Careers News
Industry Spotlight - Careers in Finance
When speaking to students, many have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in Finance. But what exactly does that involve? Finance is a vast and dynamic industry, offering numerous career paths across various sectors. A degree in Commerce or Business with a major in Finance can open doors to a wide range of opportunities, from banking and investment to risk management and financial technology.
To help you explore potential career options, below is a list of different roles within the Finance industry. If you are keen in pursuing a career within the Finance Industry, it is strongly recommended that you take the time to visit the SEEK.com.au links (provided below) for each role and review the job descriptions for these positions. This will give you a better understanding of the skills required, daily responsibilities, and career progression opportunities available in each role.
The below information can also be found in CANVAS Careers under the page ‘Finance Careers’. For Year 12, stay focused on study for your Half Yearly Exams and if you are interested, come back to this at a later stage.
Below is a list of different roles within Finance:
Banking and Financial Services
Retail Banker – Works in banks or financial institutions, assisting individuals with everyday banking needs like savings accounts, loans, and credit products. https://www.seek.com.au/retail-banker-jobs
Commercial Banker – Focuses on business clients, offering financial services such as business loans, credit lines, and treasury management. https://www.seek.com.au/commercial-banker-jobs
Investment Banker – Specialises in raising capital for companies, mergers and acquisitions, and issuing stocks or bonds.
https://www.seek.com.au/investment-banking-jobs
Mortgage Broker – Acts as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders, helping individuals and businesses find and secure home or commercial loans. https://www.seek.com.au/mortgage-broker-jobs
Financial Planner – Provides advice on managing money, investments, retirement planning, and estate planning to individuals and businesses. https://www.seek.com.au/financial-planner-jobs
Investment and Asset Management
Portfolio Manager – Manages investment portfolios for clients, making decisions on asset allocation to maximise returns.
https://www.seek.com.au/portfolio-manager-jobs
Fund Manager – Oversees investment funds such as mutual funds, hedge funds, or pension funds, making strategic investment decisions.
https://www.seek.com.au/fund-manager-jobs
Wealth Management Advisor – Provides financial advice and investment management for high-net-worth individuals to grow and protect their wealth.
https://www.seek.com.au/wealth-management-advisor-jobs
Stockbroker – Buys and sells stocks, bonds, and other securities on behalf of clients, typically working for brokerage firms or investment banks. https://www.seek.com.au/stockbroker-jobs
Hedge Fund Analyst – Conducts research and analysis to help hedge fund managers make investment decisions in high-risk, high-reward markets.
https://www.seek.com.au/hedge-fund-analyst-jobs
Accounting and Auditing
Chartered Accountant (CA) – A highly qualified accountant who provides financial and tax advice, audits financial statements, and ensures financial compliance.
https://www.seek.com.au/chartered-accountant-jobs
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) – A professional accountant who offers accounting, tax, and financial management services to businesses and individuals.
https://www.seek.com.au/certified-practising-accountant-jobs
Auditor – Examines financial records and statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations, often working for accounting firms or government agencies.
https://www.seek.com.au/auditor-jobs
Tax Accountant – Specialises in preparing tax returns and providing tax-related advice to businesses and individuals.
https://www.seek.com.au/tax-accountant-jobs
Forensic Accountant – Investigates financial fraud, embezzlement, and discrepancies in financial records, often working with law enforcement or in litigation support.
https://www.seek.com.au/forensic-accountant-jobs
Financial Analysis and Advisory
Financial Analyst – Assesses financial data and trends to help businesses make investment decisions, often working in corporate finance or investment banking.
https://www.seek.com.au/financial-analyst-jobs
Risk Analyst – Identifies and evaluates financial risks (e.g., market risks, credit risks) for businesses and financial institutions to minimise losses.
https://www.seek.com.au/risk-analyst-jobs
Credit Analyst – Assesses the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans, helping lenders decide on loan approvals and terms. https://www.seek.com.au/credit-analyst-jobs
Treasury Analyst – Manages a company’s cash flow, liquidity, and financial risk, ensuring sufficient funds for operations and investments.
