Getting the best from a career in finance

Financiers have always had some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. However, those who want to make it big in the field have to do more than just go to college. They must prove themselves worthy of the high salary they desire. Although the job market is tight, there are plenty of positions out there, both in the financial sector itself and in various other industries.

One of the top jobs in finance is that of chief finance officer. The CFO role has evolved over the decades. In fact, it wasn't until the 1970s that the term "chief financial officer" even existed. Before that, the job was called chief finance controller, treasurer, comptroller, assistant treasurer, or something similar. The modern CFO is a high-level executive whose primary responsibility is managing the finances of a corporation. This includes budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and controlling costs.

The lead role in the finance industry

The chief financial officer (CFO) has become one of the most important roles within organisations today. This is because the CFO serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and assists them in making key decisions regarding the overall health of the organisation.

In addition to advising the CEO about the future direction of the company, the CFO is tasked with overseeing the operations of the finance team and ensuring that the organisation meets its financial targets. The CFO must ensure that the finance team is staffed properly, and they often play a major role in hiring qualified talent. They also advise the CEO and COOs on the allocation of resources throughout the corporation.

So many career options for those with an understanding of finance

A career in financial services can cover everything from entry-level roles all the way up to senior management. The areas covered include the likes of banking and finance, insurance, investments, pensions, stockbroking, accounting, auditing, tax advice, and many more. Investment bankers, fund managers, actuaries, policy advisors, accountants, analysts, bank managers, brokers, and planners are just some of the roles that come under this umbrella.

There are a number of excellent reasons to pursue a career in finance, including a high earning potential. This is surely and  particularly true in the more senior positions, roles in which qualified and experienced specialists can look to earn salaries well in excess of national averages.

Using professional qualifications to open doors

Another plus point is the opportunity to build a strong career within the industry. Specialists in roles such as financial controller, financial analyst and policy advisor are always in great demand. It's possible to move from one organisation to another with relative ease and construct a more than impressive CV through the process.

Finance professionals often enjoy flexibility in their schedules and working hours. Many companies offer part-time employment, allowing employees to balance work and personal life. Others allow a significant amount of telecommuting options, enabling workers to log into their office from home. This also means candidates can reach out for roles that aren't necessarily close to them geographically.

Financial careers offer so much in the way of stability

It's estimated that finance jobs are among those that offer the most stable careers. There are plenty of opportunities for those interested in finance, and the number of positions continues to grow each year. There's a noticeable talent gap in finance, which often leads to job-seekers having an impressive range of options to choose from when switching jobs.

A lot of people think that being a head of finance or any other similar role is just about crunching numbers and making decisions based on data. However, there are many different types of jobs within the industry, each requiring specific skills and knowledge. For example, a corporate treasurer might oversee the day-to-day operations of a corporation while a portfolio manager oversees investments. In addition, some analysts in the finance industry specialise in certain areas such as risk management, valuations, or mergers and acquisitions.

Challenging roles throughout the finance field

Therefore, this is an extremely challenging sector in which to work, and the most successful specialists tend to be those who enjoy solving problems and utilising the latest technological advancements. Standing still in the financial services sector isn't a good idea because there are always new challenges coming along.

Financial firms are always looking for ways to increase productivity and improve efficiency. One way to do that is to find people who already know what they want to learn and give them the resources to further their education. For example, employers often offer tuition reimbursement programs to encourage employees to earn a college degree. This helps companies save money because it reduces training costs and increases employee retention rates.

Employees who receive tuition assistance tend to work longer hours and take less vacation time than those without such benefits. They also spend more time studying and completing assignments. In addition, those who pursue degrees that lead to better jobs are likely to earn more over their lifetimes. As a result, they are more productive and efficient workers overall.

Every finance department offers interesting work

A finance career exposes the individual to different aspects of social and economic significance. This includes personal, institutional, and the nation's economy. They'll learn about the impact of important trends like globalisation, technology, and demography. They can gain exposure to the markets, commodities and currencies that make up our modern financial system. And They'll gain hands-on experience with accounting, budgeting, forecasting, risk management and corporate governance.

The role of finance professionals in society is changing rapidly. Today, many companies operate globally, while others are highly regulated. Finance jobs are increasingly specialised, requiring expertise in areas such as financial reporting, investment banking, quantitative analysis, and international trade. Many finance positions require a bachelor's degree, although some employers now accept applicants with less in the way of formal education. In addition to technical knowledge, successful candidates must possess strong communication skills and analytical abilities.

A career in finance offers great satisfaction

Surveys have revealed that financial professionals are among the most satisfied employees in the industry. While many professions in other sectors often have a low satisfaction rating, finance regularly ranks among the highest overall. Key factors in the general pleasure of employees include the amount of flexible working, excellent salaries, interactions with people from all walks of life and the ability to share in customer satisfaction.

With such a wide range of advantages to working in the financial industry, it comes as no surprise to hear that interest in such roles is on the increase. A career in finance can bring so much satisfaction, so those with technical skills along with interpersonal skills should start their job search as early as possible.

Begin your finance career with Michael Page

Searching for a finance job? At Michael Page, we provide a diverse range of job opportunities for finance professionals. Whether your aspirations lie in becoming a financial analyst, an investment banker, or pursuing any other finance-related position, we have excellent choices available for you.

Our user-friendly job search tool makes it simple to find your ideal job. Stay informed about new roles by setting up a job alert. Furthermore, take advantage of our salary comparison tool and salary guide, which offers valuable insights into salaries within your desired sectors and positions.