Different entry-level finance skills for grads

Different entry-level finance skills for grads

Blog Article

If you are interested in breaking into the financial sector, then article is for you.


Today, technical finance skills are often associated with industry-specific roles, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial evaluation, or insurance brokerage. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would understand, such financial skills only scratch the surface when examining the financial sector in general and what is expected of every professional or applicant in this sector. 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 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 data-driven analysis is absolutely up there as a priority ability, as you will likely be dealing with numbers and statistical datasets as a financial professional at some point.


Regardless of what particular 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 does not imply you need have previous experience as an expert 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 financial health. Moreover, since accounting knowledge is fundamental across a range of diverse financial positions in the industry, companies tend to offer competitive compensation for those that have professional accounting credentials or possess the necessary accounting abilities.


The finance industry 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 instance, relationship-building abilities are probably some of the most crucial soft finance skills out there today. As Hugo Bedford of JM Finn would know, reliable 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 solid, 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.