Transitioning from staff to senior and senior to manager

What is the key to making these transitions? For example, what skillset should you be familiar with in order to become a qualified senior accountant? And what about becoming a manager?

For example, how important is learning how to research accounting and industry standards in order to get a promotion? Do they hold your hand and teach you how to do these things or do you have to figure it out on your own?

Also, how do you get the experience to become a good manager? Do they formally train you with what you need to know? Or do you just kinda pick up things on your own and hope for the best?

These are just examples, but interested in overall feedback about how to get ahead in both public and private accounting. Please indicate if your response applies to public/private, large firm/small firm, and the general location as well.