A successful long-term career in finance requires essential non-financial skills, besides the primary aptitudes. If an employee cannot perform complementary basic function of the job, he or she will not be able to advance and get ahead in finance. Experts crafted a list of the top finance skills not related to finance you need in order to make it in this industry:
Marketing Skills
Almost any job requires marketing and sales skills to be able to sell their skills and professional knowledge to prospective buyers and investors. A good understanding of the firm’s strengths and your own abilities are the key to strategic marketing. Specialists advice professional to reveal not only what they know, but also their care and implication, the most valuable assets. Clients want to know that you manage their money as well as you manage you own funds. Raising money for a project requires an effective marketing plan that will convince investors to get involved.
Communication skills
Communication is one of the top finance skills a successful professional must posses. Being able to perform complex, lengthy calculations is not sufficient in this field. Professionals must be able to communicate the results, and that requires strong presentation, writing and speaking abilities. Furthermore, emails or memos are becoming the main way of communication between employees and partners. The exchange of ideas and results with investors, managers and clients must be effective and well formulated.
Relationship Skills
Experts state that the success in finance is 85 percent psychology and only 15 percent technical knowledge. Being able to relate to clients, to understand different personality types, ask the right questions, avoid or resolve conflicts, counsel and listen differentiate a professional from an amateur. Most of the problems people present can be placed in two categories: they don’t save anything or they spend too much. Only if you understand the needs of the clients you can help them make the best financial decision. A satisfied client who feels that you respect him or her will recommend you to others.
Problem solving skills
Problems are a part of life and it is impossible to avoid them. Being a top finance professional requires the ability of problem-solving. Managers love employees who look beyond their basic responsibilities and help their colleagues solve problems, instead of informing them about a puzzling situation. A good problem solver discovers creative solutions for problems using few resources. If you are recognized as a problem solver, your career will flourish and you will be considered a valuable employee.
