Here at Very Important Personnel, we have noticed a huge increase in both the amount of finance jobs becoming available and the amount of candidates looking for a job in the Finance industry – particularly in the opening months of 2015. In light of this, we have put together some tips and guidance notes for those looking to pursue a career in Finance.
We will start with some tips on how to secure your desired role in Finance.
1). Be practical – Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. With the right drive and , you will quickly work your way up the ladder. Many of the jobs we have recently filled have been Trainee positions which are becoming increasingly popular in many organisations.
2). Exhibit your skills – Pick out the most relevant attributes from the job specification and tailor your CV to emphasise them.
3). Focus – Where do you want your career to take you? ‘I want to work in finance’ will not give you the direction you need to succeed. Focus on the end game and tailor your approach.
4). Keep up-to-speed – Keep an eye on the latest trends and market developments and use any free software out there to help teach you the tricks of the trade. Apply for voluntary positions as a way of keeping up to speed and growing your experience.
5). Start learning – If you need an extra qualification to back up your soft skills, take a course or sign up for an internship to help take you to the next level.
Types of Finance Jobs
Perfect for people with excellent analytical skills.
As an Accountant, your main objective would be to prepare company’s accounts. The ideas is to give an overview of the company’s financial status. By keeping on top of all financial transactions, any anomalies or risks can be reported, and the business can plan better moving forward. The success of an Accountant is heavily dependent upon their numerical ability, not to mention a passion for mathematics and a close attention to detail. A degree is preferable, but not essential. In normal circumstances, you will need to have some knowledge of standard accounting practices for most entry-level positions.
Perfect for: People who thrive on responsibility.
Responsible for ensuring all employees within the business are paid correctly and accurately, integrating bonuses, salary increases, overtime, sick pay, pension contributions, maternity or paternity pay and any other factors which may affect monthly salaries.
Generally you should have the ability to work towards strict deadlines, not to mention, like most finance jobs – excellent numeracy skills. With so many people depending on you to make sure they’re paid correctly, attention to detail is key. A degree for these types of roles isn’t necessarily a must. When applying for entry-level payroll positions, always try and demonstrate (and quantify) the key skills employers are looking for, specifically: numerical ability, timekeeping and an organised approach to work.
Perfect for people that spend their money wisely.
Probably the most complex of the bunch, so the ability to simplify complex financial situations is key. Offering financial guidance to clients helping them choose which products are most suitable for their situation is the main duty. You will be dealing with insurance, loans, investments, savings, pensions and other similar services that may improve a client’s current or future finances. Possessing excellent communication skills will help when building rapport with your regular clients. A degree is not essential.
Our advice: If you want to be a Financial Advisor, don’t be afraid to start small. Becoming a Planner or even working in a Customer Service role and working your way up with some vocational training will take you to where you want to go.
Perfect for people who give great advice.
The reality of the economy these days is that most of us will at some point consult a Mortgage Advisor, so a job that is secure and not going anywhere!
The aim is to provide people with an advice service on which mortgage is right for them. You could be advising individuals or entire businesses depending on the industry, for example there are many Estate Agencies that have their own in house Mortgage Advisors. On the flip side, there are independent ones and ones employed through banks. They all provide the same guidance based on climate of the lending market.
Excellent commercial awareness and a duty of care to provide your clients with the best possible advice. Client confidentiality is a legal must.