Business, Financial and Professional Services
The business, financial and professional services sector is a significant employer in Greater Manchester and offers a wide variety of career opportunities within industries such as banking; insurance; legal; architectural and management consultancy.
This sector covers a range of jobs which include and support business.
Professional services help businesses manage and grow. This includes things like tax advice or finding ways to be more efficient, reduce costs or get more customers.
You could work in industries such as banking, insurance, legal or marketing.
Example careers
- Accountant
- Solicitor
- Sales Representative
- Recruitment Consultant
Example jobs in this sector
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 based in an office.
Hours
Minimum 35 hrs a week
Opportunities
Finance officers can train to become an accountant or move up to a senior officer role or finance manager.
Job Description
Barristers are legal professionals who offer specialist advice and represent clients in court or tribunals. They usually work in one area of the law, such as family or criminal law.
Salary Range
£12,000 - £250,000
Working environment
Working in an office and in court.
Hours
36 hours minimum but frequent unsociable hours, for example, working into the evening and over the weekend.
Opportunities
Experienced barristers can apply to become a Queen's Counsel (QC) or a judge.
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 to £80,000
Working environment
Office or contact centre
Hours
Minimum 40 hours per week
Opportunities
With experience, you can specialise in a particular area of insurance, like health or property. You can also study for industry qualifications.
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-based
Hours
37 hours minimum
Opportunities
Experienced management accountants can progress to finance director and chief executive roles or become a consultant. Many large accountancy firms run insight days and offer shadowing opportunities so you can see how the industry works.
Job Description
Events managers organise and run all aspects of events. This includes coming up with creative and original ideas, through to booking venues, food and entertainment.
Salary Range
£17,000 - £80,000
Working environment
Events managers could work in almost any environment, from offices to music festivals and sports arenas.
Hours
Very varied depending on the event, minimum 37 hours per week. Unsociable hours will be usual, often with evenings, weekends and time away from home.
Opportunities
Experienced events managers can progress to managing major events, and can also set up their own business.
Job Description
Paralegals carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice. They interview clients and witnesses and attend court.
Salary Range
£14,000 - £40,000
Working environment
Office, courts and police stations.
Hours
37 minimum, with occasional evening work
Opportunities
Paralegals can go on to qualify as a legal executive or solicitor with additional study.
What to expect from this sector in the next 10 years
This 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 be at Level 4+ (beyond A-levels).
Did you know? The sector needs people with specialised skills, such as accounting, and general digital skills.
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