It’s no secret that carving out a career in finance hinges on more than good grades. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an executive with decades of experience, success today depends on your ability to navigate evolving tech and growing business demands.
Accounting and finance professionals must demonstrate everything from razor-sharp analytical ability and stellar soft skills to a sharp understanding of industry-standard software.
So, how do you know whether your resume will reach the top of the pile or if it’s destined to fall short? Here are seven finance skills that will put you in prime position for a promising career in finance.
1. Financial credentials that validate your expertise
In the finance world, credibility matters and that starts with the right qualifications. While some industries may value raw talent and on-the-job experience alone, a successful career in finance typically requires formal credentials that demonstrate your knowledge of accounting standards, regulatory compliance and financial reporting.
Whether you're pursuing roles in corporate finance, investment banking or accounting, hiring managers will be scanning your resume for certifications like CPA, CFA, CMA or a finance-related degree. These financial skills show that you understand the rules of the industry and that you’re committed to upholding them.
2. Clear communication and negotiation skills
It’s not enough to know the numbers—you need to be able to explain them. Whether you're breaking down financial forecasts for non-finance stakeholders or making the case for budget allocations, strong communication skills are essential to a successful finance career.
Employers are looking for professionals who can translate complex financial jargon into clear, actionable language for colleagues, clients and leadership alike. This also extends to negotiation: whether you’re discussing vendor contracts, closing deals or advocating for budget increases, your ability to communicate persuasively and diplomatically matters.
3. Financial reporting skills
Clear, accurate financial reporting is the foundation of trust in any business. It’s how organizations communicate performance to stakeholders, satisfy compliance requirements and make strategic decisions.
For professionals pursuing a career in finance, demonstrating proficiency in preparing and analyzing financial statements—balance sheets, income statements, cash flow reports and more—is critical. Employers value candidates who not only know how to compile these reports but also understand the regulatory frameworks behind them, such as GAAP or IFRS.
Showcasing this financial skill on your resume tells hiring managers you’re detail-oriented and ready to contribute to financial transparency and compliance from day one.
The skills involved in financial reporting are in demand in today’s workplaces, and the salary levels reflect it. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, salaries for accountants working in financial reporting as well as other finance and accounting jobs are on the rise.
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4. Analytical ability and data-driven decision making
Today’s finance professionals are expected to do more than crunch numbers—they’re expected to extract insights and guide strategic decisions. That’s why analytical ability is one of the most essential financial skills to highlight on your resume.
Employers are looking for candidates who can evaluate complex data sets, interpret financial trends and make informed, data-driven recommendations. Experience with business intelligence (BI) tools like Tableau, Power BI or SQL can set you apart, especially in a role that requires cross-functional collaboration and strategic planning.
5. Knowledge of digital tools and FinTech platforms
As technology continues to transform the finance industry, employers increasingly value candidates who are comfortable using digital tools to drive efficiency and insight. To thrive in a modern finance career, you’ll need more than traditional accounting knowledge—you’ll need hands-on experience with the platforms that power today’s financial operations.
From advanced Excel skills to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, cloud-based accounting software, and business intelligence tools like Power BI, these financial skills help teams manage data, automate reporting and improve forecasting accuracy. Familiarity with Gen AI tools and predictive analytics, especially within emerging FinTech platforms, is quickly becoming a must-have for finance professionals.
Learn more ways expanding your tech skills can help elevate your accounting career.
6. Market awareness and strategic financial insight
Finance professionals don’t just report the numbers, they help shape the strategy. That’s why employers seek candidates with a strong grasp of how financial decisions impact business performance.
Whether you're analyzing revenue streams or assessing risk, understanding market trends, customer behavior and industry dynamics can make you a more valuable advisor. Demonstrating the ability to connect financial data with real-world outcomes is a competitive edge in any finance career.
How might you convey this financial skill on your resume? The key is to quantify impact and tie finance work to business outcomes. For example, you might include how you partnered with another team to align budget forecasts with shifting market demand. Or used financial modeling to help drive a X% increase in revenue.
7. Relationship-building and collaboration skills
Today’s finance professionals aren’t siloed behind spreadsheets, they’re embedded in cross-functional teams, client meetings and strategy sessions. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating effectively across departments.
Whether you’re explaining financial insights to non-finance stakeholders or advising clients, your ability to communicate with empathy and clarity can set you apart. In fact, when comparing two candidates with similar financial skills, hiring managers often favor the one who has a proven track record of management or cross-functional collaboration.
At the end of the day, the strongest finance resumes don’t just list tasks, they show the impact of your skills in action. Employers are looking for professionals who can think strategically, adapt to change and collaborate across teams. As you refine your resume, focus on the skills that reflect how you work and the results you deliver.
