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Top 3 Skills For Finance Leaders In A Post Pandemic World
The COVID-19 pandemic has set in motion numerous new changes and challenges in how businesses and organizations operate. This includes an increase in flexible and remote work arrangement for workers, a higher emphasis on employee well-being, and greater importance on technology and data to name a few. Finance leaders today will need to navigate and overcome a new set of challenges in a “post-pandemic” world.

Adriell Ong, our recruitment expert in Accounting & Finance Sector at Cornerstone Global Partners Singapore, shares the top 3 skills for finance leaders required to help them and their organization succeed in a post-pandemic world.

Business Collaboration

The pandemic has put an even greater emphasis on Finance Leaders to work even closer with the business stakeholders within an organization as the economic and business landscape is evolving at a faster pace with greater volatility.

Finance Leaders will need to be more adept in stakeholder management, and to understand the greater business as finance teams will be increasingly relied on for their insights to make strategic decisions. Finance Leaders will work closer with Information Technology to drive digitalization and create a more data-driven organization, and Human Resources on employee development and retention matters.

People Management

With more finance teams working and communicating remotely, issues such as lack of clarity in communications, employee isolation, and diminishing work performances may occur in finance teams.

In addition, the changing hiring landscape for finance professionals also meant that putting a lot of emphasis on talent retention. Thus, it is important that Finance Leaders recognize the issue and put in place plans to ensure higher work efficiency. Finance Leaders will need to emphasize on stronger relationships with their team, building stronger connections and making an effort to recognize their contributions.

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Technological Aptitude

In the last couple of years, there has been a major push towards digitalization within finance teams, with a greater emphasis on data analytics and automation. This process has certainly accelerated by the pandemic with more frequent strategic planning and updates in businesses due to the uncertainty. Finance Leaders today will need to possess a stronger understanding of new technologies to meet new business demands, increasing agility in forecasting and enhancing efficiencies.

The role of a Finance Leader has changed significantly over the years from a bookkeeper to a strategic advisor. The challenges poised in a post-pandemic world will further evolve a Finance Leader’s role and increase their importance to any organization.

If you wish to discuss more insights on Accountancy & Finance, get in touch with Adriell Ong at adriell.ong@cornerstoneglobalpartners.com

ALSO READ
- What qualifies as an attractive Accounting/Finance CV?
August 26, 2023
Top Tips For Landing A Job In The Finance Industry
Even on the best days, job seekers find the finance industry competitive and challenging to break into & secure a job. In an industry that is fast-paced and overwhelming, being an entrant in the industry can be even more taxing. As a result, millennials must look for options to make themselves more marketable than others and carve a position in the finance industry.

If you’ve been looking for a sign to land a job or move from a mid-level role to a senior level in the finance industry, then you are at the right place.

We have compiled the top tips to help you fetch the best jobs in the finance industry. Let’s get started.

#1. Apply Analytically

Consider applying speculatively, and you will get access to various finance jobs. Of course, significant roles at large companies are often formally advertised, and you can apply through their websites. Per contra, you may miss out on a few opportunities if you rely just on the jobs advertised explicitly.

If there aren’t any job openings at the given time, your positive approach will earn you a place in their prospective candidates’ pool.

View All Jobs in Financial Services

#2. Educational Experience

While educational background or work experience in finance is a must, you can always bolster your resume by enrolling in a postgraduate degree or a financial boot camp. This will give you an edge over others by familiarizing you with the lingo and preparing you to pursue further education and licenses.

ALSO READ: The Dos and Don’ts for a successful banking career

Always keep up with evolving finance industry trends and thus work on your skills to land your dream job. For example, the finance industry is undergoing large-scale digital transformation. There is a strong trend in the financial services industry toward upgrading legacy systems and implementing an agile way of working across business functions.

#3. Get an Internship

Attain an overseas internship and get all set to give yourself the right career start. Draw attention to the skills and experience you’ll be returning with. In addition, employers will obtain an idea of various factors that will give you a headstart -your adaptability, knowledge, and confidence.

Finally, if you manage to get an overseas internship, you’d make sure that your network expands and you come in contact with international employers.

