the future is hybrid: financial technologists leading the fintech shift.

tl;dr:

• a financial technologist is a modern finance professional who combines traditional accounting and finance expertise with cutting-edge tech skills.
• these "hybrid" professionals are in high demand because they can automate repetitive tasks, analyse vast datasets, and provide strategic insights that drive business growth.
• key skills for financial technologists include a mix of technical proficiency (AI, Python, data analytics, automation) and soft skills (communication, business partnering, and a forward-looking mindset).
• to become a financial technologist, traditional accountants can start by upskilling in tools like Power BI and then gradually learn coding languages like Python to move from reporting to insight-driven finance.
• this career path is future-proof, offers significant opportunities for career growth, and is financially rewarding, making it an excellent choice for ambitious finance professionals.

the future is hybrid: financial technologists leading the fintech shift.

Remember when a career in finance meant being glued to a spreadsheet, meticulously balancing books, and producing historical reports? Those days are well and truly over. Today, the most dynamic and sought-after professionals in the finance world aren’t just number-crunchers—they're architects of change. They're blending deep financial knowledge with a knack for technology, a combination that's not just a trend but a necessity.

This article is your guide to understanding this new breed of professional, the financial technologist, and why mastering this hybrid skillset is your ticket to a future-proof career. We’ll show you how they’re redefining the financial landscape, which skills are a must-have, and how you can make the leap yourself.

who are financial technologists?

Well, as the name suggests financial technologists are new-wave finance professionals who sit at the crossroads of accounting/finance and technology. They're a "hybrid" talent who combine the financial acumen of seasoned accountants with the technical skills to leverage tools like ERP systems, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics.

The rise of this role is a direct response to the digital transformation sweeping the financial industry.

• Automation is key: A survey by McKinsey found that finance professionals spend over 60% of their time on manual, repetitive tasks that can be automated. This frees up professionals to focus on more strategic, value-added activities.
• AI is driving innovation and a new skills landscape: A survey from OliverWyman highlighted that over 60% of firms believe AI has the potential to deliver significant cost savings and improve operational effectiveness. As a result, the demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between finance and technology is growing rapidly.

what skills define a high-impact financial technologist?

A financial technologist is defined by a powerful mix of technical and soft skills, working together to create a synergistic effect.

AI, data analytics, and automation.

These are the technical foundations of a financial technologist's skillset, allowing them to move beyond the confines of basic spreadsheets.

• Key tools: Proficiency in tools like Power BI and Tableau for data visualisation is a must. Coding languages like Python and R are increasingly essential for building complex financial models, automating tasks, and conducting advanced data analysis.
• Use cases: These skills allow for real-time insights and more accurate financial forecasting. For example, a KPMG report highlights that AI enables finance professionals to move from static, historical reports to continuous monitoring and real-time scenario modeling, which significantly improves decision-making in the face of unexpected events.

soft skills gap: business partnering & communication.

Technical skills are only half the battle. A truly effective financial technologist must be able to translate complex data into a compelling narrative.

• Influencing cross-functional teams: They act as a bridge between the finance and IT departments, ensuring technology solutions meet the business's needs.
• Building narratives around data: They don't just present a chart; they tell a story. This consultative, insight-driven approach is what truly makes them a strategic business partner.

how can traditional accountants build a hybrid finance profile?

If you're a traditional accountant, the journey to becoming a financial technologist is an evolution. The goal isn't to abandon your finance expertise, but to augment it with technology.

add tech without losing your core finance strength.

• Start with what you know: Begin by mastering tools that build on your existing work, like moving from basic Excel to advanced functions and then to data visualisation tools like Power BI or Tableau.
• Upskill gradually: A report from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) suggests that over 80% of finance leaders believe that data analytics skills are the most important for their teams in the next three to five years. Start with microlearning courses in SQL, automation, and storytelling to build a solid foundation.

shift your mindset: from reporting to insight-driven finance.

This is the most crucial shift, changing how you view your role.

• Move from compliance to consultation: As automation handles the tedious tasks, you can pivot to more consultative roles. Instead of just ensuring the books are balanced, you can help the business understand what the numbers mean for future growth.
• Practice scenario analysis: Use your new tech skills to run "what if" scenarios and present these to stakeholders. This proactive, forward-looking approach demonstrates your value as a strategic partner.

financial technologist vs. financial specialist: who adds more value?

In today's fast-paced environment, the financial technologist's ability to combine financial expertise with technological prowess makes them an incredibly valuable asset.

a strategic talent investment for future-ready finance teams.

Financial technologists offer scalable impact across the entire business.

• Broad impact: They can drive transformation initiatives in areas like FP&A (financial planning and analysis), audit, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting by building automated systems and smart dashboards.
• Ideal for lean teams: In digital-first or high-growth companies, financial technologists are a game-changer. They can automate processes, allowing lean teams to do more with less.
• High demand and salary: The demand for these professionals is growing globally.

conclusion.

The future of finance isn't a distant event; it's a blank page, and the financial technologist is holding the pen. Your role is no longer just to report on history, but to forge the future, using technology to unlock insights and drive strategic decisions that will define the next generation of business. It's a chance to move beyond the spreadsheet and into a role of true influence and innovation.

FAQs.