If you entered the field of accounting thinking you would avoid the anguish of having to interact with people, you have gravely misjudged this field. The field of accounting, particularly public practice, requires that you have strong communication skills. These skills need to go beyond simply knowing where to put the comma or understanding the difference between "who and whom". Some of the most important relationships I have established, both personal and professional, blossomed from small talk. If you are thinking that you are super awkward and simply cannot "do" small talk, just stick to these basic tips.