Many people have no formal qualifications in finance or accounting, yet they manage money like a pro. If that’s you, and you enjoy working with money, why not turn it into a career?
Before jumping into a new career in finance or accounting, you should look at the types of jobs in finance and see which one would be a good fit for you.
What type of jobs in finance best suit you?
Some of the most popular positions in finance or accounting are financial planner, private wealth advisor, or accountant. For most of these positions, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and on-the-job training, but having certifications or additional higher education can help you if you are competing against other job candidates.
How to get started in a career in finance:
1. Get a Degree
You already have a good financial sense, now solidify it with a formal qualification. Here are a few common finance jobs with the degree you would need for each one.
Financial Planner
According to Investopedia, a Financial Planner helps clients manage their money and accomplish their financial goals regarding saving, investing, and retirement planning. To become a Financial Planner or Advisor, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning. Here are some of the top colleges for financial planning.
Private Wealth Advisor
According to Indeed, most Private Wealth Advisors have at least a Bachelor’s degree in finance, financial management, accounting, business, or economics. A Private Wealth Advisor typically oversees a high net-worth individual’s wealth and guides them on investing portfolio management, and tax services.
Accountant
An Accountant prepares important financial reports including tax returns to help individuals or organizations manage their money. Some Accountant jobs require just a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, but oftentimes you need to go up a level to a master’s degree in accounting. This can help you become a certified public accountant (CPA). Here is a great accredited master’s in accounting online degree program.
2. Start a Finance Blog
If you want to be in the finance world, another step you can take is starting a finance blog. Starting a blog is a great way to showcase what you have learned about the finance industry and even share some of your own experiences and road to financial security with others.
3. Gain Some Experience
It’s important to remember how valuable real-life experience is. Gaining additional experience either through an internship or landing a job in the field can help you add to your resume. These are experiences that can help give you a competitive edge against other job candidates when it comes to applying for a job in the industry.
4. Acquire the Necessary Licenses
Before deciding on a career in finance or accounting, or applying for a career in this field, it’s important to know if you need specific licensing for the role. Some financial careers require certifications or licenses to be in a position. Some of the roles that require additional licensing are Financial Advisors, Accountants, and Real Estate Brokers. Here are some of the most common certifications in the finance industry.
5. Join Professional Groups / Associations
If you plan on entering the professional world of finance and accounting, it’s a good idea to join as many professional groups and associations as you can. Accountants and financial planners alike can benefit from joining relevant professional associations.
They can learn from lectures, workshops, and speaking events. It can also provide great networking contacts and opportunities.
6. Continue to Learn
Another great way to thrive in the finance and accounting industry is to continue to learn. If you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, why not enroll in an on-campus or master’s in accounting online program?
You can also attend conferences, workshops, and short courses to stay updated on new trends or changes in the economic landscape. Learning soft skills is also beneficial — communication, customer relationships, persuasiveness, etc.
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What is the career outlook in finance?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that occupations within the business and finance industry are expected to increase by 5% from 2019 to 2029. This is a drastic increase compared to other industries and career outlooks.
With this increase, comes increased earning potential as well. Here are some of the best-paying jobs for finance in 2024
Whichever finance career path fits your vision, the outlook looks very promising. Whether you decide to work for an organization, or become self-employed as a consultant or independent contractor, you will be set up for success. Just as long as you take these steps to gain education and experience in the industry.