Financial Acumen for EAs

We know that today’s Executive Assistants are far more than just support - they’re business partners. And if you want to keep up, building your financial acumen is a smart move. You don’t need to become a finance expert, but having a solid understanding of how the money side of things works will absolutely level up the value you bring.

Why it matters

You might not own the budget, but understanding it makes a real difference. When you’ve got financial literacy on your side, you can:

• Make more informed decisions

• Align better with your executive’s priorities

• Understand the broader business goals

• And, let’s be honest, stand out professionally

The truth is, finance touches almost every part of the EA role - whether you realise it or not. Having the confidence to speak the language of budgets, reports, and costs sets you apart.

Key Financial Skills to Build

Budgeting & Expense Management

Chances are, you're already handling budgets, tracking expenses, or managing invoices. Knowing how to forecast spend, stay within limits, and spot issues before they snowball keeps everything running smoothly.

Reading Financial Reports

You don’t need to analyse the entire P&L, but you do need to understand the key figures. Knowing what to look for in financial reports (like profit and loss statements or balance sheets) means you can flag issues, support decisions, and speak up when something doesn’t look right.

Vendor & Procurement Management

EAs often deal with suppliers, contracts, and purchase decisions. Understanding how to compare costs, negotiate well, and spot value helps your executive - and the business - spend smarter.

Cost-Saving & Efficiency

You’re on the frontline. You see the gaps, the waste, the processes that could be tightened. Financially savvy EAs spot ways to trim expenses without compromising quality - whether that’s with office supplies, events, or travel.

Understanding KPIs & Financial Goals

Every business is chasing goals - revenue, profit, efficiency. When you understand what success looks like financially, you can better support the decisions and actions that get the team there.

How to Build Your Financial Acumen

You don’t need to dive into a finance degree. Start small:

• Take short online courses aimed at non-finance professionals

• Ask questions - finance teams are often happy to share insights

• Get familiar with the tools your business uses (budget trackers, reporting platforms, etc.)

• Sit in on meetings where financials are discussed - it’s a great way to learn how decisions are made

Building financial acumen is one of the most practical and career-enhancing things you can do as an EA. It allows you to step into a more strategic space and truly support your executive at a higher level. You’ll feel more confident, more capable, and more connected to the business.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, there are mentoring options and specialised training that can help you build your confidence and skill in this area. Keep learning - it pays off. 🌻