ACCA has added two 'soft skills' modules to its e-learning courses, designed to give students the people skills, as well as the practical expertise, needed to work in the financial world.

Both modules are optional. Communicating Effectively covers different communication styles, barriers to effective communication and how impressions and judgements are formed. The module also helps students to develop questioning and listening techniques as well as improving written, verbal and virtual communication skills.

Working Relationships covers interactions with others including preferences on ways to interact with people and the implications of this. It gives participants the ability to understand the impact they have on those around them, as well as recognising the difference in reactions of other people and how to use this to build rapport. The module also helps students to develop skills in giving and receiving feedback, and increase their ability to get viewpoints across.

Alan Hatfield, ACCA director of learning, said: 'It's not only important to have the technical expertise of the field you're working in, it is also vital to have soft skills to build good business relationships and communicate effectively.'

ACCA has also announced that its members are now eligible for memberships of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and CMI's qualified route to gaining the Chartered Manager (CMgr) award.

Ann Francke, CMI chief executive officer, said: 'We're delighted to be working with ACCA to develop the management and leadership skills of professional accountants. Accountancy has a critical role to play in delivering business growth and CMgr will help build the capacity of ACCA members to make a positive, practical impact on their businesses.'