How To Get a Job In Finance

In this blog, you will learn: 

• How to get a job in finance
• An introduction into the finance industry
• Examples of roles in the finance sector
• Where to find and apply for the latest finance jobs

How to get a job in finance

The financial sector is growing and the opportunities to work in the industry are growing along with it. Historically, it’s been deemed that an MBA is an essential qualification to get a job in finance. However, as the sector grows, there are more and more paths into a career in finance including opportunities for those with a Bachelor's degree, and for those with no degree at all.

In our latest blog, we’re looking at how to get a job in finance, whatever stage of your career you’re at.

Introduction to the finance industry

The finance industry covers a wide range of jobs and industries. The good news is that this presents candidates with a huge range of career options and there are many accounting jobs in demand. It also means that there is the possibility of transferring skills and experience across these roles and industries. 

The bad news is, with such a vast range it’s hard to know what path to take and where to start looking. Here we’re going to look at some of the different areas of the industry you can work in and provide our guidance on how to get a job in Finance. 

Examples of roles in the finance sector include:

• Accountants
• Finance Directors
• Audit Seniors
• Chief Financial Officers

Accountants

Accountants provide specific accounting and financial services to individuals or businesses, helping them to make financial decisions across their business. There are a range of accountancy roles from Accounts Assistant roles up to Management Accountants. 

Finance Directors

The role of a Finance Director is to give financial advice and direction to a business to ensure the company’s financial commitments are met. A Finance Director will also ensure policies and procedures are in place so that finances are managed effectively and efficiently throughout the business. To become a Finance Director, you will need a mixture of relevant education, professional experience and leadership skills. 

Audit Senior

An Audit Senior plans and executes risk-based internal audits for businesses as part of their annual audit plan and in accordance with company standards. An Audit Seniors tasks include planning an audit process, research, reviewing current processes and providing recommendations to enhance company policies and procedures.

Chief Financial Officers

A Chief Financial Officer is a top-level executive, responsible for managing a company’s financial actions. A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is often the most senior financial position within a company and overall, the third highest position in terms of seniority. 

Identifying your strengths and areas of interest within finance

With such a wide range of jobs on offer, it’s important to start by paying close attention to your personal career objectives. 

Begin by reflecting on your skills, personality traits, and natural inclinations. Consider your mathematical and analytical abilities, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and interest in the financial industry. Think about what aspects of finance excite you and what tasks or activities you enjoy doing.

You should then conduct thorough research on different areas within finance. Familiarise yourself with various subfields such as investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, risk management, portfolio management, or financial analysis. Explore the roles, responsibilities, and skill sets required for each area.

Grow Your network

Grow your network by attending networking events, industry conferences and online communities, as much as you can to register your interest and get your face in front of the right people. 

You should also look to grow your presence online; LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for engaging with professionals in the finance industry and building connections that could help to advance your career. 

Get qualified

A degree and an MBA will elevate your application above others to get into finance. Check out all the jobs you can get with an accounting degree in one of our recent blogs. 

There are, however, other qualifications which you can gain that are hugely beneficial to your applications and you needn’t have a degree to obtain them. Apprenticeships and internships are a good way of gaining experience while you study for recognised accreditations. 

Latest finance jobs at Spencer Clarke Group

If you’re searching for your next finance job, why not take a look at all the vacancies currently available in accountancy practices across the UK? 

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Why not upload your CV or contact our finance specialist, Shannon McGarry, to discover more about upcoming opportunities.

Meet Shannon McGarry