The Most Important Skills for Today’s Finance Professionals

The finance sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation: Digitalisation, new regulatory requirements and growing market complexity are reshaping finance roles at high speed. Companies need finance professionals who think far beyond traditional accounting and actively contribute to business management.

Finance experts are expected not only to analyse figures but also to derive actionable recommendations, identify risks at an early stage and support strategic decision-making. At the same time, competition for qualified specialists is intensifying, making it more challenging to fill critical finance positions.

The financial sector is among the most important industries in Switzerland: According to the 2024 BAK study, the 243,200 employees in banks and insurance companies generated a gross value added of CHF 73.9 billion in 2023 — accounting for 9.4% of Switzerland’s total economic output.

Technical competencies: How companies strengthen their finance teams

Technical expertise remains at the core of every role in finance. However, companies’ expectations of candidates have become far more comprehensive. Beyond accuracy and independent working skills, organisations now require the ability to assess complex developments and translate them into strategic insights.

This includes strong knowledge of accounting, financial statements and tax regulations. At the same time, disciplines such as risk management, performance analysis and forecasting are gaining importance. Finance teams are expected not only to deliver data but to actively contribute to optimising corporate management.

Industry-specific expertise is becoming increasingly relevant as well. An industrial company, for example, has different requirements than a service provider or a technology business. Professionals who combine financial expertise with an understanding of value creation processes are particularly valuable — not least because they serve as key sparring partners for senior management.

Digital capabilities: How modern finance teams benefit

Digitalisation is transforming finance departments from the ground up. Automated processes, AI-driven analytics and modern ERP landscapes increase efficiency — but they also require professionals who can confidently use and further develop these technologies.

Companies today expect digital competence on several levels:

• Proficient use of BI and reporting tools
• Understanding of automated workflows and AI-driven applications
• Ability to structure and interpret data in a way that supports business needs

Finance roles are evolving from data collection to data-driven steering. Employees who can identify patterns, simulate scenarios and detect trends early provide significant added value to decision-makers.

Learning agility is also increasingly important. As tool landscapes evolve rapidly, companies benefit most from employees who not only use new technologies effectively but also drive adoption and embed them within their teams.

Soft skills for finance professionals: Why companies rely on them

Alongside technical knowledge and digital skills, personal and business competencies are becoming critical. Today’s finance teams are deeply integrated into strategic projects and collaborate with almost all business units.

Companies are increasingly focusing on:

• Strong communication skills to present complex topics clearly
• Moderation and advisory capabilities, especially when interacting with management and stakeholders
• Teamwork and cross-functional collaboration with IT, procurement or operations
• An entrepreneurial mindset to identify and implement optimisation potential

Finance professionals who act proactively, take ownership and contribute strategic thinking are particularly valuable. They help improve processes, minimise risks and strengthen the company’s long-term performance.

Recent data further underscores the relevance of finance roles: with around 94,347 full-time equivalents (FTE) employed in the Swiss banking sector alone, the financial market remains a cornerstone of the national labour market

Find outstanding finance professionals with LHH Recruitment Solutions

If you are looking for qualified finance experts who can truly advance your business, talk to us. We help you fill key finance positions with the right profiles from our nationwide network — targeted, efficient and sustainable. Our teams across Switzerland provide personal, local support and guide you in building a future-proof recruitment strategy.