From Qualified to In-Demand: Smart Upskilling Moves in Finance

Jul 23, 2025

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.

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