The top skills employers want in 2025
The most sought-after skills are ever-changing, as the world of work inevitability evolves.
Although a combination of technical and core skills are crucial for leading a successful and fulfilling career within the finance space, having a strong foundation of soft skills is invaluable to support you throughout your professional and, not to mention, your personal life.
Many core skills are timeless and transferable across a range of industries and roles.
‘Communication and interpersonal skills are the most in-demand traits heading into the new year, according to our 2025 Salary and Recruiting Trends guide, consistent with the results of our research the year prior,’ says Lee Owen, director at Hays specialising in Accountancy and Finance.
‘Other soft skills finance employers are set to prioritise over the next 12 months include an ability to adopt change and a “digital mindset”, an ability to learn and upskill, flexibility and adaptability, and coordinating well with others.
‘Ultimately, being personable and building positive relationships in the workplace will take you far in 2025 and beyond.’
Develop
When reflecting on what makes a trainee employable, it is worthwhile acknowledging that we are all a work in progress; demonstrating attributes to prove you are eager to develop your skillset and build on your canvas will appeal to employers in the year ahead.
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‘Particularly with the persistent skills gap – the majority (92%) of finance employers say they experienced skills shortages over the last year – an enthusiasm to learn and upskill will be in demand as we head into the new year,’ adds Owen.
‘As our research shows, three-quarters (75%) of employers believe an individual’s willingness to learn is more important than their existing skills. A further 77% say they would be likely to hire a professional who does not have all the required skills, with the intention of upskilling them.
‘Artificial intelligence tools have taken the world of work by storm, but most employers lack the necessary skills to tap into AI’s potential. As our research demonstrates, less than a quarter (24%) of finance employers say they currently have access to the right skills to make the best use of AI tools, leaving almost half (47%) who say their team doesn’t have the necessary skills and just under a third (29%) who are unsure how they fare in the AI skills front.’
Skills
Hannah Szymanski, client services director – senior appointments at Robert Half, adds: ‘There are a range of skills in demand at the moment. However, according to our 2025 Salary Guide, the most highly sought after technical attributes in finance and accounting are financial reporting, data analytics/business intelligent tools, technical accounting and automation.
‘In terms of soft skills, employers in the sector are primarily looking for critical thinking, leadership abilities, problem solving and critical thinking.’
What is clear is that, to stand out to employers in 2025 when it comes to both soft and technical skills, you should proactively seek out training and development opportunities and be able to utilise what you learn and how this will booster your career.
On top of this, identify gaps in your knowledge and express how you would like to improve in these areas to a current or prospective employer, to demonstrate self-awareness and an enthusiasm to grow.
Author: Alex Miller, writer
This article was first published in Student Accountant | Get the SA app now
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