Top finance skills to look for in candidates

1. Communication skills

Included in 44.28% of job postings

Strong communication skills are necessary at every level for a successful business operation. Finance professionals who can convey complex information clearly, build rapport with clients and collaborate with colleagues drive positive outcomes. Consider including this skill in job descriptions for roles involving client interactions, team collaboration and status reporting.

Including keywords such as “exceptional verbal and written communication skills” and “strong interpersonal skills” in finance job descriptions can help attract quality applicants. At the interview stage, ask interview questions that highlight communication skills.

2. Microsoft Excel

Included in 21.83% of job postings

Proficiency in Excel is important for financial analysis, data management and reporting. Include this skill for positions requiring data analysis, financial modeling and the management of large datasets.

Emphasize “advanced Microsoft Excel skills,” “data analysis” and “financial modeling” in job postings. Assess Excel knowledge through practical tests on data manipulation and financial modeling.

3. Customer service

Included in 19.53% of job postings

Strong customer service skills encourage client satisfaction and loyalty. In finance, this means handling inquiries, resolving issues and building strong client relationships. These skills are essential for any position with client-facing responsibilities or relationship management.

If customer service is relevant to the role, seek individuals with a proven track record in customer service, using phrases such as “strong customer service and interpersonal skills” and “excellent client management.” Scenario-based interviews and reviews of past customer satisfaction metrics can be helpful evaluation methods.

4. Analysis skills

Included in 17.36% of job postings

Analytical skills are critical for interpreting financial data and making informed decisions. Finance professionals with strong analytical abilities can measure risk, identify trends and develop strategic plans. They’re especially important for roles focused on data interpretation, financial planning and decision-making.

Highlighting “strong analytical skills for financial data interpretation” and “risk assessment” in job postings, as well as asking problem-solving questions during interviews can help you find high-performing candidates.

5. Management

Included in 17.05% of job postings

Management skills are essential for leading teams and managing operations in finance. Skilled finance managers inspire their teams and hit their targets. These skills are necessary for positions that involve leading teams, managing projects and strategic planning.

Look for candidates with demonstrated leadership experience by including “proven management skills,” “team leadership” and “strategic planning” in job descriptions. Ask behavioral interview questions focusing on past successes and outcomes to analyze their management style and ability.

6. Microsoft Office

Included in 16.37% of job postings

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is necessary for documentation, communication and presentation tasks. This includes skills in Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. It should also be included for roles requiring proficiency in creating documents, presentations and managing emails.

Add “proficient in Microsoft Office suite,” “document creation” and “presentation skills” to job descriptions, and use practical tests to see if applicants are prepared for the role.

7. Banking

Included in 12.03% of job postings

Expertise in banking is critical for many finance roles, covering areas such as loan processing, compliance and customer relationship management. This knowledge ensures that financial transactions are handled efficiently and within regulatory frameworks. It’s a core skill for roles involving managing financial transactions, advising clients and complying with regulations.

To attract professionals well-versed in banking, use phrases such as “expertise in banking operations,” “loan processing skills” and “compliance knowledge” in job descriptions. Analyze expertise through scenario-based questions and practical knowledge evaluations during the interview process.

8. Microsoft PowerPoint

Included in 10.22% of job postings

PowerPoint skills are important for roles that involve creating financial presentations and reports.

Target professionals with proven experience creating impactful presentations, using phrases such as “proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint,” “presentation creation,” and “report generation” in job descriptions. Consider asking candidates to perform a sample presentation task to assess this skill.

9. Microsoft Word

Included in 10.05% of job postings

Proficiency in Microsoft Word is necessary for creating professional documents, reports and proposals. Job descriptions should specify the need for strong Word skills, using phrases such as “proficient in Microsoft Word,” “document formatting” and “report writing.” Practical exercises can help you evaluate applicants’ proficiency.

10. Sales skills

Included in 9.26% of job postings

Sales skills empower finance professionals to promote financial products and services. The combination of finance and sales skills enables employees to communicate persuasively with clients and collaborators. Include sales skills in job descriptions for roles involving product sales, client acquisition, relationship management and meeting sales quotas.

Look for individuals with a strong sales background, using phrases such as “proven sales skills” and “deal-closing” in job descriptions. Assess the skill through behavioral interview questions and sales simulations.

11. Accounting

Included in 8.36% of job postings

Accounting skills are vital for positions focused on record-keeping, compliance or auditing.

Seek candidates with a robust accounting background, verified through keywords such as “accounting proficiency,” “financial reporting” and “compliance adherence” in job descriptions. Analyze aptitude through quick practical tests and financial statement analysis.

12. Time management

Included in 8.05% of job postings

Finance professionals must prioritize tasks efficiently and use excellent time management skills to maintain productivity. Most finance roles require effective time management for balancing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines and prioritizing work.

Include this skill in job descriptions with terms like “excellent time management skills,” “multitasking skills” and “deadline management.” Evaluate proficiency through time management exercises and past performance reviews.

13. Financial services knowledge

Included in 7.11% of job postings

Knowledge of financial services is foundational in many roles. It helps finance professionals provide clients with comprehensive solutions on topics such as investments and insurance.

Find individuals with strong financial services knowledge by adding phrases such as “investment knowledge” and “financial advisory experience” to job descriptions. Practical knowledge tests and simple interview questions allow you to gauge the depth of applicants’ understanding of financial services.

14. Project management

Included in 7.05% of job postings

Strong project management acumen is essential for leading finance projects to completion on time and within budget. Applicants skilled in “project planning,” “project execution” and “budget management” are suitable to lead and/or complete projects.

