Skills that are leading the way in 2023

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Among the fastest-growing skills are data science, programme management office, risk management, and more.

Financial controls, accounting & audit; project management; and financial planning, analysis & modeling led the way in the top 10 most in-demand skills for 2023, according to Business Talent Group's 2023 Skills Index.

As cited on the Index, there seems to be sustained demand for on-demand finance professionals this year, amid a 71% increase in the number of requests for interim finance executives among employers surveyed.

At the same time, more employers are turning to emerging technologies as a top-of-mind area of focus, with many seeking on-demand talent with skills in technology and systems implementation, as well as AI and machine learning & data science — each with a 100% increase in demand, per the findings.

Overall, the top 10 skills noted to be most sought after are:

1. Financial controls, accounting, and audit
2. Project management
3. Financial planning, analysis, and modeling
4. Growth strategy
5. Organisational design and workforce planning
6. Technology and systems implementation
7. Market access and value
8. Strategic planning
9. Operational excellence
10. Supply chain

Apart from the above, the Index also revealed the top 10 fastest-growing skills for 2023, which are namely:

1. Lean/six sigma/total quality management
2. Divestitures and spinouts
3. Programme management office (PMO)
4. Manufacturing strategy
5. Risk management
6. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
7. Data science
8. Turnaround and restructuring
9. Treasury
10. Channel management

Commenting on the findings, Sandra Pinnavaia, EVP, Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer, Business Talent Group, shared: "The skills landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace and can have a pronounced impact on an organisation's ability to remain competitive and profitable.

"Organisations are currently working to keep up with the pace of technological and innovative change, all while navigating a shifting labor market and economic uncertainty. These equally important yet competing priorities call for a wide range of skillsets – and today's business leaders will need to embrace creativity and agility in sourcing them."

About the research

The Skills Index is an annual examination of proprietary data on thousands of on-demand projects—from enterprise and mid-market companies to private equity firms and global nonprofits. BTG's report informs business leaders of key areas of demand in 2023, including talent skilled in helping clients meet pressing finance needs, transform operations to enhance efficiency, seamlessly adopt new technologies, and place intelligent bets for growth.

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