Keyboard important role in finance Industries

Finance professionals work in a high-pressure environment where time is money. Whether you're a financial analyst, accountant, investment banker, or trader, every second counts. While Excel is the go-to tool for number crunching, there are numerous other financial software programs and tools that can significantly improve efficiency if used with the right keyboard shortcuts.

This article explores the most powerful keyboard shortcuts beyond Excel that finance professionals can use to save time, increase productivity, and work smarter.

The Need for Speed in Finance

Finance professionals often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously—analyzing data, preparing reports, running financial models, executing trades, and managing client interactions. Every unnecessary click of a mouse slows things down.

Keyboard shortcuts eliminate the need for excessive mouse movements, reducing errors and boosting efficiency. They allow professionals to perform tasks faster, maintain focus, and work with precision.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Finance Professionals

1. Bloomberg Terminal Shortcuts

Bloomberg is an essential platform for market research, trading, and financial analysis. Mastering these shortcuts can save valuable time.

• MENU (ALT + HOME): Go to the main menu quickly.

• Previous Screen (PAGE UP): Navigate back to the last screen.

• Next Screen (PAGE DOWN): Move forward to the next screen.

• Monitor Market Movements (WEI <GO>): View world equity indices.

• Company Financials (FA <GO>): Access a company’s financial statements instantly.

• Stock Chart (GP <GO>): Pull up interactive stock charts.

Why It Matters: These shortcuts help finance professionals quickly navigate through Bloomberg’s extensive data without wasting time searching manually.

2. Reuters Eikon Shortcuts

Reuters Eikon is another crucial tool for financial professionals, especially traders and analysts.

• Search Bar (CTRL + SHIFT + X): Open a universal search bar.

• Launch Excel Add-In (CTRL + ALT + X): Open the Eikon Excel Add-in instantly.

• Market Overview (ALT + M): Get a quick snapshot of the market.

• News Feed (CTRL + N): Open the real-time financial news feed.

• Chart View (ALT + C): Display interactive market charts.

Trading Platforms (MetaTrader, Thinkorswim, Interactive Brokers)

For traders, executing trades quickly is critical. Knowing the right shortcuts can make all the difference.

• Buy Order (CTRL + B): Place a buy order instantly.

• Sell Order (CTRL + S): Place a sell order quickly.

• Close Order (CTRL + W): Exit a trade without delay.

• Zoom In on Chart (CTRL + +): Focus on details within a trading chart.

• Zoom Out on Chart (CTRL + -): Get a broader market view.

Why It Matters: These shortcuts can help traders execute market orders faster, reducing reaction times in volatile markets.

Accounting Software (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle Financials)

Accountants and financial controllers rely on specialized software for bookkeeping, reconciliation, and financial reporting.

• Create a New Invoice (CTRL + I in QuickBooks): Generate invoices instantly.

• View Reports (CTRL + R in QuickBooks): Open financial reports quickly.

• Post Journal Entries (F5 in SAP): Record transactions efficiently.

• Run General Ledger (CTRL + G in Oracle Financials): Access financial summaries fast.

• Search Transactions (CTRL + F in QuickBooks and SAP): Locate specific financial transactions instantly.

The Psychology of Keyboard Shortcuts

Many professionals underestimate the impact of keyboard shortcuts. Research shows that reducing mouse usage not only improves efficiency but also minimizes cognitive load. When professionals rely on shortcuts, they maintain focus, reducing distractions caused by switching between keyboard and mouse.

Benefits of Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Increased Productivity: Completing tasks in seconds instead of minutes.

• Less Strain on Hands and Wrists: Reducing repetitive mouse movement helps prevent fatigue and injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Better Focus and Accuracy: Keeping hands on the keyboard leads to fewer errors.

How to Master Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Practice Daily: Set a goal to learn and use a new shortcut each day.

2. Use Cheat Sheets: Keep shortcut lists handy until they become second nature.

3. Customize Shortcuts: Many financial platforms allow users to create custom shortcuts for their most-used commands.

4. Eliminate the Mouse Gradually: Challenge yourself to complete tasks using only the keyboard whenever possible.

5. Take Online Shortcut Training: Platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and YouTube offer courses focused on efficiency hacks for finance professionals

1. Can You Trade Stocks Without a Mouse? The Power of Keyboard Shortcuts in Trading

2. The Hidden Cost of Slow Typing: How Keyboard Efficiency Impacts Financial Decision-Making

3. Keyboard vs. Mouse in Finance: Which One Helps You Work Faster and Smarter?

4. The Fastest Fingers in Finance: How Keyboard Shortcuts Help High-Frequency Traders Stay Ahead