Are you wanting to know how to switch to a finance career and you are not sure if you have the right qualifications or experience?
This article is for you if you want to work in accounting and finance, and you are:
- A school leaver, especially if you don’t want to go to university
- A graduate of any discipline
- Looking to switch careers from a non-finance background
It is very much possible to start a career in finance with a non-finance background.
If you have a degree in a non-finance subject or you don’t wish to attend university, you still have the chance to work in finance and land a high-paying, interesting job. This article will explain how to build a finance career from scratch.
How Important Is a Finance Degree?
It’s true that most finance professionals start out by studying finance or a related subject in college or at university. Research by eFinancialCareers has shown that around three-quarters have a relevant degree in either finance (23%), business management (19%), economics (14%), accounting (11%) or mathematics (7%).
These figures also show, however, that a quarter of successful financial professionals have either graduated in a non-related subject or have launched their successful finance career with a high school education only. You can still get top finance jobs without a finance degree, particularly if you study for an alternative finance qualification.
How to Switch to a Finance Career
You could look at entry-level finance jobs without experience required, perhaps an admin or customer service. These roles will immerse you in the financial world and help you learn about the industry. Over time you would build knowledge and experience, and could perhaps work up to more rewarding and better paid roles.
The most recommended option is to study for a finance certification. This would jumpstart your career and mean you could access the most interesting, rewarding and well-paid jobs as soon as your certification was complete. The good news is that there are finance qualifications that are open to non-finance graduates and school leavers.
Finance Certifications for Non-Finance Graduates or School Leavers
These finance certifications are open to students without a finance degree and lead to lucrative careers in the industry. The CFA is an option for university graduates with a bachelor’s degree in non-finance subjects.
ACCA is open to many school leavers, with no universal requirement for a university level of education. This is how to get into finance without a degree of any kind.
Read on to find out more about ACCA and CFA, and their entry requirements.
ACCA
The ACCA course is a globally recognized accounting qualification. On the course, you gain skills and expertise in accounting methods and practices, compliance and ethics. The course also teaches strategic thinking and organizational methods so that you can go far in your career. You will be trained to be able to apply your knowledge in various professional finance environments..
Successful ACCA students move into various finance roles across multiple industries, as diverse as corporate accountants, financial analysts, taxation specialists, and many more.
Minimum Entry Requirements
ACCA’s entry requirements depend on the country in which you completed your education in. If you can demonstrate a high level of achievement in your high school education, this may meet the requirements. For some countries, you may need to have completed some higher education. Here are some examples:
US: Grades of 3 and above in at least three AP classes, together with a High School Diploma
UK: Two A-Level passes plus five GCSE passes including English and Mathematics
India: Senior School Certificate, Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent, provided you have five subject passes including English and Mathematics
UAE: University diploma
You can check your qualifications against the minimum entry requirements on ACCA’s website here.
Jumpstart Your Career in Accounting and Finance
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a career in accountancy and finance, then Phoenix Financial Training’s Jumpstart Programme is for you. This programme is designed to help you launch your finance career, whether you are a school leaver, a non-finance graduate or looking to switch careers.
Our Jumpstart Programme combines the first four ACCA papers, soft skills workshops and consultations with our recruitment arm Phoenix Skills and Recruitment (PSR). All this will fully prepare you for your journey into the world of finance and accountancy.
CFA
The CFA course is another internationally recognized qualification that provides a pathway into careers in finance. The course teaches skills and expertise in investment management and financial analysis, enabling you to find roles in wealth or asset management or banking.
CFA graduates frequently land well-paid roles in the finance industry, often working as investment bankers or portfolio managers.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for CFA are simple. You need:
- A passport
- To be proficient in English
- To have a bachelor’s degree
There is no stipulation for the degree to be in finance or a similar subject.
How to Switch to a Finance Career
Enrolling in a CFA or ACCA course with Phoenix Financial Training is the optimal way to start out with a career in finance. Developing your soft skills like communication and team work are crucial to employability, and Phoenix Financial Training can help you here, too. We encourage you to register your interest if you meet the minimum requirements for entry for ACCA or CFA.
To kickstart your finance career, you can learn with us in person in Dubai or enroll online. Place yourself in the hands of experts who will help you work towards your dream job in finance. On our courses, you can access:
- The longest-standing ACCA Platinum provider in Dubai
- Expert teaching from full-time Phoenix Financial Training tutors
- Study notes tailor-made by our tutors
- A lifetime pass guarantee on face-to-face courses
- The choice of in-person or online financial training courses
- Professionally filmed teaching videos
- An engaging and sociable learning environment
- Expert career help from Phoenix FT’s recruitment team for the inside track towards top finance roles in the Middle East
Want to access top finance jobs without a finance degree? Contact us today to find out more about enrolling in our Jumpstart, ACCA or CFA finance courses.
