Different entry-level finance skills for grads

Different entry-level finance skills for grads

Blog Article

Discover what finance abilities are essential to the job market and how you can acquire them.


Nowadays, technical finance skills are commonly linked to industry-specific positions, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial analysis, or insurance brokering. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would understand, such financial skills only scratch the surface when analyzing the finance sector 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 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 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 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 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 relates to assessing a company 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 certified accounting qualifications or demonstrate 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 dynamic and fiercely competitive sector. For instance, relationship-building skills are probably some of the most crucial soft finance skills out there today. As Hugo Bedford of JM Finn would know, reliable relationships are integral to success for financial leaders, especially 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 money, and trusting you to make the best economic decisions for them to maximize their assets and resources. As a result, managing your strategic and long-term professional interactions with your stakeholders successfully takes time to build confidence, respect, and credibility with them.