How to get hired at a top finance firm

For finance leaders, the challenge of balancing a growing list of priorities isn’t getting any easier. 

Several trends are impacting the sector — not least the arrival of generative AI — that require companies to be constantly reinventing the way they work. In a 2024 survey by Mckinsey, CFOs report a growing focus on long-term planning and the need to build new leadership and talent management capabilities.

What does this mean for professionals? Whether you're a fresh graduate or a mid-career analyst, the path to joining a finance company is constantly being re-laid.

This special edition of the Finance Wrap takes inspiration from LinkedIn India’s annual Top Companies in Finance list, which features the top 10 employers to work for in finance. These companies stand out for their ability to attract and retain finance talent. 

But what are they focusing on and what roles are they hiring for? What’s essential to crack an interview? We asked leaders currently working in these companies to share their take. Here’s what they said.

The role of emerging tech

Among CFOs, expectations for competency in AI and gen AI are high. There’s universal consensus that these technologies will create value for the finance function, even in areas where they’re not yet in use, according to a latest report by EY.

Indeed, AI is one of the most notable skills at five out of 10 companies in LinkedIn India’s Top Companies in Finance list.

At Fidelity Investments India, there are use cases for machine learning that are grounded in improving customer experience. “AI is just one part of the overall digital experience for customers and a tool that we use when it will drive the business results that we want to achieve. For the security of our customers and the firm, we will only use AI that we deeply understand and believe can improve the customer experience or the Fidelity associate experience – and preferably both,” says Vijai Kishan , Head – Fidelity Wealth, India and India Regional Chair, Fidelity Investments India.

AI to improve customer experience is a focus area at Mastercard too, particularly in preventing crime. “AI-powered tools analyse real-time data to identify fraud patterns, reducing chargebacks and preventing financial crime,” says Joseph Fernandes , Senior Vice President, People and Capability, South Asia at Mastercard. “Behavioural biometrics authenticate transactions without compromising customer experience. Open Banking solutions analyse customer-permissioned data for enhanced credit decisions.”

Fidelity Investments and Mastercard are growing their technology teams. In fact, one of the most in-demand job functions at both these companies is software engineering. A key job function also surrounds data – be it engineering, analytics, or consulting.

Other roles in focus include investment research and cryptocurrency at Fidelity and java full-stack development, consulting, and business development at Mastercard.

Acing the interview and beyond

Top finance firms aren’t just assessing your qualifications — they’re testing your mindset as well. “Be authentic. Know every detail in your resume and be able to elaborate on them,” says Fernandes. “Demonstrate the skills you have and ones you want to learn. Be prepared to answer the ‘Why this company?’ question.”

He adds that the key is for candidates to approach the interview as a problem-solving exercise — an opportunity to demonstrate both deep analytical thinking and creativity.

The finance sector has a lot on its plate – and that’s an understatement. Think constantly evolving technologies, rapidly changing socio-political situations, changing regulations, and rising customer expectations. So, it becomes crucial for professionals working in the industry and those looking to enter it to prepare for what’s ahead.

“Talent that is adaptable, high on learnability, and exhibits continuous learning while being inclined towards delivering innovative solutions are highly likely to make it through the process,” says Kishan. “It’s important to be able to embrace change, collaborate, and communicate to be able to function in an evolving work environment.”