It’s no secret that the financial market in London suffered during COVID-19. The market became extremely volatile which led to uncertainty and a shortage of finance jobs in London. After the initial shock, the finance industry innovated and evolved and has been thriving post-pandemic. The steady rise in the demand for skilled financial professionals has been reflected in the increasing need for finance recruitment agencies in London.
The Most-in-Demand Finance Jobs in London
Management Accountant
Role: A Management Accountant prepares and presents financial reports to senior management which gives an insight into business performance, their role involves a combination of financial, analytical and management skills to help senior management with decision-making and promote long-term financial success for the business.
Qualifications: While it’s highly desirable, it’s not always essential to have qualifications, most management accountants are qualified by experience (QBE). However, larger corporations or high-level roles are more favourable to candidates who hold formal accounting qualifications like CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) which is often the top choice, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant).
Technical Skills: Knowledge of accounting principles and software, budgeting & forecasting and financial analysis.
Other Skills: Communication and attention to detail.
How to land a career as a Management Accountant: While it is not essential to hold a degree as a management accountant, it is strongly advised to take one of the CIMA, ACCA or CMA accounting professional qualifications to excel in this role. Potentially looking into apprenticeships and internships while studying to help build your experience in Finance. Once you have completed your studies and gained some industry experience you can potentially reach out to finance recruitment agencies in London who can help you find the perfect role. As you will just be at the beginning of your career, working with specialised finance recruiters in London can make landing a job in a Management Accountant role a lot easier.
Finance Manager
Role: The role of a finance manager can vary; they are key in ensuring the financial health of an organisation. They evaluate complex financial data and prepare financial reports for senior staff while recommending further actions needed to be taken. They also advise on investment activities and provide strategies the company should take to maintain financial health.
Qualifications: Finance managers who are post-qualified by experience (PQE) are highly favoured, meaning expectations are to hold at least one accounting qualification whether an ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) alongside several years of hands-on experience being a common requirement. However, it’s also possible to become a finance manager through extensive experience and a strong financial background alongside good leadership skills.
Technical skills: Financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, financial analysis, accounting software proficiency, and cash flow management.
Other Skills: Leadership, communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving and time management.
How to land a career as a Finance Manager: A minimum of 5 years experience in an accounting, banking, investment or financial analytic role is usually required. A common entry path into finance management is through a degree. While at university use your connections to land an internship and gain practical work experience, you must gain as much experience as you can as most finance jobs in London require 5 years of experience to work as a finance manager. Although this isn’t mandatory, to give you a competitive edge it's worth considering taking a professional accounting qualification. This will show your commitment to your career in finance while also deepening your expertise and knowledge.
Financial Controller
Role: A financial controller is a senior-level manager who is responsible for the business's day-to-day financial operations. They oversee the accounting department and are responsible for a business’s financial books and records.
Qualifications: A financial controller is required to hold at least one accounting qualification in either ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CPA. While not mandatory a bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics or business administration is highly desirable.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with accounting software, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, financial analysis, and cash flow management.
Other skills: Leadership, communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and strong attention to detail.
How to land a career as a financial controller: To start with work towards completing at least one accountancy qualification and aim to build practical experience as 3-5 years’ experience is typically preferred. Again, with any more senior finance role, you must try to build connections during your studies.
Finance Analyst
Role: A finance analyst provides important business investment decisions to businesses and individual investors. They do this by analysing current market and economic trends.
Qualifications: You can become a financial analyst by being qualified by experience (QBE), meaning it’s common to go into a finance analyst role with just hands-on experience from a similar role. While it is preferred to have an accounting qualification this isn’t always mandatory.
Technical skills: Proficiency in Excel, accounting and ERP software proficiency (e.g. SAP or Oracle), data analysis tools like Power BI or Tableau, and sometimes programming knowledge in Python or SQL for handling larger datasets.
Other skills: Presentation, reporting and communication skills.
How to land a career as a finance analyst: A career as a finance analyst doesn’t have a defined route like other finance careers. However, employers prefer for you to have a degree in either finance, economics or statistics. Earning a certificate in Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can also aid in building your career. Ensure you learn the technical financial software tools required and stay up to date with the financial industry's news and updates to give you a competitive edge when looking for a finance analyst role in London.
Assistant Accountant
Role: Assistant accountants help with a company’s day-to-day administrative financial tasks. They support senior accountants and finance teams by making sure their customer and supplier accounts are accurate. They also keep track of the money that goes in and out of the business.
Qualifications: Typically hold or are working toward an AAT qualification which may be mandatory for entry-level roles and are part-qualified in ACCA or CIMA, these qualifications will be useful when looking to progress in your finance career.
Technical skills: Bookkeeping, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and competent in accounting software like Excel or QuickBooks.
Other skills: Attention to detail, time management, communication, and organisational skills.
How to land a career as an assistant accountant: If you are looking to start your professional journey as an accountant, starting as an assistant accountant is a good starting point. Although a degree is preferred you still can become an assistant accountant with just GCSE’s. It might be worth looking into finance recruitment agencies in London to help you land your first job as an assistant accountant as they will be able to highlight your skills and apply them to the roles they have available.
Securing a finance job in London isn’t as straightforward as some may assume. The industry heavily relies on finance professionals to have either a degree, an accounting qualification or both alongside some experience. Once you have completed your qualifications it's worth reaching out to finance recruiters in London who will be able to provide you with specialised support in landing your first finance role depending on the route you are taking.
Finance recruiters in London will not only be able to connect you with finance companies in their network but they will be able to advocate on your behalf as they already have built a relationship with them.