Understanding basic finance skills that you require

Understanding basic finance skills that you require

Blog Article

Find out some examples of financial organizations and what they look for in applicants.


Today, technical finance skills are often linked to industry-specific roles, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial analysis, or insurance brokering. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would know, such financial skills only scratch the surface when examining the finance sector in general and what is expected of every professional or applicant in this sector. This is because financial professionals are expected to have an excellent blend between soft and hard skills that allow them to manage stakeholder relationships effectively. Although the finance sector is unique and each role requires varying hard finance skills and experience levels, there are some abilities that are considered essential across all roles in this dynamic sector. For example, being comfortable with numbers and data-driven skills is definitely up there as a priority ability, as you will likely be dealing with numbers and statistical datasets as a financial professional at some point.


Regardless of what particular department you work in, there are some general finance skills that you must have embedded in your CV, as Edward Tilly of Clear Street would know. Accounting skills is one example of this. Nowadays, companies in the finance sector look for accounting backgrounds in graduates, or at least the capacity to dissect financial statements and company documents. This does not mean you must have previous experience as a professional accountant, but rather skill in reading and analyzing economic records. This is because the conclusions that can be derived from such documents are essential for business leaders and stakeholders when it comes to evaluating a company economic health. Additionally, since accounting knowledge is fundamental across a range of diverse financial roles in the industry, companies often to offer competitive compensation for those who have professional accounting credentials or possess the necessary accounting abilities.


The financial industry in today's market is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you must develop the core abilities that are expected as a minimum in this dynamic and highly competitive field. For example, relationship-building skills are probably some of the most crucial soft finance skills out there today. As Hugo Bedford of JM Finn might know, trusted relationships are critical to success for financial leaders, especially in times of instability or challenges. As a leader in a financial organization, it's very important to ensure that your relationships with your clients are strong, as these customers are essentially entrusting you with their investments, and trusting you to make the best financial decisions for them to maximize their assets and resources. As a result, managing your key and long-term professional relationships with your stakeholders effectively requires time to cultivate confidence, respect, and authenticity with them.