns. Being approachable makes a big difference. 

Look out for their growth 

Think about ways your team can learn and grow. Whether it’s through training, workshops, or new opportunities, helping them improve in their career path keeps them motivated. 

Empower them to take charge 

Trust your team to take charge of their work. Give them guidance when needed, but let them make decisions and solve problems on their own. 

Read Next: The Importance of Mentorship Programs in Accounting Firms 

Keep Up with Industry Changes 

New tools and technology are always being introduced in our industry. Hence, as a leader we have the duty and responsibility to help our team and ourselves to stay updated. At D&V Philippines, we: 

a. Maintain monitoring:

Regularly monitor industry developments to make sure our team stays informed about the latest tools and technologies. 

b. Continuous learning:

Even when client tasks slow down, we still encourage our team to use this time to update their skills and knowledge to keep up with the industry change.  

Future Challenges and Solutions

As we look toward 2025, several challenges are on the horizon for accounting teams, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). While there's a fear that AI might outpace accountants, it also presents an opportunity and encouragement for us to evolve to stay relevant.  

Here's how to stay ahead: 

• Awareness 

Stay informed about AI and its implications for the accounting profession. 

• Understanding the impact  

Understand how AI will affect different areas of the profession, so you get to know the advantage you can get from using this. 

• Acceptance 

Accept the changes and adapt accordingly. In more practical ways, you can assign at least one team member to keep an eye on AI developments and relay relevant information to the team. 

Encourage Ownership and Accountability

To help your team be more proactive in 2025, you should be able to: 

Set clear roles and expectations 

Make sure everyone knows what their job is and what you expect from them. Clear expectations help avoid confusion in the long run and keep everyone focused on their task. 

Timely feedback 

Provide honest and constructive feedback regularly, such as during performance reviews. This helps team members improve and stay on track with the goal of the organization. 

My Advice to Leaders 

Leading a strong and competitive accounting team requires dedication and the right mindset. Here’s my advice: 

a. Set goals for your team 

As mentioned above, give your team clear targets to aim for. This helps them stay focused and understand what they’re working toward. 

b. Empower your team 

Let your team take the lead on their tasks while offering guidance when needed. Trusting them builds confidence. 

c. Listen and provide feedback 

Leadership is a two-way street. Give helpful feedback, but make sure to listen to their ideas and concerns as well. Doing this shows you value their input, which fosters a collaborative environment. 

d. Learn and unlearn with them 

As a leader, be open to learning new things and unlearning outdated practices. Show your team that growth is a continuous process and that you’re willing to evolve with them. 

The Bottom Line 

By focusing on these areas, you can build a competitive and dynamic accounting team ready to face the challenges of 2025 and beyond. Remember, success comes from the people you work with—and the effort you put into helping them grow. 

Looking for a reliable accounting firm to build a competitive accounting team? 

Consider D&V Philippines. Our team of experienced certified public accountants (CPA) and auditors, with prior experience from the Big 4 Firms, is equipped with broad accounting expertise.  

We constantly undergo regular training to stay updated with the latest industry standards. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how we can help you.  

You may also download our whitepaper, Finding the Right Talents: D&V Philippines’ Solutions for Modern Accounting Firms, to learn how we can help you build a scalable team of top-notch accountants.   

This article has been written in collaboration with Angelica Garcia, a content specialist at D&V Philippines.