Financial services careers often require a mix of technical and interpersonal skills. A major focus of jobs in this industry is to make decisions or help others make decisions based on financial trends and related information.
Some careers in this cluster, such as property managers, billing clerks, insurance claims and processing clerks, or account services representatives, require only a high school diploma.
Entry-level opportunities exist for bookkeepers, auditing clerks, loan interviewers, real estate agents, and tax preparers. Depending on the employer, requirements could range from some work experience, to some college credits or an associate’s degree. Building skills in accounts payable or receivable, along with using accounting software, can help people advance in these careers.
Most careers in financial services require a bachelor’s degree, including accountants and auditors, credit counselors, personal financial advisors, management analysts, financial examiners, business intelligence analysts, and loan officers.
Is a career in financial services for you? Keep these points in mind:
- This cluster is a good home for people interested in topics like budgeting, investing, wealth management, and risk management.
- Many jobs in the financial industry require passing exams to earn a state license or certification and maintaining strict ethical standards.
- Financial services employees typically work 40-hour workweeks in office environments. But some careers, such as real estate agents, have more varied hours and frequent interactions with the public.
- Technological advances such as digital currency and AI are changing existing careers and opening up new careers in this cluster.
- Self-employment is common for several financial services roles, such as sales agents, wealth planners and managers.
Whatever your career direction, you can find options that fit. Keep exploring at CareerOneStop.org/ExploreCareers