Key skills candidates need to be successful within Finance & Accountancy

Are you interested in finding out what skills are in demand across the Finance & Accountancy sector? We spoke to one of our clients about the skills finance candidates should be concentrating on, and asked for any insight into what Hiring Managers might be looking for in the future.

Candidates looking to secure a job within Finance & Accountancy need to set themselves apart, a good way of doing this is by ensuring they develop and showcase the key skills many Hiring Managers look for across the sector.

Finance professionals that continually build on their skills and react to the market are always the most sought after, and generally do very well throughout their career. But what skills do Hiring Managers within the sector look for?

Here we will look at how candidates can showcase their experience during the application process and what skills will become increasingly important in the future.

What are the key skills employers look for in candidates?

There are a number of things that employers typically look for, especially in junior candidates joining a finance and accountancy team. One of the key traits is confidence and how an individual comes across during the interview process. This is becoming increasingly important due to the direction the sector is heading.

The Finance & Accountancy sector is shifting towards more of a 'business partnering' approach, so there is now a greater emphasis on commercial acumen than there might have been in the past. Excellent communication skills are also essential, particularly the ability to relay financial data to stakeholders at varying levels across a business.

Team fit is another crucial factor. In smaller, close-knit teams, it's important to find someone who is willing to get involved and support others when needed. This is often assessed through scenario-based questions during interviews, to get a better understanding of how a candidate might work within a team environment.

Experience can be a bonus, depending on the role, but it isn’t always essential. What tends to stand out is a candidate who is flexible and willing to learn. Skills can often be taught, but the right attitude is much harder to train.

How have the skills of Finance & Accountancy candidates developed in recent years?

The main difference in recent years is that many candidates now tend to lack what might be considered traditional 'qualification skills'. Instead, there is often a broader and more varied skill set, rather than the specific technical knowledge typically gained through formal qualifications.

This shift can work both ways. For roles that involve a lot of variety, this broader experience can be a real advantage, as candidates often bring exposure to different areas of finance. However, at more senior levels, it can be a drawback, as those roles usually require a deeper level of technical knowledge, niche training, and professional qualifications.

That said, one noticeable positive development is the evolution of personality traits among newer professionals entering the field. There is a much stronger emphasis on soft skills now than there was in the past, which is likely to benefit candidates as the sector continues to evolve.

What are the biggest skills gaps in the Finance & Accountancy sector?

Within well-structured teams, skills gaps can often be addressed by hiring junior candidates with the potential to grow and develop. Many employers focus on identifying individuals who are quick to learn, adaptable, and open to development - all traits that can be assessed during the interview process. By bringing in the right attitude and mindset, any technical gaps can usually be filled over time.

However, across the Finance & Accountancy sector more broadly, one of the most noticeable shortages is the lack of fully qualified accountants in the market. Many employers report difficulties finding candidates who offer the full package - those with the right balance of technical expertise and strong soft skills. This combination is increasingly in demand as finance teams take on more collaborative and strategic responsibilities within businesses.

What do employers look for when shortlisting CVs in finance and accountancy?

When reviewing CVs for finance jobs, many hiring managers score each section against the person specification and job description to create a fair and effective shortlist. This approach helps ensure that shortlisted candidates align well with the role requirements.

Experience is typically one of the first things employers look for, though the level of experience required can vary depending on the seniority of the position. Cultural fit is also an important consideration, and details such as extra-curricular activities can provide valuable insight into a candidate’s personality and interests, helping them stand out from the competition.

For less experienced candidates, it's helpful to include context around career goals and motivations for seeking a new finance job. Employers often appreciate seeing a short explanation of what candidates are looking for in their next opportunity, especially when it highlights ambition, progression, or a desire to grow within the sector. 

What interview questions help assess a candidate’s suitability for finance and accountancy jobs?

During interviews, hiring managers will typically want to understand how well a candidate has prepared and whether they have a genuine interest in both the organisation and the wider sector. This helps determine whether a candidate is making an informed decision and is likely to be committed to the role.

Some common questions used to assess this include:

• What do you know about us as an organisation?

• What kind of pressures do you feel the sector is facing at the moment?

• Who would our clients or customers be, beyond the obvious?

In addition to these, interviewers often include personality-based and scenario-style questions to explore how a candidate might respond in real-life situations. Team fit is a particularly important consideration, especially in smaller or high-pressure environments, so questions around collaboration, adaptability, and handling challenging situations are likely to come up. You can find out more about how to prepare for an interview in our dedicated blog on interview tips and preparation. 

What skills will finance and accountancy employers need in the future?

The number of fully qualified accountants in the market is expected to continue declining, which is why many employers are now placing greater emphasis on training and developing individuals who are committed to becoming qualified. Investment in long-term development is not only beneficial to the organisation, but also helps build a pipeline of professionals who understand the business inside and out.

Candidates entering the market are also placing more value on training and progression opportunities. Businesses that can demonstrate a clear investment in employee development are more likely to attract top talent. While technical qualifications remain important, the future of the finance and accountancy workforce will increasingly depend on employers offering clear development pathways and showcasing how they support long-term career growth.

Do you think you have the skills required to pursue a finance job opportunity? If so we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team today, or check out our latest live vacancies here.

Alternately, you can find more advice, blogs and resources specifically written for Finance & Accountancy professionals on the insights section of our website.