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CFO- September 14, 2024
In today’s fast-evolving corporate world, the need for feedback is more critical than ever. For finance professionals seeking long-term career success, aligning their technical expertise with the soft skills often emphasized by recruiters can make all the difference. This article distills critical insights from a recent podcast conversation with Baboucarr Badjan, the current Head of Human Resources at Ecobank Gambia Ltd. and a seasoned HR leader with a wealth of experience. His reflections on talent development, career growth, and the future of finance provide valuable lessons for finance professionals at all stages.
You can also watch the full interview on YouTube or listen to the podcast on Spotify.
The Critical Blend: Technical Expertise and Interpersonal Skills
One of the standout points made by Mr. Badjan was the importance of a balanced skill set when recruiting for finance roles. While technical knowledge—such as accounting, financial reporting, and data analysis—remains fundamental, he emphasized that interpersonal skills are increasingly valuable.
Badjan shared a real-life example where his team had to choose between two final candidates for a finance position: one with superior technical skills and another with solid experience but exceptional communication and teamwork abilities. They ultimately selected the latter, and it was the right decision. The new hire excelled in his role and helped enhance collaboration across departments, proving that interpersonal skills often outweigh technical prowess.
In today’s business environment, finance professionals must recognize that their ability to communicate effectively, work well with others, and demonstrate emotional intelligence can significantly impact their career trajectory.
While technical skills are vital, the ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can be even more impactful – Baboucarr Badjan
Ethics, Integrity, and Personal Branding: Warren Buffett’s Timeless Advice
When discussing the qualities that define a great finance professional, Badjan cited Warren Buffett’s wisdom: look for integrity, intelligence, and energy in a hire, but if they don’t have integrity, the other two will kill you. This point underscores the necessity of ethics and integrity in finance roles.
Integrity is a non-negotiable trait in an industry built on trust and transparency. Finance professionals who demonstrate strong ethical standards not only uphold their reputation but also safeguard their organizations’ reputation. Personal branding plays a key role here. Badjan highlighted that professionals must be more than just “numbers people” sitting behind spreadsheets. They must build trust and influence, fostering relationships that allow them to be seen as strategic partners, not just back-office staff.
Developing a solid personal brand within and outside an organization requires finance professionals to step out of their comfort zones. This might involve engaging in cross-departmental initiatives, taking on leadership roles, or actively seeking mentorship and networking opportunities.
The Role of Technology in Finance: A Call for Continuous Learning
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and fintech, finance is transforming significantly. Badjan pointed out that continuous learning is one of the most critical strategies for finance professionals to remain relevant in this new landscape. As he recalled using AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with Excel tasks, Badjan reinforced the idea that professionals willing to embrace technology will find themselves ahead of the curve.
The key takeaway here is adaptability. Technology is changing how finance departments operate, and those who upskill—whether through online courses, certifications, or mentorship—will be better positioned to navigate these changes. Badjan also recounted a friend’s experience transitioning from a traditional finance role to working on blockchain and data analytics projects, illustrating the immense value of staying curious and proactive in learning.
For finance professionals, staying ahead of technology means more than keeping up with the latest software or tools. It also involves thinking critically about how these tools can be applied strategically to solve business problems, reduce costs, or improve efficiency. Badjan advised, “Positioning yourself at the intersection of finance and technology will make you an invaluable asset who is very recognized and competent in your area.“
Building Strong Business Partnerships
One of the recurring themes in the conversation was the importance of collaboration between finance and other departments. Badjan provided an inspiring example of how combining HR data with financial metrics helped his organization predict the financial impact of employee turnover, save money, and retain top talent.
This highlights the importance of data analytics and strategic thinking for finance professionals. By collaborating closely with HR, operations, and other business units, finance teams can deliver more than just reports; they can provide actionable insights that drive the organization’s overall success. Badjan also emphasized that the key to being a successful finance business partner lies in interpersonal skills and the ability to think strategically—skills beyond numbers.
The ability to predict trends, mitigate risks, and offer data-driven insights positions finance professionals as essential partners in decision-making. It also underscores the value of blending technical skills with a strong understanding of human dynamics, which can lead to powerful synergies across departments.
Mentorship and Visibility: Critical Tools for Career Growth
Mentorship emerged as another central theme in Badjan’s reflections. He recounted the story of mentoring a young professional who was uncertain about his career path but eager to learn. This individual grew into a competent HR leader through regular guidance, proving that mentorship is a powerful tool for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience.
However, as Badjan stressed, mentorship is a two-way street. Both mentors and mentees must be fully committed to the process for it to succeed. Finance professionals, particularly those at the beginning of their careers, can benefit immensely from seeking mentorship opportunities. Mentorship offers the chance to learn from the experiences of others, gain insights into industry trends, and receive guidance on career decisions.
Equally crucial to mentorship is visibility within an organization. Badjan touched on the challenge of finance professionals often being relegated to “back-office” roles, which can hinder their career growth. To counter this, he encouraged finance professionals to seek opportunities for visibility. By participating in cross-departmental projects, presenting data in engaging ways, and building strong internal networks, finance professionals can position themselves as strategic players in their organizations.
The Power of Professional Associations
Finally, Badjan stressed the importance of joining professional associations such as ACCA or CIPD. These memberships provide industry insights and networking opportunities and signal a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
In a competitive field like finance, obtaining certifications and staying aligned with industry standards can give professionals a significant edge in the job market. Badjan’s journey, from joining CIPD to becoming a respected HR leader, illustrates how professional associations can open doors to new opportunities and accelerate career growth.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Career Development
In summary, the conversation with Baboucarr Badjan underscores the evolving demands on finance professionals. Success in this field now requires more than technical expertise; it demands strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to adapt to technological advancements. By embracing mentorship, building personal brands, and fostering collaboration across departments, finance professionals can thrive in their current roles and position themselves as future leaders in the ever-changing business world.
As Badjan quoted Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The journey to a successful career in finance may seem daunting, but it is entirely achievable with the right blend of skills, integrity, and strategic thinking.
