1. Digital literacy
Digital literacy is non-negotiable. For finance teams, this means understanding how to use tools that crunch numbers and change how decisions are made. A “digital-first mindset” is about more than using the latest software. It’s about embedding technology into the DNA of your operations, helping your team to work faster, smarter, and more effectively.
Automation is a huge influence. By automating up to 80% of routine financial tasks, finance teams can focus on what really matters: strategy, innovation, and growth. But here’s the kicker, automation isn’t the end goal. It’s the starting line. In order to stay ahead, your team needs to constantly learn, adapt, and innovate. Continuous education, whether through online courses, hands-on practice, or workshops, keeps skills sharp and thinking fresh.
The key is understanding that technology isn’t replacing people, it’s augmenting them. Tools that analyze data in real time or generate dynamic insights give your team the power to act quickly and decisively. The result is fewer bottlenecks, faster decisions, and a finance function that leads.
2. Business acumen
Good decisions don’t come from spreadsheets alone. They come from understanding the bigger picture, your customers, the market, and the forces shaping your industry. That’s what business acumen is all about. It’s the ability to connect the dots between financial data and real-world dynamics, making sure every choice you make moves the needle for your company.
“The traditional way of developing this skill, climbing the ranks over years in the same organization, doesn’t work anymore.”
Finance roles are increasingly outsourced, automated, or fragmented, leaving fewer opportunities to learn by osmosis. People also switch jobs faster than ever, making it harder to build deep, context-specific knowledge.
The solution is to be deliberate. Invest in structured training that goes beyond finance fundamentals. Give your team exposure to different parts of the business. Let them work with sales, operations, or even sit in on customer calls. Cross-functional experience helps finance professionals see the story behind the numbers, equipping them to make decisions that drive not just profits, but progress.
3. Problem-solving
No amount of tech can eliminate all your problems. Even with the best analytics and AI, your team will still encounter complex, ambiguous challenges. That’s where problem-solving comes in. It means designing solutions that are innovative, practical, and sustainable.
Effective problem-solving starts with understanding the issue at its core. This means digging deeper, asking tough questions, and gathering input from diverse perspectives. Sometimes, the best insights come from outside the finance department. Collaboration across functions is invaluable. Whether you’re tackling a budgeting challenge or implementing a new system, it’s the fresh ideas that often lead to breakthroughs.
The next step is execution. It’s one thing to brainstorm a solution, it’s another to make it work in the real world. Agile thinking is key here. Finance teams need to test, iterate, and adapt their approaches as the situation evolves. The ability to navigate trade-offs, whether in cost, time, or resources, separates the good from the great.
Ultimately, problem-solving means building resilience and preparing your team for whatever comes next. And that’s the mindset that will keep your organization ahead of the curve.
4. Storytelling
Data is powerful, but it’s only as good as the story it tells. In finance, storytelling is about turning complex numbers into narratives that drive action. A well-crafted story doesn’t just inform, it inspires. It aligns teams, clarifies decisions, and makes sure everyone, from technical experts to non-financial stakeholders, is on the same page.
Think of it this way: presenting raw data is like handing someone a puzzle without showing them the picture on the box. Storytelling gives them that picture. Using visuals like charts, graphs, or infographics, and pairing them with clear, concise explanations, means finance teams can transform data into actionable insights. For instance, instead of listing revenue figures, paint a picture of how those numbers translate into growth opportunities, risks, or areas for improvement.
The ability to craft a compelling narrative also positions finance professionals as strategic partners. It’s no longer enough to report what’s happening, you need to explain why it matters and what to do next. This shift from reporting to influencing is where competitive advantage lies. A strong narrative ensures decisions are made quickly, consensus is built faster, and execution is more effective.
“When everyone understands the “why” behind a decision, they’re more likely to act with confidence and clarity.”
5. Emotional intelligence
Even as AI and automation reshape finance, one thing remains irreplaceable: the human touch. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions, both yours and those of others. It’s a key asset for building trust, resolving conflicts, and driving collaboration.
Where teams frequently interact with cross-functional stakeholders, EI is more important than ever. Imagine you’re presenting a cost-cutting strategy to a skeptical leadership team. A finance professional with high EI recognizes the underlying concerns, perhaps fear of job cuts or doubts about long-term impact, and addresses them empathetically while keeping the conversation focused on solutions. This approach builds trust and facilitates quicker buy-in.
EI also improves teamwork. High-EI professionals can navigate the inevitable tensions that arise in high-stakes environments, keeping projects on track and relationships intact. They’re better at managing stress, adapting to change, and staying resilient under pressure, traits that are invaluable in a field as dynamic as finance.
As technology takes over repetitive tasks, EI makes sure the finance function retains its human edge. Teams with strong emotional intelligence are trusted. And trust is the foundation for any successful business partnership.
Key insights for finance leaders
- Prioritize digital literacy: Equip your finance team with the ability to master emerging tools and integrate advanced technologies like automation and analytics into daily operations. This enables process optimization and faster, data-driven decisions.
- Invest in business acumen: Strengthen your team’s ability to connect financial insights with broader business dynamics by offering cross-functional exposure and scenario-based training. This makes sure informed decision-making is aligned with market realities.
- Develop problem-solving capabilities: Encourage innovative thinking and collaboration to create sustainable solutions that balance trade-offs and adapt to evolving challenges. Problem-solving strengthens agility and resilience across the organization.
- Emphasize storytelling and emotional intelligence: Increase the impact of financial insights by teaching storytelling techniques to make data actionable and accessible. Support emotional intelligence to build trust, improve collaboration, and navigate complex stakeholder relationships effectively.
