Are these 'Finance' skills more important today?

Sonia’s an Excel whiz, a certified payroll professional … and likely to be passed over for the perky candidate with a gift for the gab!

That’s what CFOs are saying in a recent survey by Accountemps.

Finance execs were asked, when choosing between two equally qualified candidates, “What’s the quality that would push one person over the top?”

The No. 1 response: personality or people skills. That’s what 31% of CFOs selected.

Compare that to the scant 1% who felt that way five years ago, when industry-specific experience topped the list.

Also beaten out: software/technology knowledge and certification or an advanced degree.

Key communications checklist

So does all that training go out the window?

Not necessarily. What this survey shows is that finance departments are looking for a better-rounded bunch these days.

Makes sense, as Finance is no longer squirreled away in a back office and is required to interact not only with external customers and suppliers, but tons of internal customers as well.

Some people think you’re either born a people person or you aren’t. Not necessarily.

Even the most introverted folks can step it up by focusing on developing skills in the following areas:

• Listening
• Persuasion
• Negotiation
• Praise
• Conflict resolution
• Problem solving, and
• Public speaking.

That’s a critical checklist, no matter which side of the interview desk you’re on.