Getting started in accounting, finance and economics

Within the accountancy, finance and economics sector, there is a wide range of occupations. Prospects has a useful list of job profiles each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies.

Potential job roles

Job roles in this sector include:

Professional qualifications

Some jobs may require professional qualifications within the accounting, finance and economics sectors. These include:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional qualification
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
• Professional Banker Diploma

Qualifications take up to three years to complete. Many people choose to complete these qualifications alongside working as most accountancy employers pay for exam fees and allow time off to study.

Keep up-to-date with the industry

It's good to keep up-to-date on sector developments and track any vacancies coming up. Below are some great resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.

• Inside Careers - An overview of graduate careers including actuaries, insurance, banking and investments, chartered accountancy, tax, management consultancy and patent attorneys.
• eFinancialCareers - A platform for networking with recruiters and keeping up to date with the latest news, opportunities and insights from the financial industry.
• TARGETjobs - Features an online financial guide, providing information about a range of opportunities and employers in the sector. Advice on career development and the transition from university to corporate life.
• Corporate Finance Institute - A corporate finance resource which includes an interactive career map, articles and self-study guides, and general career resources tailored for the corporate finance industry.
• Actuary List - A jobs board for finding actuarial jobs and blogs to help you learn more about the actuarial profession. 
• DeVere - A blog aimed at students interested in a career in finance, banking and accounting.