Explain the essential skills that would make a person successful in each of the described positions.

The roles of an accountant and a financial analyst require different but complementary skills sets. An accountant is responsible for accurately maintaining, auditing, and reporting financial records in order to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They must have strong organizational abilities as well as an attention to detail. Additionally, they should also possess a solid understanding of basic accounting principles and procedures in order to be able to accurately complete their duties.

Financial analysts are tasked with providing insight into the performance of companies or markets, usually through analysis of historical data. To do this successfully they need analytical thinking skills, excellent research capabilities, and an ability to interpret complex financial information quickly and effectively. Furthermore, good communication skills are essential for presenting results clearly so that managers can make informed decisions based on their findings.