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 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting financial analysis to support decision-making, such as evaluating investment opportunities and assessing financial risks.
  • Developing and implementing financial models, forecasting tools, and budgeting processes to optimize financial performance.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights, prepare financial reports, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Contributing to the development and improvement of financial policies, procedures, and controls to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations.

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

Skills That Affect Finance Specialist Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Financial Analysis

27%

Career Prospects

For a finance specialist job role with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Financial Controller: A role that involves overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
  • Investment Analyst: A position focused on conducting research and analysis to support investment decisions, including evaluating potential investment opportunities and monitoring portfolio performance.
  • Risk Manager: A role that involves identifying and managing financial risks for an organization, including developing risk management strategies, implementing controls, and monitoring risk exposure.
  • Tax Specialist: A position focused on providing expertise in tax planning and compliance, including preparing and reviewing tax returns, analyzing tax implications, and staying up-to-date with tax regulations.

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.