Description

Financial specialist provide a variety of financial support services with their companies, directing operations related to financial accounting, cash management, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. They must provide timely payment when money is owed and demand timely payment from customers. Financial specialists must provide support for administrative activities within the financial team as well. Financial specialists serve as liaison between the customer and company, helping resolve any issues with payments or accounts. These professionals typically work full time in an office setting.In the average day, financial specialists interact with a number of individuals at different levels of their organization; for this reason, strong interpersonal skills are required. Financial specialists are required to be detail oriented, as they review invoices for accuracy and oversee payment methods for accounts receivable and accounts payable. Organizational skills are useful for a financial specialist, because these professionals must be able to quickly locate files when a transaction is being discussed with customers.The educational requirements for financial specialists typically include a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Several years of related work experience are needed as well. Computer skills are a requirement, as this job requires maintaining spreadsheets and documentation with financial data and account information. Experience with SAP systems is a common requirement as well.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Finance Specialist with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting financial analysis to support business decision-making, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. This involves analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and providing insights to help drive strategic financial decisions.
  • Managing financial reporting and compliance requirements, ensuring accurate and timely submission of financial statements and regulatory filings. This includes preparing financial reports, coordinating audits, and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations.
  • Developing and implementing financial controls and processes to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency. This involves assessing internal controls, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing measures to safeguard assets and optimize financial processes.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to support financial planning and analysis, providing insights and recommendations for business growth and profitability.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Finance Specialist, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong knowledge of financial principles and practices to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide insights for decision-making.
  • Proficiency in financial software and tools to perform complex financial analysis, create detailed financial reports, and develop budgeting strategies.
  • Solid understanding of regulatory compliance and reporting requirements to ensure adherence to financial regulations and guidelines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, present financial information, and provide recommendations for financial improvement.

Essential Skills For Finance Specialist

1

Finance Analytics

2

Financial Management

3

Financial Planning

4

Financial Systems

Career Prospects

The role of Finance Specialist is crucial for ensuring effective financial management. With 6-9 years of experience in the Canadian finance industry, professionals can explore various alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

  • Senior Financial Advisor: A position that involves providing expert financial advice to clients, analyzing investment opportunities, and creating personalized financial plans.
  • Risk Manager: A role focused on identifying and mitigating financial risks, implementing risk management strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Financial Controller: A position responsible for overseeing financial operations, managing financial reporting, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data.
  • Investment Analyst: A role that involves conducting research on investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and making recommendations for investment decisions.

How to Learn

According to recent data, the finance specialist job role is anticipated to experience robust growth in the Canadian market. Over the past 10 years, this position has seen a steady increase in demand, and this trend is projected to continue. With the constant changes in financial regulations and increased focus on financial management, there is expected to be a surge in employment opportunities for finance specialists in the coming years. Google's latest data supports this view, indicating a positive outlook for the job role with ample employment prospects in the future.