Here are a few finance abilities that companies look for in a resume these days.
Nowadays, technical finance skills are commonly linked to industry-specific positions, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial evaluation, or insurance brokering. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would understand, such financial skills merely scratch the surface when analyzing the finance sector as a whole and what is required of every specialist or candidate in this sector. This is due to the fact that finance specialists are expected to have a good blend between soft and hard skills that enable them to manage stakeholder relationships successfully. Although the finance industry is unique and each position requires varying hard finance skills and experience levels, there are some skills that are regarded as mandatory throughout all positions in this fast-paced industry. For instance, being comfortable with numbers and quantitative analysis is absolutely up there as an important skill, as you will likely be working with numbers and statistical datasets as a finance professional at some point.
No matter what specific field you operate in, there are a few general finance skills that you will have embedded in your CV, as Edward Tilly of Clear Street would know. Accounting skills is one example of this. Nowadays, employers in the financial sphere look for accounting backgrounds in entry-level candidates, or at least the ability to interpret financial statements and company reports. This does not mean you must have previous experience as a professional accountant, but rather proficiency in reading and interpreting financial records. This is because the conclusions that can be derived from such reports are crucial for executives and stakeholders when it comes to evaluating a company economic health. Moreover, 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 certified accounting qualifications or possess the required accounting skills.
The finance sector in today's world is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you should build the essential skills that are required as a minimum in this fast-changing and fiercely competitive field. For example, relationship-building abilities are probably some of the most crucial soft finance skills out there today. As Hugo Bedford of JM Finn would know, trusted connections are integral to success for finance leaders, particularly in times of uncertainty or complexity. 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 investments, and counting on you to make the best financial choices for them to grow their capital and wealth. Consequently, building your strategic and long-term working interactions with your stakeholders successfully takes time to build trust, respect, and credibility with them.