https://www.seek.com.au/treasury-analyst-jobs
Corporate Finance Advisor – Helps businesses manage finances, structure deals, and raise capital through debt or equity financing.
https://www.seek.com.au/corporate-finance-advisor-jobs
Insurance and Risk Management
Actuary – Uses mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyse risk and uncertainty, often working in insurance or superannuation.
https://www.seek.com.au/actuary-jobs
Insurance Underwriter – Evaluates insurance applications to determine coverage eligibility, pricing, and policy terms.
https://www.seek.com.au/insurance-underwriter-jobs
Claims Adjuster – Investigates insurance claims, assesses damages, and determines payouts for policyholders. https://www.seek.com.au/claims-adjuster-jobs
Risk Management Consultant – Advises businesses on strategies to minimise financial and operational risks. https://www.seek.com.au/risk-management-consultant-jobs
Loss Assessor – Works on behalf of policyholders to assess damages and negotiate fair insurance claims. https://www.seek.com.au/loss-assessor-jobs
Superannuation and Retirement Planning
Superannuation Fund Manager – Manages superannuation (retirement) funds, ensuring investments grow and provide financial security for retirees.
https://www.seek.com.au/superannuation-fund-manager-jobs
Retirement Planner – Helps individuals plan for their retirement by providing strategies for savings, investment, and pension management.
https://www.seek.com.au/retirement-planner-jobs
Compliance and Regulatory Finance
Financial Regulator (ASIC, APRA) – Works in regulatory bodies (e.g., Australian Securities and Investments Commission) ensuring financial institutions comply with laws and regulations. https://www.seek.com.au/financial-regulator-jobs
Compliance Officer – Ensures that businesses follow financial laws and internal policies, preventing fraud and legal violations.
https://www.seek.com.au/compliance-officer-jobs
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Specialist – Detects and prevents illegal financial activities, such as money laundering and financial crimes.
https://www.seek.com.au/anti-money-laundering-specialist-jobs
Technology and Data in Finance
FinTech Specialist – Works with financial technology solutions like digital banking, blockchain, and automated investment platforms.
https://www.seek.com.au/fintech-specialist-jobs
Data Analyst (Financial Services) – Analyses financial data to identify trends and support decision-making in banking and investments.
https://www.seek.com.au/data-analyst-financial-services-jobs
Quantitative Analyst – Uses mathematical models and algorithms to develop investment strategies and financial predictions.
https://www.seek.com.au/quantitative-analyst-jobs
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Analyst – Studies blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency markets, providing insights on digital assets and decentralised finance (DeFi). https://www.seek.com.au/blockchain-cryptocurrency-analyst-jobs
Other Finance Careers
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – The top financial executive in a company, responsible for financial strategy, budgeting, and decision-making.
https://www.seek.com.au/chief-financial-officer-jobs
Treasury Officer – Manages a company’s financial assets, investments, and cash flow to ensure stability and growth.
https://www.seek.com.au/treasury-officer-jobs
Venture Capitalist – Invests in startups and early-stage companies, providing capital in exchange for equity and helping businesses grow.
https://www.seek.com.au/venture-capitalist-jobs
Private Equity Analyst – Works in private equity firms, analysing companies for potential buyouts and investment opportunities.
https://www.seek.com.au/private-equity-analyst-jobs
For students interested in pursuing a career in Finance, selecting the right HSC subjects can help build a strong foundation for further studies and career opportunities. Here are some recommended subjects:
Mathematics Advanced – Essential for finance-related careers, providing strong numerical and problem-solving skills.
Mathematics Extension 1 (or Extension 2) – Beneficial for careers in investment banking, quantitative analysis, and financial modelling.
Business Studies – Covers fundamental concepts of business operations, finance, and management.
Economics – Helps understand economic principles, financial markets, and government policies, which are crucial in finance.
Legal Studies – Useful for understanding financial regulations, contracts, and corporate law.
Joanne Cupac
Careers News
