FROM SPREADSHEETS TO SQL: IN-DEMAND TECH SKILLS IN FUND SERVICES

Fund services are moving from manual, spreadsheet-based workflows to automated, data-driven operations. This isn’t just a matter of adopting a new toolkit; it’s a whole new operating model. AI, automation, and modern data platforms have made the leap from “emerging tech” to “business-as-usual” throughout the sector. This is reflected in a recent KPMG survey, which reveals that 92% of financial services companies are generating profits from AI – even if only 32% report returns at scale so far.

HOW AI IS RESHAPING THE FUND SERVICES DELIVERY MODEL

This shift is revolutionising workflows within fund services. In the same survey, administrators report that AI tools are reducing the manual workload involved in reconciliation by around 50%, while AI-assisted reporting is cutting generation times by as much as 50–70%. Those firms that can successfully pair AI and automation with modern data architecture, clear use cases, and strong change management are reaping the benefits already, with results such as:

• Reducing NAV production cycles from hours to minutes with AI data aggregation and validation. 
• Using AI anomaly detection to normalise reconciliation data and flag issues earlier. 
• Using language models to extract key terms from LPAs and side letters in seconds, speeding up onboarding and lowering error rates. 
• Deploying AI-powered client assistants to handle routine queries, improving service levels without increasing headcount. 

REGULATORY IMPACT ON FUND SERVICES RECRUITMENT

Regulation is accelerating the need for this level of technical proficiency. T+1 settlement compresses timelines and demands streamlined, automated reconciliations. SEC and ESMA initiatives are elevating data quality and reporting rigour. In Europe, the EU AI Act and DORA are driving the need for documentation, transparency, and enhanced controls on high-risk systems. As a result, governance and cybersecurity skills are more important than ever, particularly for any processes which affect sensitive data or client outcomes.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR HIRING TEAMS?

Today’s fund services professional must bring a combination of skills to the table: strong finance and regulatory grounding, complemented by practical fluency in emerging technologies. Competencies in demand include Python and SQL, BI tools like Power BI or Tableau, and platform expertise (Advent Geneva, Investran, SimCorp, eFront). On top of that, there’s a growing need for professionals with a working grasp of automation (RPA), data pipelines, APIs, and the governance knowledge needed for model risk, privacy, and audit. 

The employers we speak to consistently report that the hardest candidates to find are those who have that dual fluency – the ability to translate domain challenges into data, dashboards and code. The ideal hires in this market are professionals who can automate reports, query data warehouses, and explain the output to clients and auditors, without needing input from specialist teams.

Attracting this talent requires a focused approach. Shape job descriptions to focus on outcomes and skills rather than just years of experience or time-in-role. Assess candidates through portfolio reviews and practical case studies to gain insight into how well they apply theoretical skills in real-world contexts. And ensure your value proposition offers what top talent cares about: modern tech stacks, meaningful problems, clear progression, and a culture that supports continuous learning.

HOW CAN CANDIDATES DIFFERENTIATE THEMSELVES?

For professionals looking to enter or progress in the sector, the path is therefore clear: demonstrating proficiency in the relevant technologies is a key differentiator. Certifications in cloud fundamentals, machine learning, or BI platforms, along with literacy in languages like SQL or Python, show your skillset is aligned with market needs. Building a portfolio of projects with tangible proof – dashboards, scripts, automation workflows – that demonstrates practical value, not just theoretical knowledge, is the best way to communicate value and capability.

MATCHING TECHNICAL TALENT TO EVOLVING FUND SERVICES ROLES

Whether you’re a prospective candidate looking for the right firm to apply your technical skills, or a hiring manager trying to identify the talent that will drive your team forward, working with a specialised recruitment partner can narrow the focus and speed up the process. 

At Victus Search, you’ll find sector experts with strong global networks in fund services that let us connect unique candidates with niche roles, including those not currently actively seeking a move. Contact us today for a discreet conversation about your objectives, and we’ll advise on the options open to you.