Are you on the fast track? If so, you possess a mix of IT knowledge, people skills and leadership qualities.

What's the fastest path to getting a promotion? According to a survey conducted by Accounting Principals recruitment agency, accounting professionals should possess a mix of information technology skills, along with interpersonal and leadership characteristics.

Trend analysis and forecasting skills also play a large role, as do management and communications skills.

More than 400 companies participated in the survey, which also found that training in new technologies and software, more often than not, is provided by staff working within a company or organization. On-the-job training and full-time trainers also provide education.

The proof is in the pudding: career management consulting firm Manchester Inc. found that 40 percent of newly promoted managers fail to perform adequately within 18 months when they do not possess most of the qualities found in the survey.