Have the ability to finish off academic article (3)
I believe the answer is:
can
'have the ability to' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'finish off academic article' is the wordplay.
'finish off' indicates one should take the final letters (I've seen 'finishes off' mean this (take the finishing letters off of the words)).
'article' becomes 'an' (indefinite article).
The last letter of 'academic' is 'c'.
'c'+'an'='CAN'
(Other definitions for can that I've seen before include "Possesses ability" , "Is able; container" , "depth charge" , "has power" , "Container (e.g. beer)" .)