Top Resume Skills 2023

budget printables by income & life stage · Printandbudget

Top Resume Skills 2023

By Printandbudget Editorial Team · Printandbudget · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Data Analysis and Interpretation
Financial Modeling
Risk Management
Communication and Presentation
Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Thinking
Technology Proficiency
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

In the spring of 2022, I found myself staring at a stack of resumes, each one more generic than the last, and I realized something was missing. The finance industry moves fast, and the people who thrive are those who can adapt and bring tangible, hard-hitting skills to the table. That’s why, as a founding editor of Printandbudget, I’ve spent the last year digging into the real skills that matter in 2023—skills that aren’t just buzzwords but actual tools you can use to make a difference in the financial world.

At a glance · Focus: Top Resume Skills 2023 · Read time: 12 min · Last verified: October 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

The keyword ‘top resume skills 2023’ doesn’t just appear on a list—it’s the result of months of research, conversations with hiring managers, and a deep explore the financial sector’s evolving needs. I’ve seen firsthand how candidates who focus on the wrong skills get filtered out before they even reach the interview stage. But the right ones? They stand out. They get offers. They get promotions. And that’s what I want to share with you now.^[1]

This article is not just about listing skills—it’s about giving you a roadmap. Whether you’re an entry-level analyst, a mid-career professional, or someone looking to pivot into finance, the skills I’m going to cover are the ones that hiring managers actually look for. We’re talking about specific, actionable skills that you can apply today, and that will help you shine in the competitive finance landscape of 2023.^[2]

Why You'll Love This Guide to Top Resume Skills 2023

Discover the skills that hiring managers in finance actually value.
Learn how to translate your experience into impactful resume language.
Avoid common pitfalls that cost you job opportunities.
Get actionable tips for tailoring your resume to different finance roles.

30d

First cycle

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Steps

15m

Weekly upkeep

Data Analysis and Interpretation

As of October 2026, in finance, data isn’t just numbers—it’s a story waiting to be told. When I first started working in financial reporting, I struggled to see how my data could actually impact business decisions. But once I learned how to analyze and interpret financial data, everything changed. I was able to identify trends, predict market shifts, and even uncover hidden inefficiencies in the company's operations.

Hiring managers in finance look for candidates who can not only collect data but also extract meaningful insights from it. This means being comfortable with tools like Excel, Tableau, or SQL, and being able to present findings in a clear, actionable way. One of the most valuable skills I’ve acquired in the last year is the ability to turn complex data sets into simple, visual reports that decision-makers can understand and act on immediately.

The ability to analyze data is a differentiator. I’ve seen candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fall short in interviews when they couldn’t demonstrate how they’ve applied data analysis to real-world scenarios. On the other hand, those who could show tangible results—like a 15% increase in forecasting accuracy or a 20% reduction in financial discrepancies—stood out. That’s the kind of skill that gets you noticed in finance.^[3]

📋 Use Specific Examples

When listing data analysis skills, back them up with concrete results. Instead of saying ‘I analyze data,’ say ‘I identified a 15% cost savings opportunity by analyzing spending patterns.’

Part of our Budget printables by income life stage guide.

Financial Modeling

top resume skills 2023 — Top Resume Skills 2023 (step by step) — Step By Step

I remember the first time I had to build a financial model for a potential merger. It was overwhelming—there were so many variables, and it felt like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. But after spending a few weeks learning the ropes and practicing with real-world data, I was able to create a model that accurately predicted the merger’s financial impact down to the last dollar.

Financial modeling requires a deep understanding of accounting principles, cash flows, and valuation techniques. It’s not just about building a spreadsheet—it’s about understanding how each component interacts with the others. Hiring managers in finance look for candidates who can explain their models clearly, defend their assumptions, and make decisions based on their findings.

The best financial models are those that are both accurate and practical. I’ve seen models that look impressive on paper but fail when tested with real data. The key is to build models that are not only complex but also useful. That means being able to explain them in simple terms and showing how they can be applied in real-world scenarios.

A model that can’t be explained in simple terms is a model that can’t be used.

Risk Management

Risk management is one of those skills that you might not think about until you’re in the middle of a crisis. I remember a time when a client’s portfolio dropped by over 10% in a matter of weeks. It was a wake-up call for me. That’s when I realized how important it is to understand risk and how to manage it effectively.

In finance, risk management is not just about identifying risks—it’s about mitigating them before they become problems. That means having a deep understanding of market volatility, credit risk, and liquidity risk. It also means being able to create strategies that minimize potential losses while still allowing for growth.

One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to create risk mitigation plans that are both proactive and reactive. By incorporating stress testing, scenario analysis, and real-time monitoring, I’ve been able to help clients avoid costly mistakes. That’s the kind of skill that sets you apart in finance.

💡 Create a Risk Mitigation Plan

When listing risk management skills, include a specific plan you’ve developed. For example, ‘I created a risk mitigation plan that reduced exposure to market volatility by 30%.’

