Why a Career in Finance Pays Off
A career in finance can offer significant rewards, both in terms of financial gain and professional satisfaction. If you have a natural affinity for numbers and enjoy solving complex problems, the finance sector could be your ideal career path. Not only does it provide strong earning potential, but it also enables you to make a tangible impact in the business world and beyond.
Why Finance?
The finance industry offers a variety of roles across sectors like banking, accounting, investment, and corporate finance. These positions often come with competitive salaries and a range of benefits. However, excelling in finance requires strong mathematical and analytical skills. If that sounds like you, you'll find a variety of roles tailored to different skill sets and personality types.
Careers in finance also provide a stimulating work environment. You’ll collaborate with intelligent, motivated professionals and take on challenges that drive your growth. Finance skills are in high demand, making this field one of the more secure career paths. Despite the high barriers to entry and the potential for stress during key reporting periods, the finance industry is expected to expand in the years ahead.
Starting Your Finance Journey
For those considering finance as a career, there are two primary routes into the industry. The first is through a traditional finance degree, where you’ll engage in lectures and seminars, typically for 13 hours a week. The second route is to pursue an AAT qualification, which offers a more flexible learning structure, allowing you to balance study with your personal life. Both paths equip you with the financial knowledge needed to succeed in roles within both the private and public sectors.
Once you’ve completed a degree or AAT qualification, the next step is to earn a professional chartered accountancy qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. These are usually undertaken alongside practical work experience and typically take around three years to complete. From here, a range of career opportunities become available, from starting as an Accounts Assistant to progressing into roles like Management Accountant, Finance Business Partner, or Finance Director.
Key Roles in Finance
Management Accountant
In this role, you’ll prepare monthly financial reports, help with budgeting, and provide strategic decision support. You’ll also play a role in risk management and long-term planning.
Salary range: £40,000 - £50,000
Financial Accountant
As a financial accountant, you’ll ensure financial operations are accurately tracked and reported. This includes managing balance sheets, payroll, taxes, and producing financial reports for management.
Salary range: £40,000 - £50,000
Finance Business Partner
You’ll use data analysis to identify trends and support business decision-making by partnering with stakeholders across the organisation.
Salary range: £55,000 - £65,000Financial Controller
At this management level, your role will involve preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance, and improving internal processes to drive efficiency and accuracy.Salary range: £60,000 - £80,000
Finance Director or CFO
As a Finance Director or CFO, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the financial health of your organisation. You’ll develop long-term financial strategies, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Salary range: £80,000 - £120,000
Commitment and Rewards
While the road to a successful finance career often involves earning specific professional qualifications, the rewards are substantial. Beyond ACA, ACCA, and CIMA, there are additional certifications worth exploring, such as ATT (Taxation), CFA (Investment), and CICM (Credit Management). These qualifications require dedication, but they open doors to high-paying and highly rewarding roles in finance.
White Horse Employment: Your Finance Career Partner
If you’re ready to embark on your finance career, White Horse Employment is here to help. With our deep knowledge of the finance sector, we can guide you in finding the right opportunity that aligns with your skills and career goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a step up, we’re committed to providing expert advice, improving your CV, and helping you secure interviews for roles that match your ambitions.
At White Horse Employment, we take pride in building long-term relationships with our candidates, offering personalised support throughout the recruitment process. We’re not just focused on filling roles—we’re dedicated to helping you succeed in the right career for you. Plus, our local presence in the finance recruitment market means we have the connections and expertise to help you open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
So, if you’re searching for a finance job that offers both challenge and reward, let White Horse Employment be your trusted partner in finding the right opportunity. Get in touch with us today and take the next step towards a fulfilling career in finance.