The world of finance is changing quickly. For Indian students aged **15-18** years who are thinking about a career in finance, it is important to know that the skills needed today are different from just a few years ago. New technologies, global rules, and wider job roles mean finance professionals need to learn new abilities.
Finance leaders are now looking for candidates with skills in areas like automation, data analysis, climate reporting, and cyber security. These changes are happening right now and will be very important for jobs before **2027**.
Automation: Smart Ways to Work
Earlier, finance work often involved many manual tasks. Now, companies are moving to digital ways of working. This means using new tools and computer programs to do tasks faster and more accurately. For example, a recent study showed that **82%** of Indian finance leaders want to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation for cash planning and other money-related tasks.
Students should learn how these digital systems work. Key skills include understanding where automation can help, how to use tools like Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and how to use cloud systems. A person who can show how to make a process automatic and measure how much time it saves will be very valuable.
Data Storytelling: Making Numbers Talk
Finance teams often create many reports with numbers. But these reports are only useful if they help make clear business decisions. A good finance professional can explain what the numbers mean in simple business language, not just accounting terms.
To do this, students need basic data analysis skills, like using computer languages such as **SQL** or **Python**. They should also know how to create simple visual charts or dashboards to present information clearly. For example, instead of just saying "revenue fell by **8%**," a good report explains *why* sales were down and *what steps* can be taken to fix it.
Climate Reporting: Finance for a Greener Future
The world is focusing more on climate change and its effects. New rules called **ISSB** (International Sustainability Standards Board) and **Scope 3** reporting are becoming standard. **ISSB** sets global rules for companies to report on climate risks. **Scope 3** covers pollution from a company's suppliers and how customers use its products. These rules will become mandatory before **2027**.
Pratham Barot, CEO & Co-Founder of Zell Education, said that companies that do not take **ESG** (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting seriously will face big delays and extra costs. Future finance professionals need to know how to connect climate data with financial reports. They must also work with different teams, like those who manage suppliers and operations, to show the value of eco-friendly steps.
Cyber Safety: Protecting Money Data
Cybercrime, which is crime done using computers and the internet, is a big threat. It could cost **USD 10.5 trillion** globally by **2025**. Finance teams are a main target because they handle sensitive information like payment details, personal data, and secret business plans.
Students should learn how data moves in a company and where risks can appear. They need to know how to work with IT teams to check for threats and how to react quickly if something goes wrong. This also means creating a workplace culture where everyone checks unusual requests and reports problems fast.
Leading Change: Helping Everyone Adapt
When a company brings in a new system or changes a rule, it needs more than just managing the project. It needs someone who can explain *why* the change is happening, listen to people's concerns, and keep the progress steady. This skill helps ensure that new tools actually deliver the expected benefits.
Useful skills here include knowing key people in the company, clear communication, and basic agile methods (a way to manage projects by breaking them into small steps). Being able to explain technical needs in simple language is very important.
To be ready for the future, finance students should focus on learning these five key areas. Constant learning will help them stay flexible, add value to companies, and become strong partners in any business. Companies that build these skills in their teams today will work with more clarity by **2026**.
