10 Essential

Skills of
 About
Its no secret that carving out a high-flying finance
career hinges on more than just good grades. In
todays fast-evolving workplace, accounting and
finance professionals must demonstrate
everything from razor-sharp analytical ability and
stellar interpersonal skills to a sharp understanding
of industry-standard software.
 Formal Accounting
Qualification
In some industries, sparkling
talent combined with real-
world experience is enough
to land your dream job. But in
finance a sector ruled by
rigorous processes and
standards as well as
commercial best practices
Interpersonal
Skills
There once was a time
when finance professionals
were bound to cubicles, but
that era is long gone. These
days, any perception that
the finance sector involves
simply crunching numbers
has been replaced by the
reality that positions require
workers to deal with clients
every day.
 Ability To
Communicate
For aspiring accounting
and finance workers,
strong written and oral
communication skills are
important, but its just as
imperative to be able to
explain financial jargon in
simple terms.
Financial Reporting

Theres no denying that

financial-reporting skills are key
to a competitive edge. Survey
results indicated that 47 per
cent of public- and private-
sector businesses make
recruiting decisions based on a
candidates ability to produce
detailed and accurate financial
reports.
 Analytical ability

Most companies know

that lateral thinking and
the ability to analyse
scenarios and draw
suitable conclusions are
central to a finance
professionals role.
Problem Solving Skills

These days, it isnt enough

to have watertight
knowledge of systems and
processes its also
essential to be able to
tackle complex problems
as they arise.
 Knowledge Of IT
Software
Clearly, technology has
overturned the way
financial systems work
29 per cent of
respondents would recruit
a prospective candidate
based on IT skills and
knowledge of standard
accounting programs.
Management
Experience
Although its not essential,
management experience
is often highly desirable
for employers looking to
hire a financial
professional for a new
role.
 Commercial Acumen

Its important for financial

professionals to understand
the relationship between a
companys fiscal behaviour
and marketplace demands.
Capacity For Innovation

Finance and accounting may be associated with routines

and systems, but that doesnt mean that innovation
doesnt have its place. Whether youve invented a data-
collection method that streamlines productivity or a
recording process that drives accuracy, candidates who
are innovative are likely to stand out. From brushing up on
your financial-reporting skills to cultivating the ability to
think outside the box, broadening your skill set is
paramount to establishing a finance career that lasts.
Indeed, if you can tick most of these boxes