Insolvency and restructuring expert, Jonathan Munnery, shares his tips on how to get into finance.
If you have a knack for numbers, it may feel like a career in finance is in your blood, which brings us to the next question - where do you start?
The world of finance presents countless career pathways, from banking, finance, and financial planning to tax, investments, and insurance. While some areas may offer clear entry through apprenticeships or graduate programmes, the path into others may be less trodden.
To find which career option in finance is right for you and how you can apply your skills and knowledge, you need to explore the many possibilities.
What are my career options in finance?
If you want to start your career in the finance industry, it’s crucial to understand what paths are available from the get-go.
The beauty of the finance industry is that it’s multidimensional, so whether you’re interested in understanding the inner workings of fintech, playing an instrumental role in high-risk money management, or helping small businesses navigate company finances - there’s a job for you.
How can I decide which finance career path is right for me?
The career path you embark on will be determined by factors such as location, pay, benefits, lifestyle, and your clients.
Location - entry into certain areas of finance may be location-dependent. For example, larger employers may be strategically located in cities or financial districts which may require you to locate or factor in a longer commute. There may also be opportunities to work in a different country when working in the finance industry, so it’s important to explore your options.
Pay - certain areas of finance are likely to attract larger pay packets, specifically areas of speciality that require great expertise, experience, and additional certifications.
For example, a Chartered Tax Adviser will likely be paid more than a general accountant as they may be CTA-qualified and therefore hold the most advanced tax qualification in the UK.
Qualifications - while you can enter areas of finance with no, or limited, qualifications, certain jobs will require degree-level qualifications or relevant work experience in the industry to showcase your knowledge. Therefore, studying towards your career aspirations will not only increase your knowledge and skills, but your chances of getting competitive roles will be higher, which in return can lead to a higher salary.
Benefits package - employee benefits are crucial for a high-quality working life, so a standout offering that’s often required from finance professionals is professional development opportunities, such as further education and training.
Additional qualifications are often necessary to reach higher bands of pay, or to progress in a particular field such as tax. As such, you may search for an employer that is happy to invest in your development and fund your training.
Industry or practice - a dilemma often confronted by most job seekers in the finance profession is whether to enter industry or practice. This decision is mostly based on preference - whether you would like to work in-house to achieve a shared goal with a single client, or work as outsourced support for multiple clients.
The benefits between industry and practice may differ, so be sure to speak to any future employers about any questions you may have.
Lifestyle - like most industries, some areas of finance will offer flexible working hours and a relaxed balance between working from home or the office. However, some jobs may consist of high-pressure working environments, reduced work/life balance, and overseas travel.
For example, external auditors often visit client sites and financial traders work across multiple time zones. This can mean you’re required to work outside your typical nine-to-five, which may shape your decision-making process.
Final thoughts
A career in finance can be exceptionally rewarding as there are many avenues that you can take to support others with their money and manage risk responsibly. While entering the profession can be competitive, there are countless opportunities that you can pursue, and routes you can take to progress your career.
Start your career today
No matter where you are in your career, it’s never too late to start your career in finance. Browse through our accountancy and tax qualifications to see what’s best suited to you. If you’re still unsure, read more about how to decide which qualification to choose, or email our Student Services team at studentservices@kaplan.co.uk.
Learn more about Jonathan Munnery and the services he delivers through UK Liquidators.