Top finance skills

Top finance skills

In todayโ€™s complex, nonlinear, and constantly changing business environment, itโ€™s no longer possible for finance and accounting professionals to rely on existing skillsets. The rules of engagement have changed.

How can finance teams not just support but help develop strategy? How can automation be adopted and scaled to increase speed and success? What does the groundswell of interest in ESG mean to accountants? How can the finance function facilitate collaboration and good data governance? To be part of positive change and growth in organisations, what are the essential skills for the coming years?

In this series, we interview CFOs, finance directors, and other leaders from around the world to find out what skills are at the top of their minds. They said foundational finance skills will always be relevant, but other important competencies include machine learning, data analytics, Power BI, managing a remote team, empathy and listening skills, and connecting the dots. Published twice weekly, these interviews will give you a sense of what skills to develop for the future.

To receive weekly updates on this series, sign up for our CGMA Advantage newsletter. Visit the Global Career Hub from AICPA & CIMA for help with finding a job or recruiting.


CIMA report: Tax constraints hinder growth for UK SMEs

Tax and labour-market pressures continue to hold back recruitment and investment for SMEs, according to a CIMA survey of UK members.

Asia-Pacific retirement wave sparks surge in global CFO appointments

A rise in retirements is helping to create more first-time finance chiefs in Asia-Pacific and contributing to a global seven-year high in new CFOs.

FRC guidance on recognising value of flexible governance reporting

The guidance aims to help investors and other users of corporate reporting recognise โ€œwell-reasoned explanationsโ€ for departing from provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Businesses foresee productivity gains as AI adoption accelerates

While business leaders struggle to leverage AI to improve productivity now, many project significant gains over the next three years.

UK job market shows signs of improvement

A monthly reportโ€™s hiring index moved closer to a neutral level and to the highest mark in three years.

IPSASB exposure draft designed to help governments leverage financial data

The public-sector board is seeking stakeholder comment on its proposal to integrate accounting and statistical systems.

US finance leaders slightly more optimistic

Tariffs, unemployment, and political uncertainty remain as concerns, according to the AICPA and CIMA Economic Outlook Survey.

CIMA on UK Spring Forecast: โ€˜Positive messageโ€™ on stability but โ€˜falls shortโ€™

The Spring Forecast addresses financial stability but, according to a CIMA statement, lacks measures to support skills, tax reform, productivity, or support for SMEs.

Engage365 is live for CIMA members and students

The online community offers CIMA members and students opportunities to connect and share resources.

AI early adopters pull ahead but face rising risk, global survey finds

Most companies committed to AI tools believe they have a strategic advantage, but a new survey shows they also have more risks to consider.