Financial Careers on the Rise

The financial industry is rapidly changing. As a result, new opportunities arise. Major impacts on the finance industry from new technology, big data, regulations, and cyber-security issues, along with tough new competition from Internet payment processors Google, Amazon, Apple, PayPal, and Square are causing a transformation in traditional finance.

According to Robert Half, the world’s first and largest accounting and finance staffing firm, investment banks are recruiting for a rise of big data analytics. Financial services businesses, including the investment banks, generate and store more data than any other business in any other sector – broadly because it is such a transaction-heavy industry, often driven by models and algorithms. Investment banks are now looking at how they can use big data to do what they do better, faster and more efficiently. Senior executives at the banks want to enhance how they use data to raise profitability, map out markets and company-wide exposures, and ultimately win more deals.

Credentials in Demand
Half says finance credentials that have always been preferred are in-demand for 2016. Finance professionals with credentials including CPA (certified public accountant), MBA (masters of business administration), CFA (certified financial advisor), CIA (certified internal auditor), or CGMA (chartered global management accountant) will have an advantage.

New Offerings Create New Choices
In response to the market’s growing needs, we have launched two new financial certificate programs — Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis Professional and Certified Financial Planner™ Program — starting August 2017. Additionally, our Bookkeeper Professional Certificate course provides a solid base of knowledge and is offered twice a year.

“The traditional finance foundation in accounting doesn’t cut it in today’s competitive global talent market,” said Jennifer Henderson, program manager. “Candidates need tech skills and experience in areas including cloud-based software, data analytics and advanced modeling techniques and SQL, along with business intelligence. Those with advanced Excel skills, risk and compliance expertise, and strong communication and collaboration skills will be in high demand.”

Trending Upwards
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow eight percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations, adding about 632,400 new jobs. A stronger regulatory environment is driving the demand for more accountants and auditors who prepare and examine financial documents.

The median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $65,710 in May 2015. Hot jobs in finance include accounting manager, business analyst, compliance officer, financial analyst, information technology auditor, internal auditor, payroll processor, senior accountant, and staff accountant.

Occupational Outlook

Financial Analysts

• Employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 12% from 2014 to 2024.
• A growing range of financial products and the need for in-depth knowledge of geographic regions are expected to lead to strong employment growth.
• The median annual wage for financial analysts was $80,310 in May 2015.

Personal financial advisors

• Employment of personal financial advisors is projected to grow 30% from 2014 to 2024.
• As the population ages and life expectancies rise, demand for financial planning services should increase.
• The median annual wage for personal financial advisors was $89,160 in May 2015.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Your Potential Starts Here
What’s your next move? If you’re interested in learning more, you have plenty of options. Find class information or participate in one of our online webinar information sessions. And you’re always welcome to call us at 470-578-6765.