Accounting Fundamentals: Strong knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow), and basic bookkeeping.
Microsoft Excel Proficiency: This is non-negotiable. Be comfortable with functions like VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, logical functions (IF), and basic charting.
Tally/Accounting Software: Familiarity with accounting software like Tally (very common in India), QuickBooks, or SAP is a huge advantage.
Financial Analysis Basics: Understanding how to calculate and interpret key financial ratios (e.g., Current Ratio, Debt-to-Equity Ratio).
Attention to Detail: Finance demands accuracy. You must show an ability to handle numbers precisely.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to look at data, spot trends or inconsistencies, and propose a solution.
Communication Skills: You must be able to explain complex financial information clearly to non-finance people (stakeholders).
Ethics and Integrity: Handling confidential financial data requires a strong moral compass.
Degree: A B.Com, BBA (Finance), M.Com, MBA (Finance), or a degree in a related field (like Economics or Statistics) is typically required.
Certifications: Even basic certifications can set you apart, such as a course in Tally or an online course in Financial Modeling or advanced Excel. Pursuing professional qualifications like CA (Chartered Accountant) or ACCA (at any stage) is highly valued.
Internships: If you haven't done one, seek out an immediate internship (even a short-term, unpaid one) to gain practical experience and a reference.