#4. Exhibit Knowledge of the Technical Jargon

A finance or business degree is a prerequisite for most jobs in the financial industry. But it is still possible to have a successful career in finance without a major degree. Although relevant courses in finance or economics will help, you can still demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the skills they desire in an employee and the passion necessary for a successful career in finance.

Thus, you must know the terminologies. The interviewer would expect you to understand and use financial terms as you explain. And, if you think you won’t be able to put forward the knowledge of tech terms, then it’s time to crack the books again.

#5. Find a Mentor

Look for mentors who can provide you with experiences beyond functional. Successful careers in the finance industry result from expert guidance that can help you grow through professional challenges.

Moreover, a mentor can introduce you to opportunities that extend beyond finance. You can capitalise on the potential of a mentor and seek his expertise when encountering an unfamiliar experience.

#6. Craft a Quantifiable Resume

Make yourself stand apart from the crowd by crafting a resume that will serve as a case study. Explain your role and add quantifiable results in bullet points. You must also ensure you have all the explanations to defend yourself if you are asked to justify them. What stands out most is how you present your job history using your resume.

RELATED READ: What qualifies as an attractive Accounting/Finance CV?

#7. Attend Career Events

Modern-day career events are no more restricted to being conducted physically. Most importantly, Singapore holds year-round events— physical, virtual & hybrid. As a result, you can approach people and make an effort to know them & their work. Following and attending recruitment or career events or websites will give you a platform to speak to people and access others’ knowledge.

#8. Take on a Leadership Position

Finding the best jobs in the finance industry can get more accessible if you manage to secure a leadership position by joining a group or organisation. Generally, interviewers also look for leadership skills among the candidates, and if you have them, no one can stop you from ensuring a smoother career success.

#9. Display Exceptional Communication Skills

This game isn’t for you if you assume you can enter the finance industry because you aren’t good at communication. Your plan for how to find a job in the finance industry must include working on communication skills— both verbal & written.

As a professional working in this industry, you must be able to translate complex information into the simplest terms.

Bottom Line

Keep a level head as you climb the ranks and land your dream job in finance. Now is the time for you to make yourself more sought-after. Consider using these tips to find the best finance jobs by giving yourself a leg up in the recruitment process.

Getting started in the industry with no prior experience can be intimidating. However, your skills and knowledge can help you overcome the obstacles and spruce up your career.

Get in Touch with Finance Industry Experts

If you want professional help finding employment, CGP Singapore is here to help! Our consultants will be more than happy to answer your queries and understand your job requirements to help you further.

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FAQs

1. How do you stand out in a finance interview?

Whether you’ve years of experience or are just starting, interviews can be overwhelming. To crack an interview smoothly and smartly, you must be able to present what you can offer to the organisation. To stand out in a finance interview, you must:
1. Do your research
2. Review your resume
3. Get to the point
4. Talk confidently about the finance industry
5. Engage with the interviewer
6. Present factors that set you apart
7. Have a few examples of work experience ready
2. What personality is best for finance?

A person intending to enter the finance industry must possess some soft skills and personality traits that recruiters seek.
1. Positive attitude
2. Emotional intelligence
3. A growth mindset
4. Adaptability
5. Persistence
6. Communication skills
7. Empathy
8. Sense of humor
9. Interpersonal skills
10. Vision
3. What are the three skills for finance?

Digital transformation and economic reforms are bringing unprecedented changes. Therefore, employers in the finance industry keep looking for employees who can adapt to the changes. A few dominant finance skills can help you earn recognition from recruiters. Among all, the top 3 skills for finance are:
1. Accounting skills
2. Data management skills
3. Cash flow management
Other skills include business intelligence, mathematics, analytical thinking, and financial management.
February 14, 2023
What Qualifies As An Attractive Accounting/Finance CV?
With over 55,000 accountancy professionals in Singapore and more, each year with new graduates entering the workforce, the competition for Accountancy and Finance jobs can be quite intense, especially for senior-level hires where the number of vacancies is usually limited. As a result, it is important to ensure your CV stands out amongst your competitors.

So, what qualifies as an attractive Accounting and Finance CV?

1. Style equals Substance

The design and format of your resume absolutely matter. A clean, well-structured CV catches the hiring manager’s attention quickly as it speaks volumes of the effort and time that you put into presenting yourself.
A good CV should include:

Name and contact details

An executive summary of expertise and experiences

Education and professional qualifications (CA, CPA etc.)

