Different entry-level finance skills for graduates

Different entry-level finance skills for graduates

Blog Article

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


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 might understand, such finance abilities merely scratch the surface when analyzing the financial industry as a whole and what is expected of every professional or applicant in this industry. This is because financial professionals 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 varying hard finance skills and experience levels, there are some abilities that are considered essential across all roles in this fast-paced industry. For instance, being comfortable with numbers and quantitative skills is absolutely up there as a priority ability, as you will likely be working with numbers and statistical datasets as a finance specialist one way or another.


No matter what specific department you work in, there are some general finance skills that you must have embedded in your CV, 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 documents. This doesn't 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 an organization's financial health. Moreover, since accounting knowledge is fundamental across a range of diverse financial roles in the industry, companies tend to offer competitive compensation for those who have certified accounting credentials or possess the required accounting skills.


The finance sector 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 required as a minimum in this dynamic and fiercely competitive sector. For example, relationship-building abilities are probably some of the most crucial soft finance skills out there today. As Hugo Bedford of JM Finn might know, trusted connections are critical to success for finance leaders, particularly in times of instability or complexity. As a leader in a financial organization, it's very crucial to ensure that your relationships with your clients are strong, as these clients are essentially relying on you with their investments, and counting on you to make the best economic choices for them to maximize their capital and resources. Consequently, building your strategic and long-term working interactions with your stakeholders successfully takes time to build trust, respect, and credibility with them.