Find out some examples of financial organizations and what they look for in applicants.
Today, technical finance skills are often linked to industry-specific positions, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial evaluation, or insurance brokerage. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would understand, such finance skills only scratch the surface when examining the finance sector in general and what is expected of every professional or applicant in this industry. 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 fast-paced sector. For example, being comfortable with numbers and quantitative skills is definitely up there as an important ability, as you will likely be dealing with numbers and statistical datasets as a financial professional at some point.
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 sphere look for accounting backgrounds in graduates, or at least the capacity to dissect financial statements and company documents. This doesn't imply you must have previous experience as a professional accountant, but rather skill in reading and analyzing financial records. This is because the insights that can be derived from such reports are crucial for executives and stakeholders when it relates to assessing an organization's 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 professional accounting credentials or demonstrate the necessary accounting abilities.
The financial industry in today's world is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you must build the essential skills that are required 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, 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 solid, 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 relationships with your stakeholders successfully requires time to build trust, respect, and credibility with them.