Various entry-level finance skills for graduates

Various entry-level finance skills for graduates

Blog Article

Learn some examples of financial organizations and what they look for in applicants.


Nowadays, technical finance skills are commonly linked to industry-specific roles, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial analysis, or insurance brokering. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would understand, such finance abilities merely scratch the surface when analyzing the financial industry as a whole and what is required of every specialist or candidate in this industry. This is due to the fact that finance specialists are expected to have a good blend between soft and hard skills that allow them to manage stakeholder relationships effectively. Although the finance industry is unique and each position requires different hard finance skills and experience levels, there are some abilities that are considered mandatory throughout all positions in this fast-paced sector. For example, being comfortable with numbers and quantitative skills is absolutely up there as a priority skill, as you will likely be working with numbers and statistical datasets as a finance professional at some point.


Regardless of what specific field you work in, there are some general finance skills that you must have embedded in your resume, as Edward Tilly of Clear Street would know. Accounting abilities is one example of this. Nowadays, employers in the finance sector look for accounting backgrounds in entry-level candidates, or at least the ability to dissect financial statements and company documents. This does not mean you need have previous experience as an expert accountant, but rather skill in reading and analyzing financial records. This is due to the fact that the insights that can be derived from such documents are crucial for business leaders and stakeholders when it relates to evaluating an organization's financial health. Additionally, since accounting knowledge is fundamental across a range of diverse financial positions in the industry, companies often to offer competitive salaries for those who have professional accounting credentials or demonstrate the required accounting skills.


The finance industry in today's world is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you must build the core abilities that are required as a minimum in this dynamic and fiercely competitive field. For example, 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 connections are critical to success for financial leaders, especially in times of uncertainty or complexity. As a leader in a financial organization, it's very important to ensure that your relationships with your clients are strong, as these clients are essentially relying on you with their money, and trusting you to make the best economic choices for them to grow their assets and resources. Consequently, building your strategic and long-term working relationships with your stakeholders effectively takes time to build trust, respect, and authenticity with them.