In the world of finance, technical expertise has long been the gold standard. From understanding complex financial instruments to navigating compliance regulations, hard skills are non-negotiable. But today’s most successful finance professionals also bring people skills, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication to the table. In short, they bring soft skills.

As finance departments take on more cross-functional roles and strategic visibility within organizations, the ability to lead, collaborate, and adapt is becoming just as critical as the ability to crunch numbers.

The Changing Role of Finance Professionals

Finance is no longer confined to the back office. In today’s business environment, finance teams are expected to influence decision-making, communicate clearly with non-financial stakeholders, and contribute to long-term strategic planning.

This shift requires requires:

• Clear communication of complex financial data to executives and teams across the organization
• Collaboration with cross-departmental partners in operations, marketing, HR, and beyond
• Leadership in times of change, uncertainty, or transformation
• Problem-solving that balances financial logic with human considerations
• Adaptability in fast-paced or tech-evolving environments

What Soft Skills Look Like in Finance

Here are a few of the soft skills that are particularly valuable in financial roles today:

1. Communication

The ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial colleagues is essential. Presenting a budget, justifying an investment, or walking through a forecast requires finance professionals to communicate with clarity and confidence.

2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

High EQ means being attuned to the emotions and perspectives of others. This is a powerful tool when navigating tough conversations about budgets, performance, or organizational priorities.

3. Critical Thinking

In finance, things aren’t always black and white. Professionals need to analyze problems from multiple angles, consider context, and recommend smart solutions.

4. Collaboration

Working well with others, particularly in cross-functional teams, makes finance professionals more effective. Teamwork is critical.

5. Leadership

Financial analysts, controllers, and accountants alike are expected to guide, influence, and set a tone of integrity and accountability.

Why This Matters for Hiring

For hiring managers and HR leaders, soft skills should be a core focus. A candidate with perfect technical credentials but poor communication or adaptability can slow progress, damage culture, or lead to costly misalignment. On the other hand, someone with strong interpersonal abilities can elevate the entire finance function.

The challenge? Soft skills are harder to measure on a résumé or during a traditional interview. That’s why it helps to work with a staffing partner that knows how to assess for both technical and interpersonal fit.

Partner with ATHENA to Build Well-Rounded Finance Teams

At ATHENA, we understand that successful finance professionals are more than numbers people. They’re communicators, leaders, and strategic partners who help organizations grow. That’s why we evaluate candidates holistically, ensuring you get finance talent who not only meet the job requirements, but enhance your company culture and long-term goals.

Looking to build a finance team that goes beyond the numbers?

Let’s connect. Contact ATHENA today to find the right fit.