So, what's it all about?
They say that money makes the world go round, and in many ways they’re right. Almost every business is set up in order to make money, and making money is not something that happens automatically – it requires careful planning and constant attention.
Companies big and small need teams of people to look after their finances: monitoring who they need to pay, who owes them money and so on. They need people to help them sort out their tax bills and make sure all their employees get paid on time, while making them as profitable as possible. Those finance experts are, generally speaking, people with good organisational skills and a good head for numbers.
And, of course, it’s not just businesses that need help with their money. From the student taking out a loan to cover tuition fees, to the entrepreneur starting a business, to the retired person claiming their pension, everyone needs financial help and advice at some stage. And it’s employees in banks, accountants and insurance companies who offer that help. Again, people working in these roles are organised, and good with numbers. But it’s equally important to be good with people and enjoy the challenge of helping others achieve their financial goals.
By choosing to do an Apprenticeship in this area, you’ll have made a shrewd financial decision. You’ll be working towards a qualification that should see you earn a higher salary in the future. And instead of running into debt – as you’d be likely to if you stayed in full time education – you’ll be earning while you learn.
Not only will you be qualified to help other people manage their money, you’ll also find it easier to manage your own. And as a great many jobs in the finance sector come with a higher-than-average salary, you could find yourself, quite literally, “in the money”.
What qualities do I need?
• be good at maths
• be polite and presentable
• have good communication skills
• be well organised
• understand financial terms
• stay up-to-date with financial industry news
• have good IT skills
• have a strong commercial sense
• be trustworthy: you may be dealing with confidential and sensitive information
These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.
Accounting
The Accountancy Occupational Standards Group (AOSG) www.aosg.org
Advising on financial products
Contact The Financial Services Skills Council www.fssc.org.uk
Payroll
The Accountancy Occupational Standards Group (AOSG) www.aosg.org
Providing financial services
Contact The Financial Services Skills Council www.fssc.org.uk
Click here for a list of employers offering Apprenticeships in this sector.
Major employers
KPMG
www.kpmg.co.uk
KPMG in the UK is a leading provider of professional services, which include audit, tax and risk advice.
Lloyds TSB
www.lloydstsbtalent.co.uk
Get a head-start with one of our best-known High Street banks.
Norwich Union
www.norwichunion.com/1stjob
This major financial services company can offer careers in many different areas of the business.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
pwc.com/uk/careers
Royal Bank of Scotland
www.rbs.com/businessclass
Popular bank RBS have a great
career programme.
Sector Skills Council
The Financial Services Skills Council is the expert on Apprenticeships in this section. For more information, visit their website at www.fssc.org.uk.
Professional training
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
www.accaglobal.com
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
www.cipfa.org.uk<br />
CIPFA is one of the leading professional accountancy bodies in the UK and the only one that specialises in the public sector.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
www.cimaglobal.com
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
www.icaew.com/careers
A world-class professional accountancy body.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
www.icas.org.uk
Kaplan Financial
www.kaplanfinancial.co.uk
Kaplan Financial is a leading provider of professional qualifications and business training in the UK and Asia Pacific.
Further reading
The Association of Accounting Technicians
www.aat.org.uk/students
Financial Services Authority
www.fsa.gov.uk
Institute of Financial Services
www.ifslearning.com
Chartered Insurance Institute
www.cii.co.uk
International Association of Book-Keepers
www.book-keepers.org
Institute of Payroll Professionals
www.ippm.org