The financial services is an industry that can be extremely lucrative to be a apart of and it employs over 1 million people across the UK. It comes as no surprise then that it is a sector supported by a vast network of recruitment agencies. Specialist recruiters are more likely to concern themselves with higher end roles in banking or accounting while more common positions tend to be in credit control or tax compliance.
Job opportunities and salaries
Manchester has established itself as the financial hub of the North of England with the city generating £9 billion to the UK economy just from this industry alone. The sector has seen Manchester undergo a 50% growth both in GVA and employment in the last decade, with 190,000 currently working within the financial services. Roles within this area can vary but tend include titles such as financial advisor, internal auditor and mortgage broker which can often mean large rewards for those willing to take on the responsibility and long hours.
The average salary in this field in Manchester is £42,000 but can vary anywhere from £25,000 to £52,000.
Qualifications and entry requirements
While there is a non-graduate route into financial services, employers are increasingly looking towards graduates to fill in entry roles. Analyst and advisor roles for instance, will look for degrees in economics or relevant maths fields whilst the majority of employees will also be encouraged to obtain some form of specific professional qualification such as an NVQ or an Investment Management Certificate (IMC). Potential candidates are also expected to have an eye for detail as well as strong quantitative and analytical skills.