Regulatory standards knowledge (IFRS, US GAAP etc.)

System proficiency (SAP, Hyperion etc.)
Additionally, a good CV is usually styled with:

10 – 12pt font size for normal text (14 – 16pt font size for section headers)

Professional fonts (Arial, Calibri etc.)

Minimal pictures, tables and colours
2. Highlight your Skills

Without going overboard, if you are a senior finance professional with over 15 to 20 years of experience, you should aim for a 2-page CV that focuses on recent roles and provides concise summaries.

Your CV should also highlight key skills and experiences required for the job, hence it is good to utilize keywords from the job ad to increase your CV’s visibility.

Source: https://www.resumeway.com

3. Quality > Quantity

Lastly, don’t just list achievements; explain how you achieved them.

Avoid vague statements like “successfully implemented.” Be specific about your actions, methods, and results. Focus on achievements that align with the employer’s goals.

Click the picture on the right to find out more about the “3 Things To Have On Your Resume”!

We Can Help You!

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to crafting an Accounting and Finance CV.

What differentiates a good CV from an impressive CV is how you present your capabilities, strengths, and accomplishments in a detailed and concise manner. Along with a good career summary and the right keywords, your resume will outshine your competitors.

Enjoyed this read? Check out more articles here!

Our FAQs

Use metrics and numbers to demonstrate your impact. For instance, instead of saying “Increased efficiency,” state “Increased operational efficiency by 20% through process automation.” This makes your accomplishments more tangible and impressive.

Customize your CV for each application. Research the company and job description to identify key requirements. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the specific role.

Update your CV regularly. As your career progresses, you’ll likely acquire new skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Make sure your CV reflects your most recent achievements. Aim to review and update it at least once a year, or more frequently if you have significant changes in your career.
January 25, 2022
Transitioning From Middle To Senior Position
As employees in the Accounting & Finance industry, we are often faced with a common question: When and how do we move from a mid-level finance function role? Candidates often feel that they have hit a glass ceiling in their career — be it in growth or development — and the step above seems harder to reach than the steps that came before.

If you’re ready for the next advancement in your professional career, or if you’re beginning to feel too comfortable in your current role, here are some areas to consider before deciding on your career progression:
1. Understanding what is next for you: One of the most crucial components to succeeding in your new role is to understand exactly what is involved — what are the skills and responsibilities of the new position? How does this differ from your current role? How can you better prepare for these new responsibilities? What is your plan of action? Understanding the specifics of your new role is fundamental to your success in the next stage.
2. Shift your focus and look at the bigger picture: One of the biggest challenges in transitioning from middle to senior position is the ability to shift your focus. Senior positions often require you to oversee matters objectively, rather than focus on a specific task. With a transition into a senior role, you would no longer be focusing on daily operations or looking at one specific element. So start putting on your thinking cap and move away from daily operational work and see how each task fits into the overall business objective.
3. Finance isn’t just about numbers: You need to be able to inspire people, make value-added decisions for the company and acquire buy-ins from relevant stakeholders. Developing strategies and providing a vision for your function that support the goals of the business is what every company needs.
4. Which stage are you at right now? Do you consider yourself an individual contributor? Do you have experience in managing and leading a team? Are you ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities, on top of your current workload? Different individuals have varying perspectives on their career progression, and many choose to believe that leading a team is the way to go. This thought may hold true to a certain extent, but if you are still focusing on operational work, then leading a team might not be the right fit for you. Instead, start creating partnerships across the different functions within the organization, such as the sales or marketing team. Find ways to value-add to their work, by sharing insights from a finance point of view in an effort to contribute to their success. This would not only significantly help improve the business, but also prove your worth as a finance employee!
There are many ways to go about a career progression, but it is crucial for one to be well prepared for the necessary challenges and responsibilities that are to come when accepting a senior role. Progress only comes when one is constantly growing and adding value to the lives of others throughout the path of their life journey.

I hope the above questions and tips would enable you to better evaluate your next move in the industry! If you wish to have a private discussion in Accounting & Finance recruitment, please reach out to Fred Ng at fred.ng@cornerstoneglobalpartners.com.
October 18, 2021