Various entry-level finance skills for graduates

Various entry-level finance skills for graduates

Blog Article

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


Nowadays, technical finance skills are commonly linked to industry-specific positions, such as accounting, banking, underwriting, financial analysis, or insurance brokering. As William Jackson of Bridgepoint Capital would know, 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 industry. This is due to the fact that financial professionals are expected to have an excellent balance between soft and hard abilities that enable 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 mandatory throughout all positions in this fast-paced industry. For instance, being comfortable with numbers and quantitative skills is definitely up there as an important skill, as you will likely be working with numbers and statistical datasets as a finance specialist one way or another.


No matter what specific field you operate in, there are some general finance skills that you must have embedded in your CV, as Edward Tilly of Clear Street would know. Accounting skills is one example of this. Nowadays, companies in the finance sector look for accounting backgrounds in graduates, or at least the capacity to interpret financial statements and company reports. This does not mean you need have previous experience as an expert accountant, but rather proficiency in reading and interpreting economic documents. This is due to the fact that the conclusions that can be derived from such documents are essential for business leaders and stakeholders when it comes to evaluating a company economic health. Moreover, since accounting knowledge is fundamental across a range of different financial positions in the industry, companies tend to offer competitive compensation for those that have professional accounting qualifications or demonstrate the necessary accounting skills.


The financial industry in today's market is probably one of the most competitive fields out there, which is why you must develop the essential abilities that are required as a minimum in this dynamic and highly competitive sector. 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, trusted relationships are integral to success for financial leaders, especially in times of uncertainty or challenges. As a leader in a financial organization, it's extremely important to ensure that your relationships with your clients are strong, as these customers are essentially entrusting you with their money, and trusting 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.