Business, financial, and professional services
The business, financial, and professional services sector is hugely wide-ranging, covering a variety of jobs which support businesses to run and grow. It includes things like banking, legal, and HR. There’s also roles in services that help companies become more efficient and reduce costs, like management consultants.
The sector is quickly becoming more and more reliant on digital skills. This is especially true in areas like financial technology (known as FinTech).
The business, financial and professional services is all about supporting businesses. You might work for a specific business in an “in-house” role, or for a consultancy or agency role, working with lots of different businesses on projects.
Professional services help businesses grow, operate efficiently, and keep their customers happy. This includes offering things like tax advice. It also could mean working with businesses to find ways for them to be more efficient, reduce costs, or get more customers.
Within the sector, you could work in a range of industries, including banking, insurance, legal, or marketing.
Popular jobs in business, financial, and professional services
Finance officer
Job description
Finance officers help manage an organisation’s finances. They keep track of money coming in (income), control spending, and process payments.
Salary range
£18,500-£40,000
Working environment
Usually office based/hybrid
Hours
35 hours a week, minimum
Opportunities
You could go on to train as an accountant, or move up to a senior officer or finance manager role.
Barrister
Job description
Barristers are legal professionals who offer specialist advice and represent clients in court or tribunals. They usually work within one specific area of the law, such as family or criminal law.
Salary range
£17,000-£250,000
Working environment
Office/hybrid or in court
Hours
36 hours a week minimum, frequently work unsociable hours
Opportunities
Experienced barristers can apply to become a Queen’s Counsel (QC) or a judge.
Insurance Broker
Job description
Insurance brokers help clients find the right cover at the best price. Insurance brokers may also need to prepare reports for complex cases.
Salary range
£16,000-£80,000
Working environment
Office/hybrid or contact centre
Hours
40 hours a week minimum
Opportunities
You could specialise in a particular area of insurance or study for industry qualifications.
Management Accountant
Job description
Management accountants look after a company’s finances and find ways to increase profits. They plan future spending and manage a team of accountants.
Salary range
£25,000-£100,000
Working environment
Office/hybrid
Hours
37 hours a week, minimum
Opportunities
You could progress to finance director and chief executive roles or become a consultant. Many large accountancy forms run insight days and offer shadowing opportunities so you can see how the industry works.
Events Manager
Job description
Events managers organise and run events for businesses and organisations. This includes coming up with creative and original ideas for events and themes, as well as booking venues, food and entertainment.
Salary range
£17,000-£80,000
Working environment
Varies – office/hybrid, with travel to music festivals, sports arenas, and more
Hours
37 hours a week, minimum. Often unsociable hours with evenings, weekends and time away from home at events
Opportunities
You could progress to managing major events or set up your own business.
Paralegal
Job description
Paralegals carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice. They interview clients and witnesses as well as attending court.
Salary range
£14,000-£40,000
Working environment
Office, courts, and police stations
Hours
37 hours a week minimum, with occasional evening work
Opportunities
You could go on to qualify as a legal executive or solicitor.
Future jobs
The business, financial, and professional services sector is a big user of new technology, so companies need staff who are flexible and quick to learn.
Almost three quarters of the future jobs within this sector will require education at Level 4+ (beyond A-levels). There will be apprenticeships available for professions like solicitors and accountancy. Entry level jobs will also be available in telesales, customer support, and administration.
The sector is always looking out for people with specialist skills like accountancy, software engineering, sales, management, and general digital skills.
