In accounting, as in many other fields, responsibilities are broadening, with new roles emerging in areas such as information technology and operations. On a given day an accountant may be called upon to not only prepare a quarterly financial statement but also provide input on the purchase of a new financial software application. Now more than ever, accountants must think strategically and understand a company's business objectives as well as its overall operations. Communication skills are particularly important as the level of interaction between accounting and other departments continues to increase.