A marvel with money? Fond of figures? If so, the finance sector could be the career for you…
The finance sector offers many opportunities – from banking to bookkeeping, auditing to accountancy, financial planning to tax returns.
Every business and sector needs accountancy and finance professionals, so you could find yourself working anywhere.
There are also a huge range of skills that lend themselves to a successful career in finance. If you enjoy working with numbers and managing money, that’s a great start, but it’s not just about figures – good people skills, an eye for detail, analytical thinking and clear communication can be just as important.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- There are opportunities to work in finance in nearly every business.
- It has openings at every level.
- You stand a good chance of working your way up the ladder.
- Balanced lifestyle – many roles offer a good work life balance and are flexible, this is particularly true if you decide to work for yourself to fit your job around your military lifestyle.
- Job security – it’s a career option that will always be in demand, because finance is fundamental to every business.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?
- Some roles follow a very routine pattern, with periods of the year involving a heavy workload (think tax returns and year-end finances). You may be able to take your work home, or it could be a case of putting in extra hours at the office.
- Certain roles in the industry could involve years of study and commitment.
Anna Sharlott
EMPLOYER INSIGHT
Anna Sharlott, runs EP Tax, which employs a team of 10, seven of whom are current or former army family members. As the wife of a soldier, she sees it as a great career option: “Due to the nature of our work, we can offer flexible employment. We have been able to attract some highly talented army family members. We are currently working to make all our systems automated and online so we don’t need to lose valuable members of the team if they have to move away.
“Working in finance is a great career for an army spouse – the work doesn’t need to be done at a particular time or on a particular day, or even at a particular location – working hours can be flexed around periods of ‘single parenting’ or R&R.”
Army spouse Sarah Cooper owns Focus Financial, she says: “Many years ago, it was unfathomable that I could have a successful career as a military spouse, nevermind one that would lead me to the position I’m in today. Being involved in financial services has been life-changing, affirming and rewarding.
“There are many opportunities for a spouse to pursue a career alongside their serving soldier.
“What is needed to thrive within this sector is a thirst for learning and developing; it’s a sector that will continually challenge and drive you.
“I’m extremely fortunate to own a small but thriving business and it’s my greatest privilege to be able to pass these same opportunities to other spouses and watch as they grow into their own.”
Every council across the country has roles in finance, and many are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and keen to support military spouses and partners into employment. Victoria Rogers at West Dunbartonshire Council says: “West Dunbartonshire Council is a gold award holder of the Employer Recognition Scheme and has committed to the Armed Forces Covenant by offering employment support and flexible working.
“We offer a range of support for employees whose family members, partners or spouses are serving in the armed forces and offer flexible working from day one.”
Sweety
Views from the finance frontline
We meet Sweety and Tarlia, who both work for EP Tax and have found the finance sector a good fit for their lives…
Sweety: “Working in the finance sector has given me flexibility and stability in my work and personal life.
“As a military spouse who moved to the UK from India in 2012, I felt my only option was to work in retail as we moved and changed jobs regularly. I decided to change my career to the finance sector after my first child was born so that I could work flexibly. I have now completed my Association of Accounting Technicians qualification, become specialised in VAT and property tax and have grown in confidence.
“This sector gives me the opportunity to work from home, part-time, in the evenings or when my husband is away on exercise and I feel I could continue my role if we ever had to move.”
Tarlia
Tarlia: “When I met my husband, he was based in Germany and we lived married unaccompanied for eight years as I would have had to put my career on hold if I had gone with him. We have since moved four times in the past six years and as a result I have had long commutes to enable me to progress my career. “We were stationed in Germany in 2018 and I was unable to carry on my job there as there were no opportunities.
“I had to make the hard choice to give up my job – my daughter was only seven months old so I opted to put my family first, but this did place my professional aspirations on hold.
“I’m fortunate to now be working for a company which enables me to progress my career as one of the qualified accountants.”
Forces Family Finance
Nadine Monks
“In finance there used to be a lack of willingness to explore part-time, mobile and remote roles. So I continued to seek positions around the country as my husband’s postings dictated, until one day I decided that enough was enough.
“In 2014, I went self-employed and created a business model that worked for me and my military family.
“It may seem normal now, but at the time to use online meeting platforms was an innovative solution to the problem of working with clients and my team remotely.
“It’s now widely accepted that these roles can be conducted away from a traditional workplace, assuming that you have the correct procedures and processes in place.
However, it is worth noting that there may be some challenges in conducting an advice role whilst you are living abroad.”
Lots of employers in the financial sector offer return to work programmes or support. Check out Women Returners for more information.