Different entry-level finance skills for grads

Different entry-level finance skills for grads

Blog Article

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


Nowadays, technical finance skills are commonly 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 financial sector in general and what is required of every specialist or candidate in this sector. This is due to the fact that finance specialists are expected to have an excellent balance between soft and hard abilities 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 essential across all roles 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 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 sphere look for accounting backgrounds in graduates, or at least the ability to interpret financial statements and company reports. This does not mean you must have previous experience as a professional accountant, but rather proficiency in reading and interpreting financial records. This is because the insights that can be derived from such reports are crucial for business leaders and stakeholders when it relates to assessing an organization's 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 who 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 develop the core skills that are expected as a minimum in this fast-changing 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 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 very important to ensure that your relationships with your clients are solid, as these customers are essentially entrusting you with their investments, and counting on you to make the best financial decisions for them to grow their assets and wealth. As a result, building your key and long-term working relationships with your stakeholders successfully requires time to cultivate confidence, respect, and authenticity with them.