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Want to Work in Finance? You Need These Finance Skills

 

When seeking a job in the finance sector, soft skills are just as important as number crunching. Here are four soft skills you must possess when working in the area of finance.

Communication 

Because you’ll be working with colleagues in different departments, clear communication is vital. Not everyone has the same level of financial expertise that you do. You need to speak in a way that colleagues understand, so that they can use your information for accurately completing their work.

It’s also important that you build relationships with colleagues, executives and clients. Businesses are built on relationships, and communication fosters relationships. The stronger your relationships within the organization, the more successful you’ll be.

Project Management

Project management involves finance skills such as communication, accountability, flexibility, time management and coordination. Because projects often involve HR, marketing or other departments, it’s essential you hold weekly meetings to communicate what work needs finishing when and who’s responsible for each task, then hold each colleague accountable for their work. You’ll also need to discuss which tasks are already completed, which need finishing and what the best way is to overcome problems and move forward with the project. It’s important you remain flexible in completing tasks, as obstacles will arise that put you behind schedule. You’ll also have to speak with leadership on the project’s progress at given times.

Adaptability to Technology

Because we live in a world that is driven by technology, its imporant to be able to adapt to using technology when working in finance.  Companies and clients want financial professionals who are tech-focused and can quickly fill their needs. For example, a financial advisor’s clients typically have various bank accounts, investments and insurance policies through different financial institutions or firms. Rather than gathering details on each account separately, technology quickly provides a consolidated record for all of the accounts. In addition, much financial paperwork is completed electronically rather than with pen and paper for increased accuracy of information and speed of opening accounts.

Ethics

Because of the 2008 financial crisis, the ethics of workers in the finance industry is under even more scrutiny. Your employer, investors and clients will be closely monitoring your behavior and performing due diligence to ensure you’re using their money lawfully and in their best interest. Therefore, it’s especially important that you send the right messages to those affected by your decisions. For example, be upfront and clear with your employer or clients about your experience and expertise from the start. Listen more than you speak, and ask questions so that you can better understand your company’s or client’s objectives, and follow through on reaching them. Explain changes you make, such as using a more efficient software system, so that your employer or clients understand your reasoning and continue trusting your decisions.

Your opportunities for working in finance are seemingly endless. For assistance securing your next financial compliance position, contact the financial recruiting experts at CarterWill Search & Flex today!

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