Jobs in Personal Finance: A Quick and Easy Guide
There are plenty of careers in personal finance, both inside and outside of the investing world. An individual should think about himself, his values, and personality before choosing a star studded career in personal finance. Becoming an actuary or quantitative analyst will be a great career option for a person who is a math whiz. Jobs in personal finance includes accounting, compliance, budget analysis and financial management. Many personal finance careers have great earning potential and they come with commission, profit sharing and bonuses.
Accountant
Becoming an accountant is a lucrative career option in personal finance and accountants are passionate about getting a job with big accounting firms like Deloitte, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ernst and Young and KPMG. An accountant can get job in financial companies, government organizations and universities. Accountants should possess keen eye for detail, strong problem solving skills and strong analytical skills. They should have expert knowledge on general accounting principles, accounting practices and accounting laws. Job prospects of an accountant with accounting certification will increase tremendously in the job market.
CPA(Certified Public Accountant) is the most popular and most coveted accounting certification.
Credit Analyst
Credit analysts are entrusted with the responsibility of analyzing the credit, financial data and history of individuals. Banks, credit card companies, mortgage firms, insurance firms and investment firms employ credit analysts. Strong decision making, critical thinking, analytical, research and communication skills are vital for credit analysts. Most credit analysts hold bachelors or masters degree in finance, accounting or related field. Some credit analyst positions require a CFA(Chartered Financial Analyst) credential.
Broker
Brokers buy and sell securities such as stocks, bonds and other funds and they are responsible directly to the investors. Most of the brokers work for themselves or a brokerage or securities firm. A broker is responsible for growing their own client list and brokers should have entrepreneurial mindset and strong interpersonal skills. Broker position requires a four year degree and FINRA(Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) licenses are needed to complete trade on behalf of others.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts will be working for investment firms and banks and some of them work as corporate financial analyst. A financial analyst should have strong math, analytical, and communication skills. Financial analyst should have a bachelors degree in finance or related field and pursuing a related internship will be helpful in getting a dream job. CFA certification, FINRA license and MBA are required to progress as a financial analyst.
Budget Analyst
Budget analyst works predominantly in private companies and government offices. Strong analytical and communication skills are necessary to come out in flying colours as a budget analyst. Most budget analysts hold a bachelors degree in accounting or related field and they may need a certified Government Financial Manager Credential from the Associate of Government Accountants to work in budget analyst position in governments.
Personal Finance Planner
Personal finance planner helps individuals to provide education on investments, selecting investments, managing portfolios, planning for long term goals and monitoring finances. A personal finance planner works for private banks, retail banks, investment funds and investment firms. Some personal finance planners work for themselves and strong interpersonal skill is an absolute must have for personal finance planner.