If you want to stay competitive in today's job market, having the right skills and certifications, especially if you work in the finance sector, is essential.
Let's explore the skills and qualifications most sought after by employers, which will help you create a profile that is attractive to recruiters.
which finance skills are employers most actively seeking?
1. data analysis
Data analysis is an important skill as it is the process of examining and interpreting data to extract valuable insights and inform decision-making, making it essential in various fields for optimizing processes and gaining a competitive advantage.
2. microsoft excel
Microsoft Excel has been a staple in the finance and accounting industry for decades.
Professionals hoping to land a job in this field must have extensive knowledge of Excel, including how to set up a database, insert accurate functions and make adjustments as necessary.
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subscribe3. dashboard/reporting
Finance and accounting professionals at advanced or senior levels must have experience managing and analyzing accounting dashboards and working with reporting software.
These analytical tools allow financial advisors to see a clear picture of all company data on one convenient dashboard or report.
4. power BI
Microsoft’s Power BI (Business Intelligence) enables companies to gather data into one platform and generate reports and dashboards for further analysis.
Finance and accounting professionals, especially analysts, must have experience working with Power BI to succeed.
5. bilingual french/english
Finance and accounting professionals who are proficient in both the English and French language have a significant advantage over candidates who need to be bilingual.
In fact, many companies are seeking out candidates who are bilingual in French to ensure they can speak to coworkers, clients and vendors in their preferred language.
6. financial statements
Financial statements are important in finance because they are the cornerstone for evaluating a company's financial performance and making informed decisions.
Proficiency in analyzing these statements, such as balance sheets and income statements, empowers finance professionals to assess profitability, liquidity, and risks, enabling effective financial planning and strategy development.
7. SAP applications
SAP applications enable companies to record transactions, manage accounts and create financial reports digitally.
Employers are looking for employees who are proficient in SAP software — that way, they can hit the ground running with minimal training.
Focus on learning how to perform common accounting tasks, including reporting, reconciliation and budgeting.
top finance certifications in 2024
The top in-demand certifications for business and accounting professionals remained nearly the same from 2022 to 2023.
The only changes were the addition of certified financial planner (CFP) and master of business administration (MBA).
Professionals seeking careers in this field should consider earning one or more of these highly sought-after credentials.
1. chartered financial analyst (CFA)
A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is specifically for those professionals who provide business planning and corporate investment advice.
Professionals working in a corporate setting or for an investment firm should consider taking steps to earn this certification.
2. certified financial planner (CFP)
Finance professionals can benefit from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificate in various financial areas, including investments, retirement planning, tax management, and risk mitigation.
A CFP offers tailored, objective advice, helping individuals achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.
3. master of business administration (MBA)
Finance professionals can benefit significantly from earning an MBA.
An MBA in business can provide a comprehensive skill set, enhance career opportunities, foster networking, offer a global perspective, sharpen problem-solving abilities, open doors to diverse roles, including entrepreneurship and management, and enhance professional credibility and adaptability.
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