Assess these skills through scenario-based interview questions. You can also take project management certifications into consideration when making hiring decisions.

15. Computer skills

Included in 6.62% of job postings

Proficiency in computer systems and financial software is pivotal for modern finance operations. Most roles now require intermediate IT skills and familiarity with financial software, like QuickBooks, SAP and Excel.

Individuals “proficient in essential computer applications,” “financial software expertise” and “IT proficiency” can navigate complex financial systems. Practical tests on software proficiency can help you determine if candidates are tech-savvy and capable of leveraging technology for financial tasks.

16. Lending knowledge

Included in 6.47% of job postings

Lending skills are vital for evaluating and managing loan applications. Being aware of the nuances of “loan processing,” “credit risk assessment” and “compliance knowledge” speaks to the ability to handle loan portfolios.

Use case studies and lending scenarios to assess a candidate’s knowledge of lending to verify their ability to manage lending processes.

17. Leadership

Included in 6.45% of job postings

Strong leadership is helpful for guiding finance teams and driving organizational success. Include “proven leadership skills,” “team motivation” and “strategic direction” in job descriptions to capture the attention of high-performing finance professionals.

Behavioral interview questions on past leadership experiences can help you find candidates who can effectively inspire and lead finance teams.

18. Organizational skills

Included in 6.41% of job postings

Exceptional organizational skills can help finance professionals streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently. Target “excellent organizational skills,” “task management” and “order maintenance” to find potential employees who can manage complex workloads and complete financial tasks methodically.

Evaluate these skills by asking organizational skills interview questions.

19. Supervisory experience

Included in 6.10% of job postings

Supervisory experience is vital for overseeing staff and ensuring operational efficiency on finance teams. Individuals who have “proven supervisory skills,” “performance management” and “team oversight” can use their experience to drive productivity and maintain high standards.

To assess a candidate’s experience, ask questions about their leadership experience during interviews.

20. Cash handling

Included in 6.05% of job postings

Accurate cash handling is essential for maintaining financial integrity and security. Any professional who interacts with cash should be able to manage transactions accurately and securely. Look for professionals skilled in “transaction management” and “security maintenance.”

Practical exercises and accuracy tests are methods you can use to verify a candidate’s ability to handle cash transactions.

21. Writing skills

Included in 4.49% of job postings

Strong writing skills are crucial for clear and professional communication in the finance industry. Applicants who are proficient in “professional communication” and “report writing” can produce high-quality financial documents and reports on behalf of your company.

Consider requesting writing samples and conducting skills assessments to ensure candidates can convey complex financial information clearly and accurately.

22. English proficiency

Included in 4.32% of job postings

Proficiency in the English language facilitates clear communication and documentation in finance. Professionals adept in “verbal communication” and “documentation skills” can explain financial information efficiently and clearly, which can improve collaboration with team members who aren’t financial experts.

If it’s important for your open role, utilize language proficiency tests and verbal communication assessments to confirm candidates’ English skills.

23. Negotiation skills

Included in 4.30% of job postings

Negotiation skills are crucial for closing financial deals and securing favorable terms, which is especially important in senior management roles. Professionals who excel in “deal-closing” and “conflict resolution” achieve win-win outcomes in financial negotiations and drive long-term success. Role-playing negotiation scenarios in interviews can help you analyze candidates’ ability to negotiate effectively.

24. Bilingual skills

Included in 4.16% of job postings

Bilingual skills are advantageous for communicating with a diverse range of clients and expanding market reach in companies operating across multiple territories. Applicants with “multilingual communication” and who are “bilingual in [language] and [language]” can serve a broader clientele.

Assess bilingual capabilities through language proficiency tests and practical communication exercises in multiple languages.

25. Microsoft Outlook

Included in 4.16% of job postings

Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook is helpful for managing emails, schedules and contacts. Finance professionals who are skilled in “email management” and “calendar organization” can streamline communication and scheduling tasks.

Practical tests on Outlook functions and workflow evaluations can help you verify candidates’ proficiency in using this essential tool.

Other top finance skills in demand

Here are an additional 25 finance skills commonly listed in finance job postings on Indeed:

Here are an additional 25 finance skills commonly listed in finance job postings on Indeed:

26. Risk management: Included in 3.90% of job postings

27. Marketing: Included in 3.76% of job postings

28. Product management: Included in 3.44% of job postings

29. Military: Included in 3.05% of job postings

30. Spanish: Included in 3.01% of job postings

31. SQL: Included in 2.95% of job postings

32. Contracts: Included in 2.84% of job postings

33. Procurement: Included in 2.43% of job postings

34. GAAP: Included in 2.40% of job postings

35. Tableau: Included in 2.38% of job postings

36. Research: Included in 2.35% of job postings

37. Computer literacy: Included in 2.17% of job postings

38. Analytics: Included in 2.17% of job postings

39. Business development: Included in 2.16% of job postings

40. Loan processing: Included in 2.11% of job postings

41. Power BI: Included in 2.11% of job postings

42. Public accounting: Included in 2.02% of job postings

43. Oracle: Included in 1.93% of job postings

44. Maths: Included in 1.93% of job postings

45. Food handling: Included in 1.91% of job postings

46. Customer relationship management: Included in 1.87% of job postings

47. Financial analysis: Included in 1.81% of job postings

48. Retail sales: Included in 1.72% of job postings

49. Budgeting: Included in 1.72% of job postings

50. HR sourcing: Included in 1.61% of job postings

¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023