The finance sector is an incredibly popular employment sector that generally offers higher salaries and opportunities for career progression.
As a sector, finance covers a range of roles across a variety of disciplines including investment, banking, accountancy and financial analysis. This means, depending on your qualifications and experience, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals to start working in finance.
In this article, we explore the different finance jobs that are available and the skills someone needs to work in the role.
What are the most popular finance jobs?
If you’re thinking about starting a career in the finance industry, there are a number of different finance jobs available across various sectors. We run down some of the most popular finance jobs available below:
1. Financial Accounting
With this in mind, it’s vital that accountants have a specific set of skills that help them achieve their role. It’s important that an accountant can:
- Manage financial systems using specialised software
- Analyse the financial risk a company may face
- Have the ability to conduct both internal and external audits
- Advise and assist clients with the management of their business finances
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2. Finance Analyst
If you’re considering a role in investment, there are a number of skills that can help you succeed in the role. A role in investment generally requires:
- The ability to analyse patterns and data
- Identifying potential investment opportunities
- Understanding how to speak with clients regarding investment opportunities and risk management
3. Chief Finance Officer
A Chief Finance Officer – sometimes referred to as a CFO – is a top-level executive position within any business. CFO’s manage a company’s complete financial operation while also planning future financial activity. In most cases, a CFO will also provide advice and support for members of the finance team, ensuring they stay on task and assist with any long-term financial projects.
Some of the main responsibilities of a Chief Finance Officer include:
- Budget organisation
- Evaluate and recommend technological infrastructure
- Monitor the company’s financial activity
- Forecast potential activity in the future
- Protect the company against external factors
If you’re looking to become a Chief Finance Officer, there are some vital skills you need. It’s important for a Chief Finance Officer to be able to:
- Effectively run a team of finance professionals
- Run risk analysis to protect the business against external factors
- Recommend technology platforms that may streamline the business
- Use specific methodology to forecast future activity
4. Financial Controller
Financial Controllers and Heads of Finance are typically responsible for overseeing the entire finance team, or might have divisional responsibility in a large group with multiple number two positions. They will almost always be qualified accountants, in regulated businesses they will most likely come from a Big 4 background.
Financial Controller positions are often viewed as Finance Director roles with training wheels, and for the most ambitious up-and-coming accountants, these are great to get the experience to move into a number one position down the line. They will oversee the financial reporting, controls and governance areas, and in some cases also FP&A and commercial finance.
These roles vary significantly in price range depending on the size of the team managed, the same sector background required, and the breadth of reporting ownership. The simple rule to retain candidates is to offer a more enhanced benefits package, and provide a clear route to Finance Director.
The role of a financial controller requires several major skills that include:
- Analytical skills for reviewing and developing new procedures
- Attention-to-detail skills that help them manage and pay invoices correctly
- Knowledge of financial platforms and programs used in payroll and accounting
5. Credit Risk Manager
Average Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience and organisation size)
Professionals in this domain serve as financial gatekeepers, tasked with minimising losses by evaluating borrowers’ credit risk, encompassing payment behaviour and financial capacity. Amid persistent global economic challenges, ongoing digitisation, technological advancements, and the escalating integration of artificial intelligence, credit risk management remains prominently highlighted.
Regulatory bodies persist in demanding enhanced transparency and capabilities, emphasising comprehension of customers and their associated credit risk. In 2025 we expect the continued surge in hiring for credit risk, driven by market analytics and acquisitions generating increased job opportunities.
Fierce competition characterises the need for analytics and strategy experts in the customer onboarding aspect. AI’s growing role in credit risk amplifies demand across various seniority levels. To stay competitive, businesses should evaluate market offerings or engage talent consultants. Experienced candidates possess diverse options but hold higher expectations, making adaptability pivotal for attracting and retaining talent in this competitive job market.