Learn some examples of financial organizations and what they look for in applicants.
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 only scratch the surface when examining the financial industry as a whole and what is required of every professional or applicant in this industry. This is due to the fact that finance specialists are expected to have a good blend between soft and hard abilities 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 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 operate in, there are a few general finance skills that you will have embedded in your resume, as Edward Tilly of Clear Street would know. Accounting abilities 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 doesn't imply you need have previous experience as an expert accountant, but rather proficiency in reading and interpreting economic documents. This is due to the fact that the conclusions that can be derived from such documents are essential for business leaders and stakeholders when it comes to evaluating a company financial health. Moreover, since accounting knowledge is fundamental across a range of different financial positions in the industry, companies tend to offer competitive salaries for those that have certified accounting qualifications or possess the required accounting skills.
The finance sector in today's market is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you should build the core skills that are expected as a minimum in this fast-changing and highly 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 instability 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 relationships with your stakeholders successfully requires time to build trust, respect, and authenticity with them.