Learn some examples of financial organizations and what they look for in applicants.
Nowadays, technical finance skills are often linked to industry-specific positions, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial analysis, or insurance brokering. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital might know, such finance abilities merely 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 because financial professionals are expected to have an excellent balance between soft and hard abilities that enable them to manage stakeholder relationships successfully. Although the finance industry is unique and each role requires different hard finance skills and experience levels, there are some skills that are considered essential across all roles in this dynamic sector. For example, being comfortable with numbers and quantitative skills is definitely up there as an important skill, as you will likely be dealing with numbers and statistical datasets as a financial professional one way or another.
Regardless of what particular department you work 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 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 reports. This does not mean you must have previous experience as a professional accountant, but rather skill in reading and analyzing financial records. This is because the conclusions that can be derived from such documents are essential for business leaders and stakeholders when it relates to assessing an organization's economic health. Additionally, since accounting knowledge is fundamental throughout a range of different financial positions in the industry, companies often to offer competitive salaries for those that have professional accounting qualifications or demonstrate 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 should develop the core skills that are expected as a minimum in this fast-changing and fiercely competitive field. For instance, 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 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 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 confidence, respect, and credibility with them.