Various entry-level finance skills for graduates

Various entry-level finance skills for graduates

Blog Article

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


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


Regardless of what particular department you operate in, there are a few general finance skills that you will 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 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 conclusions that can be derived from such documents are essential for business leaders and stakeholders when it relates to assessing a company economic health. Additionally, since accounting knowledge is fundamental throughout a range of different financial positions in the industry, companies often to offer competitive salaries for those that have professional accounting credentials or demonstrate 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 build the core skills that are required as a minimum in this fast-changing and fiercely 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 connections are critical to success for finance leaders, especially 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 solid, as these clients are essentially relying on you with their money, and counting on you to make the best economic choices for them to maximize their capital and resources. Consequently, managing your key and long-term professional interactions with your stakeholders effectively takes time to cultivate confidence, respect, and authenticity with them.