Kent labour market information
Financial Services
Living in Kent and Medway opens up some fantastic opportunities in financial services. There are so many areas to start your career including banking, investment, risk management, tax, insurance and accounting.
While the larger employers dominate in this sector, smaller businesses provide a wide variety of services like financial planning to help people to manage their money wisely and prepare for the future.
Whether you enjoy spending time with customers, number-crunching behind the scenes or innovating new financial technologies, there’s a wide range of roles in this sector.
20 jobs and careers in financial services
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forensic accountant cyber security analyst investment analyst
fintech developer sustainability consultant stockbroker
PPC (pay-per-click) specialist chartered accountant insurance claims handler
economist business development manager actuary
call centre assistant payroll administrator sales executive
auditor insurance risk surveyor data scientist
banking customer service adviser costs lawyer
Now and the future
The financial world is experiencing rapid technological change. Digital expertise in cyber security, data analytics, blockchain and AI is in huge demand.
However, a sector that’s continuously innovating requires a flexible workforce, and individuals must keep on top of new processes and develop the technical skills needed for using new emerging digital tools, as well as supporting customers to access new and evolving services.
However, a sector that’s continuously innovating requires a flexible workforce, and individuals must keep on top of new processes and develop the technical skills needed for using new emerging digital tools, as well as supporting customers to access new and evolving services.
The financial sector is central to supporting UK businesses as the country transitions to net zero emissions and more sustainable business practices. Specialist roles like carbon accountant directly measure and report on companies' environmental impacts while others are concerned with advising on sustainable investments for the future.
Other roles include those in environmental and social governance (ESG); these play an important role in ensuring that financial institutions follow regulations and are socially responsible.
While candidates need to be able to show a desire to work in the sector and an ability to work with numbers, high-level maths isn’t necessarily required. Rather, local employers are particularly looking for problem solvers and digital skills.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
Several major banks and insurers have operations centres in Kent and Medway with the highest numbers of jobs around Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Maidstone and Folkestone. Look out too for regional and head offices of companies in other sectors such as Brakes and Veetee which have large financial divisions offering job and apprenticeship opportunities.
Kent and Medway’s proximity to London also opens up an incredibly wide range of opportunities including graduate training programmes and internships with the ‘big four’ accountancy firms.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- has strong analytical thinking skills
- is good at problem solving
- has excellent communication skills
- has advanced digital skills
- pays attention to detail
- is calm under pressure
- enjoys working with customers.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
maths | English | computer science | psychology | sociology | business studies | economics | digital business services | accounting | law or legal services
What about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are available at all levels. You could apply for an apprenticeship at 16 and progress your career or keep studying and move into a higher or degree apprenticeship from age 18.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
- Accounting Apprenticeships (Prospects)
- Banking Apprenticeships (Prospects)
- Explore the Skills England apprenticeship maps for this sector
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in maths, English, science, business studies and computer science.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree (many subjects can lead to a career in this sector).
- Other higher education qualification.
- Work-based qualification.
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
- Graduate programme or postgraduate qualification following a degree.
This sector is one of the highest for graduate employment and approved degree-level qualifications or apprenticeships are available; however, for many roles any higher education qualification will provide an entry route into this sector. Some careers, such as chartered accountant, have additional professional recognition achieved through further training in the workplace.
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. Volunteering or any paid employment can be an excellent way of building confidence and learning about the world of work. A work experience placement, internship or summer school programme related to the financial services sector could be helpful when applying for jobs or training.
Want to know more?
Accountancy Careers
Careers in Insurance
Actuarial Careers
Accountancy, Banking and Finance (Prospects)
Kent employers
