The Technical Skills Accounting & Finance Professionals Need Today

By Paige Vetterlein, Accounting & Finance Recruiter at Tandym

TL;DR

• Technical skills are essential in accounting and finance. Technical proficiency has become a core requirement for accounting and finance professionals, not just a bonus skill.
• Advanced Excel skills remain a baseline expectation across most organizations.
• Experience with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite signals readiness for complex financial environments.
• Data visualization tools such as Power BI are increasingly valuable as finance teams become more data-driven.
• Adaptability and the ability to learn new systems quickly are just as important as existing technical expertise.

Introduction

Accounting and finance roles have always required precision, analytical thinking, and strong attention to detail. But over the past several years, one factor has become increasingly important for professionals in the field: technical proficiency.

Today’s finance teams rely heavily on financial systems, reporting tools, and data analysis platforms to manage complex operations. From my perspective as an Accounting & Finance recruiter at Tandym, I’ve seen firsthand how technical skills can directly impact a candidate’s ability to stand out in the hiring process.

One of the most common questions I hear from candidates is simple: Which technical skills matter most right now?

The answer continues to evolve, but there are a few core areas that consistently make a difference.

Why Technical Skills Matter More in Today’s Finance Roles

The role of accounting and finance professionals has expanded beyond traditional responsibilities. Today, professionals are expected not only to understand financial data, but also to work efficiently within the systems that manage and interpret that data.

Hiring managers are increasingly looking for candidates who can:

• Navigate financial systems with confidence
• Analyze and interpret large data sets
• Support reporting and decision-making processes
• Adapt quickly to new tools and platforms

In many cases, technical skills are what separate qualified candidates from top candidates. The ability to contribute immediately within a company’s systems can significantly influence hiring decisions.

Excel Remains the Foundation

Despite advances in financial technology, Excel remains one of the most important tools in accounting and finance.

Nearly every organization uses Excel in some capacity, whether for reporting, reconciliations, or financial modeling. Because of this, most hiring managers expect candidates to go beyond basic functionality.

The strongest candidates typically demonstrate proficiency in:

• Pivot tables
• VLOOKUP and advanced formulas
• Data analysis and reporting
• Financial reconciliations and modeling

Excel is often considered a baseline skill, particularly for accounting professionals. Candidates who are not comfortable working within Excel may find it difficult to keep up with the demands of many roles.

ERP Systems Are Highly Valued

Another key technical area employers look for is experience with ERP systems.

Many organizations rely on enterprise platforms to manage financial data and processes. Some of the most commonly used systems include:

• Oracle
• SAP
• NetSuite
• PeopleSoft

Even when companies use different platforms, candidates who have worked within one ERP system are often able to adapt quickly to others.

From a recruiter’s perspective, hiring managers frequently scan resumes specifically for ERP experience. It signals familiarity with structured financial environments and the ability to manage complex workflows.

In my experience, clearly highlighting ERP exposure on a resume can make a meaningful difference in how quickly a candidate moves forward in the hiring process.

Data Visualization and Reporting Tools Are Growing in Demand

As finance teams become more data-driven, the ability to interpret and present financial insights has become increasingly valuable.

Tools such as Power BI are becoming more common within accounting and finance departments. These platforms allow professionals to:

• Visualize financial data
• Identify trends and patterns
• Communicate insights to leadership teams

Candidates who can combine financial expertise with data reporting capabilities often stand out. It’s no longer just about understanding the numbers, it’s about explaining what those numbers mean in a clear and actionable way.

Adaptability Matters More Than Ever

While technical skills are essential, hiring managers are also looking for candidates who can adapt to new systems and technologies quickly.

Technology within finance continues to evolve, and no organization uses tools in exactly the same way. Professionals who demonstrate curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn tend to perform well across different environments.

In many cases, adaptability becomes just as important as existing technical knowledge. Candidates who can quickly learn new platforms, processes, and tools are often seen as long-term assets to a team.

How to Position Your Technical Skills in the Hiring Process

Understanding which technical skills matter is only part of the equation. Knowing how to present them effectively is just as important.

From my perspective, strong candidates:

• Clearly list relevant systems and tools on their resume
• Provide examples of how they’ve used those tools in real scenarios
• Align their experience with the specific requirements of the role
• Highlight both technical ability and business impact

This is where working with a recruiter can be helpful. At Tandym, we work closely with candidates to ensure their experience is positioned in a way that resonates with hiring managers and aligns with current market demand.

Final Thoughts

Accounting and finance professionals today are expected to combine strong financial knowledge with technical proficiency.

Excel expertise, ERP system experience, and familiarity with modern reporting tools can all strengthen a candidate’s profile and expand their opportunities. At the same time, adaptability and a willingness to learn remain critical in a constantly evolving environment.

In my experience, candidates who balance technical skills with clear communication and a proactive mindset are the ones who stand out most.

If you are exploring new opportunities in accounting or finance, working with a recruiter can provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for and how to position your experience effectively. Tandym partners with professionals to help them navigate the job market and connect with organizations where their skills can make an impact.