Find your future with these careers in finance
If you have great problem-solving and numeracy skills, consider becoming a financial analyst. From accounting to banking, there are a variety of finance careers to choose from. If you think that you have what it takes to succeed in this industry, find financial analyst jobs on Job Mail.
Once you have gained experience in the industry, you can work your way up to a senior-level position. Jobs in finance are lucrative and challenging, which make them an appealing option for people who enjoy working with numbers. With the right qualifications, you can get your career off to a great start.
1. Benefits of a career in finance
Finance jobs play a vital role in the success of any business. Understanding the importance of finance can lead to plenty of employment opportunities for professionals in this field. Manufacturing companies, educational institutes and retailers are just a few of the organisations that offer relevant positions. Another benefit of pursuing careers in finance is that these positions come with a good salary.
There are plenty of opportunities to develop your career if you decide to pursue a position in this field. Once you have the right qualifications and you’ve gained experience in the industry, you can work your way up to becoming a financial manager.
If you want to reach a senior-level position, it is advisable to complete a postgraduate degree in Financial Management. Educational institutes, which offer financial qualifications, include UNISA, the University of Cape Town, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Expectations
Finance careers require qualifications as well as a particular set of skills. While any degree can gain you entrance into this career path, studying a related qualification is advantageous. Accountancy, Finance or Economics degrees will ensure that you have a good foundation. Management, Mathematics and Statistics will also provide you with the capabilities you need to succeed.
Jobs in finance require excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Organisational and decision making skills are also important. Professionals in this field must have interpersonal, communication and negotiation capabilities, and an understanding of business is required. Professionals in the field of finance usually work regular business hours in an office. However, overtime can be expected during busy periods.
3. Career options
Financial Manager
When it comes to finance jobs, there is a wide selection of positions available. Financial managers offer advice and assistance to their colleagues and customers. The guidance that they provide plays a role in how the business is run. It is important that professionals in this role have an in-depth understanding of the regulations that impact a company’s financial decisions. This role can also be referred to as a financial analyst. While the role of these professionals differs from company to company, you can expect to be involved with strategic analysis if you are working for a larger company. Financial analyst jobs in smaller companies generally involve dealing with accounts.
Banking jobs
Another option is to specialise in banking. With the right qualifications and experience, you can work towards becoming a bank manager. In this senior-level position, you will be responsible for ensuring that the bank’s daily operations run smoothly. An in-depth understanding of finance and business is required for this role. Bank managers are responsible for liaising with clients, resolving customer complaints, and reviewing sales targets. Excellent communication and leadership capabilities are required for this position.
Bookkeeping
Careers in finance include bookkeeping. Employees in this position are responsible for maintaining financial records, and full-time and part-time positions are available. It is also possible to be self-employed as a bookkeeper. While bookkeepers are required to complete basic accounting duties, they have fewer responsibilities than accountants. Employees in this position record every financial transaction, which includes sales as well as payments. They balance the books, compile reports, and check balance sheets. High levels of accuracy and organisation are necessary to succeed in these finance careers.
Financial accounting
Accountants are responsible for preparing budgets and overseeing debt collection. An important part of this role involves compiling financial reports and preparing financial documents for tax. They review financial data and use this information to help managers make strategic business decisions. It is important for accountants to keep up to date with industry regulations. A benefit of pursuing jobs in finance is that these positions are well paid.
Finance Officer
A finance officer is required to prepare invoices and balance sheets. Their duties include recording transactions and other financial data, and they are involved in audits as well as the development of financial policies. Financial officers are responsible for carrying out accounting tasks in accordance with legal requirements. Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines are required to succeed in this role.
With your newly acquired knowledge of what financial analyst jobs have to offer, you can enrol for related courses and get your career off to the right start. Once you have developed your numeracy and analytical skills, you can gain experience in the industry and look for a financial analyst position online.
