overview.

Finance and accounting have always offered a number of rewarding career paths, and in 2024, the industry is being rapidly transformed by digitisation, a shift that’s opening up more positions in technology-related roles. More people are also needed to protect against systems failure, cyberattacks and data breaches as operations increasingly move online and new and unfamiliar technology comes on stream. 

But it’s not just digital skills that are in increasing demand in 2024. Financial services organisations want to rebuild trust and strengthen customer engagement. While more business is moving online, this actually increases the demand for people with innately human capabilities like empathy and creativity, which can’t be replicated by machines.

When talking to employers about their talent demands, we’re therefore seeing a growing focus on people with emotional intelligence, as well as the ability to work in an agile and collaborative environment. As a potential applicant, your skills should also be transferable – show that you have the ability to work on a range of cross-functional projects.

Of course, some things never change and core qualities like strong communication and presentation skills, a customer service focus, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as project management experience will always be viewed favourably.

key facts.

  • where people work

    • Although most roles are office-based, many people now work remotely at least part of the time.

  • education

    • Many accounting and financial services professions require degrees and professional certification, though on-the-job vocational routes to a qualification that take people straight from school or from other types of work are increasingly common. 

  • impact of new technologies

    • Digital technologies are transforming engagement with customers and within organisations. As more business moves online, the risks of hacking and internet fraud are increasing.

  • impact of net zero

    • Financial services are expected to support the transition through both green finance and decisions over where organisations invest.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • skills

    • Detailed understanding of financial systems and their development. 
    • Effective communication, able to explain complex systems to senior stakeholders.
    • Able to collaborate with and train other finance staff during the development and implementation of new systems.

  • qualifications

    • A Systems Accountant requires a bachelor’s degree in the field of accounting, while an additional Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification is also highly beneficial.

in-demand skills & qualifications

  • skills

    • Excellent mathematical and data-entry skills with an ability to maintain the highest attention to detail.
    • Knowledge of a range of payroll software systems.
    • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
    • Able to multitask and work collaboratively in a team environment.
    • Detailed knowledge of payroll, garnishments and benefits distribution.

  • qualifications

    • While there are no specific requirements to become a Payroll Specialist, business and accounting degrees or a Level 5 diploma in business or management are helpful.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • skills

    • Highly developed research and analysis capabilities.
    • Excellent communication, able to identify and share potential risks succinctly.
    • Planning and organisational skills, with strong problem-solving abilities.
    • May also be required to provide training for junior advisors.

  • qualifications

    • Senior Risk Advisors should have a bachelor's degree in statistics, economics, finance or another business-related degree, along with one to five years working in a similar company or related field.

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in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • skills

    • Detailed understanding of system software and its development.
    • Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for optimised engagement with internal stakeholders and team members.

  • qualifications

    • Those interested in pursuing a career as a Functional Systems Lead will require a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in computer science, management information systems or a related field.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • skills

    • High attention to detail and excellent time management skills.
    • Strong problem solving and data analysis.
    • Excellent communication skills to optimise engagement with stakeholders at all levels and on all sides.

  • qualifications

    • A tertiary qualification in finance or accounting is recommended and previous experience in the financial services sector is preferred.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • skills

    • Experience in data analysis and reporting on finances.
    • Strong understanding of accounting principles.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills for building relationships and negotiating with clients – the auditing process can be very hard on those being audited. 
    • Exceptional communication abilities, enabling complex information to be presented with accuracy and clarity.

  • qualifications

    • To become a licensed auditor, the Financial Markets Authority requires the completion of a commerce, business or accounting degree from an approved university;
    • A Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) membership;
    • A New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) Certificate of Public Practice and an NZICA Advanced Certificate of Competence.

in-demand skills & qualifications.

  • skills

    • A strong understanding of accounting or corporate finance. 
    • Powerful data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
    • An ability to combine extreme attention to detail and high-level strategy.
    • Highly developed communication skills, enabling the clear presentation of conclusions.
    • An eye for design to assist with the visual sharing of information.

  • qualifications

    • To pursue a career in financial modelling, a foundational tertiary qualification in finance or accounting is recommended.
    • Additional courses in modelling are readily available and perfect for skill expansion.

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