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Financial manager: Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances and entitle you to exemptions from some professional examinations:

business/management;
economics;
accountancy and finance;
maths/statistics.

A relevant postgraduate course may be useful, but is not essential. In certain niche areas specialised knowledge gained through a postgraduate programme may offer you a competitive advantage. Graduate schemes in finance and related areas almost always require further study for professional qualifications.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

commercial and business awareness;
excellent communication skills;
an analytical approach to work;
high numeracy and sound technical skills;
problem-solving skills and initiative;
strong attention to detail and an investigative nature;
the ability to balance the demands of work with study commitments;
good time management skills and the ability to prioritise;
the ability to work as part of a team and to build strong working relationships;
the ability to make quick but balanced decisions;
the potential to lead and motivate others;
very good IT skills.

Some employers run vacation placements or short, work-experience taster courses. Early application is advised. Professional accountancy bodies produce vacancy publications with details of traineeships and registration with professional bodies is open to individuals with A-levels (or equivalent) or above. Many employers also offer industrial placement years. Your university careers service should be able to offer you support with finding these. It is also worth approaching organisations directly for work experience even if they have not advertised placements.

A variety of organisations offering finance graduate training schemes, as well as accountancy professional bodies, hold presentations on campus and have stands at careers fairs where you can talk to representatives and recent graduate trainees who will give you a real insight into the nature of the work and tips on what helped them to succeed.

The current (Jan 2009) economic downturn has affected all sectors, including finance, and City-based jobs are amongst the hardest hit. It is important to be realistic and recognise that there is now greater competition for fewer jobs. It may be appropriate to consider alternative entry positions in the finance sector rather than concentrating on graduate scheme opportunities. Accountancy firms, for example, are still recruiting actively, particularly in the smaller/medium size end of the market, offering useful starting points for 'growing' a career in the larger financial sector. Similarly, whilst finding a job in the City may be particularly difficult, there are openings throughout the UK in places such as Uxbridge, Milton Keynes and Luton. The market will improve in the future and there will always be opportunities for graduates with experience.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see Handling Discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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