There are many different job roles in this sector so below are a few areas that you may wish to consider going into.
Actuarial analysts – use strong mathematical ability to analyse data and assess risk. As an actuarial analyst, you’ll be required to understand and use complex mathematical formulas, particularly in the area of advanced statistics and modelling and use spreadsheets or other specialist software to complete data analysis tasks.
Chartered accountants – give advice, audit accounts, and provide trustworthy information about financial records. This might involve financial reporting, taxation, auditing, forensic accounting, corporate finance, business recovery and insolvency, or accounting systems and processes. Chartered accountants work strategically with the aim to maximise profitability on behalf of their client or employer.
Data analysts – are in high demand across all sectors, such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government, and education. The ability to pay attention to detail, communicate well and be highly organised are essential skills for data analysts. They not only need to understand the data but be able to provide insight and analysis through clear visual, written, and verbal communication.
Economists – carry out research and collect large amounts of information that can cover any aspect of economic and social policy, ranging from interest rates, taxation and employment levels to energy, health, transport, and international development. Economists analyse the information using specialist software and advanced methods in statistical analysis to produce forecasts of economic trends and make recommendations of ways to improve efficiency.
Auditors – examine financial records and other data to provide businesses, their investors and market regulators with a clear picture of how they’re performing. They also make recommendations for improvement. Although essentially a qualified accountant, their auditing work will extend beyond financial audit as you are working with clients to help them identify and manage risks across all areas of their business is the norm.
Investment bankers – provide a range of financial services to companies, institutions and governments with the aim of helping them to achieve their financial goals and implement long and short-term financial plans. Investment bankers manage corporate, strategic and financial opportunities, including: acquisitions, bonds and shares, initial public offerings (IPO), lending, merger and privatisations.
Financial risk analysts – identify and analyse the areas of potential risk threatening the assets, earning capacity or success of organisations in the industrial, commercial or public sector. They are responsible for predicting change and future trends, as well as forecasting cost to the organisation. Risk analysts may work in sales, origination, trading, marketing, financial services or private banking, specialising in credit, market, operational and regulatory.
Stockbrokers – Stockbrokers buy and sell stocks, shares and other securities on behalf of private and commercial clients, through a stock exchange or over the counter, in return for a fee or a commission.
Financial traders – buy and sell shares, bonds and assets for investors, including individuals and banks. They make prices and execute trades, seeking to maximise assets or minimise financial risk. Some specialise in a particular product, such as shares, fixed-interest bonds or foreign exchange (FX) markets.