Landing a job in finance or tech is super competitive in New Zealand these days. You've got the smarts, the drive, and the qualifications, but here's the thing: even the most brilliant minds need a solid foundation of admin skills to truly thrive.
We get it. You're probably thinking, "Admin? I'm here to code the next big app or analyse market trends, not do admin!" But trust us, these skills are more important than you might think. They're the understated advantage that can help you stand out, impress the hiring manager, and ultimately, succeed in your dream career.
Gone are the days where technical prowess was the only thing needed to land you a job. While finance and IT are highly specialised fields, possessing strong administrative skills can significantly enhance your job prospects and contribute to your daily success in today’s competitive jobs market.
Megan Alexander, managing director at Robert Half New Zealand and specialised finance recruiter says “In my years of recruiting for finance roles, I’ve seen countless candidates with impressive technical skills, but it's the ones who can also manage their time, communicate effectively, and navigate administrative tasks smoothly that truly stand out.”
“Particularly as digital tools pick up the burden of procedural, repetitive tasks, employers are looking for strong candidates who are able to work smarter, not just harder. Administrative skills are a critical part of this equation - these soft skills are the secret sauce that can elevate your career to new heights.”
Hiring managers are increasingly seeking well-rounded candidates who possess not only specialised knowledge in their field but also essential administrative skills.
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a career changer, or a student just starting out, don't underestimate the power of these often-overlooked skills - they could be the key to unlocking your next opportunity.
So what are the admin skills essential for professionals in finance and IT in New Zealand?
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful professional relationship. In finance and IT, being able to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, is crucial. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders – particularly in a remote setting.
While communication and interpersonal skills are often framed as ‘innate’, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every professional can hone their communication and interpersonal skills through practice. Improving these skills starts with how you engage with your audience – be sure you actively listen to others, take the time to understand their perspectives, and seek feedback.
In order to establish your voice, it is important to seek out opportunities to practice public speaking. This can be easily achieved within the scope of finance and IT roles, and could include delivering a weekly team update, running a training program, or simply presenting the results of recent work back to a group. Secondly, seeking out management opportunities – whether within your personal or professional life – can instil the skills needed to maximise the potential of your team and resolve conflicts effectively. This includes problem-solving, goal-setting, motivation, and relationship-building. All of these skills also hinge on emotional intelligence, which can help you manage your own emotions and understand those of others, making you a stronger communicator and leader in turn.
Related: Discover more about the value of communication skills in our guide here
As the saying goes, “a clean desk is a clean mind”. The ability to juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a well-organised workspace is a vital skill for professionals in any field. Taking the time to learn and integrate organisational software into your digital workflow, for instance, an inbox management system or project management software, are simple methods to automate organisational skills.
In finance and IT, where projects can be demanding and time-sensitive, efficient time management is essential to avoid burnout and deliver quality results and strong organisation allows for efficient management of increasingly complex tasks and excellent attention to detail.
Part and parcel of efficient time management is attention to detail. A rushed project is often riddled with errors, while a piece of work completed ahead of time allows for a thorough review. Particularly when dealing with complex data sets and equations, as is often the case in finance and IT, this is a critical part of producing quality work that distinguishes a high performer from one with poor time management.
Related: For more time management skills, explore our top tips here
While finance and IT roles often involve advanced data analysis, even basic data management skills like data entry, data organisation, and data analysis using tools like Excel can significantly contribute to your role.
The sources and volume of data available to professionals in the modern workforce can be overwhelming, but when harnessed effectively, it can lead to more insightful work and stronger outcomes. In particular, understanding how to effectively manage and analyse data can help you make informed decisions and identify trends. This can be useful for rationalising strategies or demonstrating successes when engaging with stakeholders, or refining and optimising the work of your team.
Mastering the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is a fundamental requirement for any professional. While a basic ability to navigate the tools is considered a prerequisite for entry level candidates and beyond, this means that there is a higher bar for those that are skilled in the tool to differentiate themselves.
In order to stand out from the crowd and turn your Microsoft Office Suite proficiency into a competitive advantage, top finance and IT talent need to be able to maximise the software functions into fit-for-purpose shortcuts or applications that generate faster, smarter, or more engaging work.
One such example is employing excel formulas in order to simplify a large volume of data analysis and transform it into visual insights. Similarly, an expertly crafted Powerpoint presentation can communicate complex concepts in a more visually appealing, concise, or professional manner than a simple one, which can ultimately impact how the information is retained.
In today's digital age, cloud technology has become an integral part of many businesses. Familiarity with cloud storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) and collaboration platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello) can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve productivity.
Whether reviewing the work of a single colleague or leading a complex project across multiple teams, a strong ability in cloud technologies is synonymous with effective project management. It allows everybody to be on the same page, minimising confusion or duplicate work.
Recommended: Want to understand the top skills in demand in New Zealand? Download the Robert Half Salary Guide to find out
While not always directly related to finance or IT roles, basic knowledge of social media platforms and content creation can be valuable admin skills, particularly for those involved in client communication or marketing support.
Understanding how to leverage social media can help you build your professional brand and connect with potential clients or employers. For those unsure where to start, LinkedIn is a popular professional network from which to build your own personal brand or amplify the marketing efforts of your company.
Just like replying-all to a company wide email, nobody wants to be the culprit behind a cyber-security breach.
In an increasingly digital world, data protection and cyber-security are admin skills of heightened operational importance to the business - and therefore to individual careers. Understanding basic cyber-security practices and data protection protocols can help you protect sensitive information and demonstrate your awareness of potential risks.
Some simple cyber-security basics to integrate could include using strong passwords, being wary of and reporting phishing attempts, and ensuring remote work is conducted through secure servers and internet connections.
Related: Ready to begin your job search? Upload your resume today
By developing and honing your administrative skills, you can significantly enhance your career prospects and contribute more effectively to your team. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career in finance or IT, make a conscious effort to improve your administrative abilities. Consider taking online courses and seeking out opportunities to develop and practice these skills through your work.
Looking for a job in finance or IT in New Zealand? Contact Robert Half today to connect with our expert recruiters and explore exciting opportunities.
What are the top administrative skills?
In New Zealand, some of the most in-demand administrative skills include effective communication, organisation, time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail. These skills help professionals across all sectors and experiences navigate a changing workforce and produce effective, high-quality work.
What are the key skills needed for administrators?
The key skills for administrators include proficiency in relevant software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team through strong interpersonal and organisation skills.
How can I improve my administrative skills?
Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or seeking opportunities for on-the-job training in order to hone your administrative skills. Alternatively, seek out volunteering or social opportunities that require administrative support.
What are the career opportunities for someone with strong administrative skills?
While all roles benefit from strong administrative skills, roles in office management, human resources, customer service, and executive assistance require a demonstration of advanced administrative skills to succeed.
