Find out some examples of financial organizations and what they look for in candidates.
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 might know, such financial skills only scratch the surface when examining the financial industry as a whole and what is expected of every professional or applicant in this sector. This is because financial professionals are expected to have an excellent balance between soft and hard skills that allow them to manage stakeholder relationships effectively. Although the finance sector is unique and each role requires different hard finance skills and experience levels, there are some skills that are regarded as mandatory throughout all positions in this dynamic sector. For instance, being comfortable with numbers and data-driven skills is definitely up there as an important skill, as you will likely be working with numbers and statistical datasets as a finance specialist one way or another.
No matter what specific field you work in, there are some general finance skills that you must have embedded in your resume, 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 doesn't mean you must have previous experience as a professional accountant, but rather skill in reading and interpreting financial 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 positions in the industry, companies tend to offer competitive compensation for those who have professional accounting credentials or possess the required accounting abilities.
The finance industry in today's market is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you should develop the core abilities that are expected as a minimum in this dynamic and highly competitive sector. 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, reliable relationships are integral to success for financial leaders, particularly in times of uncertainty or challenges. As a leader in a financial organization, it's extremely crucial to ensure that your relationships with your clients are strong, as these clients are essentially relying on you with their money, and counting on you to make the best economic choices for them to maximize their capital and wealth. As a result, building your key and long-term professional relationships with your stakeholders effectively takes time to build confidence, respect, and credibility with them.