The world of finance is vast, and employs millions of people worldwide, because it takes a lot of work to oversee money matters for individuals, businesses and governments.
In turn this means that the career opportunities in this sector are extensive, so if you’re looking for a change of pace, why not consider one of the following options for your next move?
Investment Banking: Exploring Wall Street
For a lot of people who want to make the leap into finance, then investment banking is a great place to start.
It’s generally considered one of the most sought-after and prestigious professions in finance. But that does come with its downsides.
To flourish, it requires an ability to evaluate risk and spot opportunities for investments quickly and accurately. As such, investment bankers must have strong analytical skills as well as communication abilities in order to present their ideas effectively.
For those interested in this field, it may be necessary to obtain a degree or certification from a recognized institution such as The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program offered by the CFA Institute.
With the right credentials, you’ll be able stand out among your peers when competing for jobs with top investment banks around the world.
Accounting (CPA): Unlock the Power of Numbers
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are trusted professionals who help businesses, individuals, and government entities manage their finances by providing comprehensive financial advice.
As explained in this comprehensive guide to becoming a CPA, you must first obtain 150 credit hours from an accredited college or university, with at least 24 credits of upper-level coursework related to accounting topics such as auditing, taxation, and cost management systems. Then you must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination administered by NASBA/AICPA, and meet other state specific requirements relating to experience and ethics training.
Becoming certified is essential if you want to work at larger firms or advance your career faster than those without credentials, so it’s definitely worth considering if this path interests you.
Corporate Finance Manager: Make Business Decisions with Confidence
If you’re looking for a career in finance that requires an understanding of the “bigger picture,” then becoming a corporate finance manager may be the perfect fit.
Corporate financial managers are responsible for making sure their organization meets its financial goals and objectives by analyzing data, monitoring trends, and developing strategies to improve performance.
To become a professional in this sphere, you must have a combination of skills including strong analytical abilities as well as knowledge of accounting principles. If this is something that interests you, obtaining relevant degrees or certifications, such as an MBA in Finance, is wise.
Additionally, having experience working with finance-focused software applications like Excel can give your resume added weight when applying to jobs in this field, so make sure to brush up on those skills too.
Financial Planning and Analysis: Charting A Path to Profitability
Financial planning & analysis (FP&A) professionals are responsible for helping organizations understand their current financial health, as well as how best to use resources for future success.
To become one, you must have strong quantitative skills, such as those gained through a degree or certification program like the CFA Institute’s Certified Financial Planner Program. This credential is often seen as essential by employers, so expect to work towards it if this career is on the cards for you.
The Bottom Line
Only you can decide whether a given role in finance is a good choice, so weigh up the options carefully and recognize the challenges that lay ahead to avoid disappointment.
