From Qualified to In-Demand: Smart Upskilling Moves in Finance
From Qualified to In-Demand: Smart Upskilling Moves in Finance
In a city like Newcastle, where finance roles are competitive and often broad ranging, simply holding a qualification isn’t enough to stand out anymore. The best roles, the ones with real influence, variety and growth, go to those working in finance who actively upskill but not just for the sake of it. Strategic learning is what gets noticed.
So, if you’re working in finance and want to stay sharp, here’s where to focus:
Upskill in the Right Direction
Focus on the skills currently in demand: advanced data tools like Power BI and Excel modelling, ESG and compliance knowledge, business partnering to explain finance clearly and familiarity with modern ERP systems beyond MYOB.
Get Practical, Not Just Theoretical
Short online courses are great but employers often value demonstrated learning more. Here’s how to upskill on the job or between roles: offer to automate a process in Excel or build a new reporting template; shadow someone in FP&A or commercial if you’re in a more transactional role; ask to assist with a compliance project or audit prep; or volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone, even once a quarter. It’s these lived experiences that strengthen your CV far more than a list of online certificates.
Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
The market is saturated with technically capable people. What sets the best apart? Initiative, adaptability, confidence presenting data and a commercial mindset. Strong communicators who can collaborate, simplify complexity and influence decisions are constantly in demand and they’re harder to find than you’d think.
Don’t Wait for Your Employer to Offer It
Plenty of those working in finance put their growth on pause because their company doesn’t have a formal development program. But the reality is the most sought-after people in the market are the ones who drive their own learning. Even spending one hour a fortnight upskilling can compound quickly. If you’re unsure where to start, focus on areas where the next job up from yours would require different tools or exposure and reverse engineer your learning from there.
Upskilling doesn’t need to be overwhelming it just needs to be intentional.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE?
ASR Recruitment is a boutique recruitment agency specialising in Technology & Digital, Marketing and Communications, Accounting & Finance, Construction, Human Resources, Engineering, Safety, Procurement, Transport & Logistics, Manufacturing, Legal & Risk, Administration & Customer Service.
Find out more by visiting our Clients page!
Looking for a new role? Search Jobs here.
From our blog
Read our articles below to see our latest insights.
What’s Really Driving Allied Health Hiring Challenges in Newcastle
What’s Really Driving Allied Health Hiring Challenges in Newcastle On paper, Newcastle should be a relatively straightforward place to attract allied health professionals. We have a strong local training pipeline through the University of Newcastle, which offers degrees across Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology and Nutrition and Dietetics. We have the lifestyle, a significant health…
When was the last time you had Career Check-In?
When was the last time you had Career Check-In? Many professionals only think about speaking with a recruiter when they are actively looking for a new role. However, there is so much to gain with regular check-ins. Whether you work in finance, human resources, marketing, operations, administration, technology, construction, engineering or another specialist field, staying…
Experience Doesn’t Replace Onboarding
Experience Doesn’t Replace Onboarding Onboarding in finance roles still feels like a gap. Yes, most experienced finance candidates have worked across multiple systems. Yes, they understand reconciliations, reporting, payroll, month-end, compliance and the importance of accuracy. And yes, sometimes a business genuinely needs someone who can come in and make an impact quickly. But experience…
Why “We’ll Just Manage” Could Be Costing Your Business More Than You Think
Why “We’ll Just Manage” Could Be Costing Your Business More Than You Think It’s a phrase we hear all the time. “We’ll just manage for now.” Whether someone has resigned, gone on annual leave, taken parental leave or your business has secured a major project, it’s tempting to absorb the workload and push through until…
The Engineering Roles That Didn’t Exist in the Hunter Five Years Ago
The Engineering Roles That Didn’t Exist in the Hunter Five Years Ago Why the local market has quietly transformed, and what it means for both engineers and employers Five years ago, in early 2021, you couldn’t have hired for any of these roles in the Hunter: grid forming BESS controls engineer, electrolyser commissioning engineer, REZ…
Your Career Futureproofing – Why Company Size Matters
Your Career Futureproofing – Why Company Size Matters I started my career in recruitment in 2001 – for context, that was the same year Apple released the iPod! Over the last 25 years I’ve worked through a wide range of economic conditions and had firsthand experience working in very different business environments, from global organisations to starts up with fewer than a handful of employees. As a recruiter, I always encourage…
The Value of Hiring Outside Your Industry
The Value of Hiring Outside Your Industry Why looking beyond “industry experience” can unlock real business value One of the most common requirements I hear when taking a brief is: “they must have industry experience.” Sometimes, that’s absolutely necessary. But more often than not, it’s quietly shrinking the talent pool – and in some cases,…
How AI Is Quietly Reshaping Work in Australia
How AI Is Quietly Reshaping Work in Australia Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in Australia. It has already become part of everyday work across industries, often in ways that are subtle but impactful. From automating routine administrative tasks to supporting complex data analysis, AI is steadily changing how organisations operate. Many employees…
Contract Workforce Solutions: Helping You Access Untapped Talent
Contract Workforce Solutions: Helping You Access Untapped Talent In the current highly evolving employment market, relying solely on permanent hires can mean missing out on a significant segment of highly skilled professionals. At ASR Recruitment, we work closely with clients to access experienced individuals who are not actively seeking permanent roles but are available for…
Why Good Contracts Professionals Are So Hard to Find
Why Good Contracts Professionals Are So Hard to Find If you speak to most hiring managers across mining, construction, engineering or infrastructure at the moment, you will often hear the same challenge: “We’re struggling to find good contracts people.” Demand for experienced Contracts Administrators, Contracts Specialists and Commercial professionals continues to grow, yet the available…