The financial services industry needs people with sound financial knowledge to look after clients’ investments, assets, loans and credit.
Many entry-level financial services jobs don’t require you to have a degree in business, finance or commerce, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about how you can obtain additional training and knowledge related to the specific area of finance you’re interested in working in.
Simply stating on your resumé that you’ve started the process of getting a designation can make you much more attractive to financial services employers.
A financial designation is kind of like a post-graduate education in finance: it isn’t mandatory, but it gives financial professionals credibility and specialized knowledge, and keeps you up-to-date in their area of expertise.
It also shows employers and clients that you are dedicated to you profession and can be trusted with clients’ hard earned money because you must follow strict ethical standards.
If you’re disheartened at the thought of spending even more time in school, don’t worry: simply stating on your resumé that you’ve started the process of getting a designation can make you much more attractive to financial services employers.
Most programs require a combination of self-study, work experience, and examinations, allowing you to work full-time while you pursue the designation or certification. Many employers also provide financial assistance or reimbursement for the completion of related coursework once you’ve been hired.
Here is some information on four common certifications relating to financial services:
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Globally recognized by employers, investment professionals, and investors, the CFA program equips you with the practical and fundamental knowledge you need for a wide variety of career choices in the investment profession.
You’ll learn about a wide range of topics, including portfolio management, investment analysis, derivatives, accounting, and other fundamentals of the global markets, preparing you to analyze financial markets and provide recommendations about investments.
The CFA program is a self-study program organized into 18 study sessions for each exam level. There are three consecutive levels you must pass and each exam is six hours long. According to the CFA Institute, it takes an average of four years to complete the program.
The CFA Charter is a title earned after you complete four years of qualified investment work experience. You must also adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. To maintain the status, you are required pay an annual fee and submit the Professional Conduct Statement.
Possible careers
Financial Analyst, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Analyst, Business Planning/Strategist, Portfolio Management, Investment Banking Analyst, Research Analyst, Consultant
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
CFP certification is mandatory in Quebec and British Columbia to be a financial planner. Earning CFP certification is a process:
- complete a Financial Planning Standards Council-approved Core Curriculum education program
- have at least one year of qualifying work experience
- pass the Level 1 Exam
- complete an FPSC-approved Capstone Course
- pass the Level 2 Exam
- adhere to the Code of Ethics
To maintain the CFP status, you must pay annual fees and meet the on-going Continuing Education requirements.
Possible careers
Financial Planner, Financial Advisor, Investment Advisor, Investment Retirement Planner, Mutual Fund Advisor, Insurance Manager
Here are other articles on TalentEgg about careers in financial planning:
- What Is A Financial Planner And How Do You Become One?
- Helping People Achieve Life Goals Is The Core Of Financial Planning, Says Certified Financial Planner
- A Career In Financial Planning Isn’t Just For Finance Grads
Financial Risk Management (FRM)
The FRM Certification is internationally recognized for professions in financial risk management. Their job is to manage credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk, as well as non-market related financial risks. This certification enables you to gain knowledge in quantitative analysis, operational risk, market risk, investment risk, credit risk, and issues in the current financial markets.
The FRM Certification. To be an FRM holder, you must pass two comprehensive exams and have a minimum of two years professional full-time experience in financial risk management or related field, such as portfolio management, industry research, economics, and auditing.
Possible careers
Financial Advisor, Financial Risk Manager, Consultant for Financial Risks, Asset Liability Manager/Analyst, Credit Manager, Risk Control Manager
Certified Credit Professional (CCP)
According to the Credit Institute of Canada (CIC) website, completion of the CCP program enables graduates to manage a credit department. Topics include credit management, managing credit with information technology, and the Canadian Credit Law.
To obtain the certification, you must first complete the self-study CCP Education Program. CIC provides online materials and optional lectures. The program has eight courses and you are evaluated by online assignments and quizzes, plus a final exam in each course. There is also a requirement to complete a minimum of five years of related work experience.
Possible careers
Credit Analyst/Specialist, Credit Risk Manager, Claims Manager, Accounts Receivable Collections