“In the spring of 2022, I found myself staring at a stack of resumes, each one more generic than the last, and I realized something…”— Printandbudget editors

Related: Diy budget printables income

Communication and Presentation

top resume skills 2023 — Top Resume Skills 2023 (the finished result) — The Finished Result

I used to think that as long as I could do the work, I didn’t need to worry about how I presented it. That was a mistake. I remember one time when I presented a financial report to a group of executives, and they barely understood what I was saying. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me the importance of clear communication in finance.

Whether you’re presenting to a board of directors, a client, or a team of analysts, the ability to communicate complex financial information in simple terms is a game-changer. It means being able to create visual aids, simplify jargon, and structure your presentations in a way that tells a story.

The best communicators in finance are those who can translate numbers into narratives. That means not just showing the numbers but explaining what they mean and how they impact the business. It’s a skill that can make the difference between a good presentation and an unforgettable one.

Regulatory Compliance

In 2022, I had to navigate a complex compliance issue that involved multiple regulatory agencies. It was a challenging experience, but it taught me how important it is to understand the legal framework that governs financial activities. That’s when I realized how critical compliance is in finance.

Regulatory compliance is not just about following the rules—it’s about understanding them. That means knowing the different regulations that apply to your role, whether you’re in banking, investment, or corporate finance. It also means being able to interpret them and apply them in real-world scenarios.

One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to stay on top of regulatory changes and ensure that all financial activities are in compliance. That means being proactive, not reactive, and being able to explain compliance requirements to others in a clear and concise way.

Strategic Thinking

I used to think that strategic thinking was something that only senior executives had. But I quickly realized that it’s a skill that’s valuable at every level of finance. Whether you’re an analyst or a manager, the ability to think strategically can make all the difference.

Strategic thinking in finance means being able to see the bigger picture and make decisions that align with long-term goals. That means understanding not just the financial numbers but also the business context in which they exist. It also means being able to anticipate challenges and opportunities before they arise.

One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to create strategic plans that are both realistic and impactful. That means aligning financial goals with business objectives, anticipating market shifts, and making decisions that drive growth. That’s the kind of thinking that sets you apart in finance.

Strategic thinking is the bridge between numbers and results.

Technology Proficiency

I used to think that knowing how to use Excel was enough. But after working with a team that used financial technology tools like Bloomberg Terminal and Alteryx, I realized that technology proficiency is a must-have skill in finance. These tools can help you analyze data, predict trends, and make better financial decisions.

In finance, technology is not just a tool—it’s a competitive advantage. That means being able to use financial software, data analytics platforms, and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy. It also means being able to learn new technologies quickly and apply them in real-world scenarios.

The best professionals in finance are those who can use technology to their advantage. That means being able to use tools like AI, machine learning, and blockchain to analyze data, manage risk, and make better decisions. That’s the kind of skill that can set you apart in the finance industry.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

💰 Tight Budget

Maximize your resume impact with low-cost tools and skills that don’t require a lot of financial investment.

🚀 Aggressive Payoff

Focus on high-impact skills that can accelerate your career and increase your earning potential quickly.

📈 Irregular Income

Build a resume that highlights adaptability and the ability to thrive in unpredictable financial environments.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Couples

Tailor your resume to show collaboration, shared goals, and the ability to work effectively with others.

🧭 Beginner

Start with foundational skills and gradually build up your resume to reflect growing expertise and experience.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

How can I show my data analysis skills on my resume?

Use specific examples, such as 'Identified a 15% cost savings opportunity by analyzing spending patterns.' Highlight tools like Excel, Tableau, or SQL that you’ve used.

What should I include in my resume to demonstrate financial modeling skills?

Include specific projects or models you’ve created, such as 'Built a financial model that predicted the merger’s financial impact down to the last dollar.'

How can I demonstrate risk management skills on my resume?

Create a risk mitigation plan that you’ve developed, such as 'Created a risk mitigation plan that reduced exposure to market volatility by 30%.'

What are some good ways to show communication skills on a finance resume?

Include examples of presentations you’ve given, such as 'Presented a financial report to a group of executives, explaining complex information in simple terms.'

How can I highlight regulatory compliance skills on my resume?

Mention any compliance audits or regulations you’ve worked with, such as 'Ensured all financial activities were in line with legal and ethical standards.'

What is the best way to show strategic thinking on my resume?

Include specific strategic plans or decisions you’ve made, such as 'Created a strategic plan that aligned financial goals with business objectives.'

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Listing generic skills without concrete examples.	Hiring managers in finance look for specific, actionable skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios.	Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills, such as 'Identified a 15% cost savings opportunity by analyzing spending patterns.'
Focusing too much on technical skills and not enough on soft skills.	While technical skills are important, soft skills like communication and strategic thinking are also critical in finance.	Include examples of how you’ve used soft skills in your work, such as 'Presented a financial report to a group of executives, explaining complex information in simple terms.'
Using jargon without explaining it.	Hiring managers in finance want to understand how you apply your skills in real-world scenarios, not just know the jargon.	Explain any jargon you use, such as 'Created a risk mitigation plan that reduced exposure to market volatility by 30%.'
Not tailoring your resume to the specific finance role you’re applying for.	A generic resume won’t stand out in the competitive finance industry. Tailoring your resume to the specific role shows that you understand the needs of the position.	Tailor your resume to the specific finance role you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.