Business, Financial and Professional Services

This sector covers a range of jobs which support businesses to run and grow. It includes banking, legal, HR, as well as services that help companies become more efficient and reduce costs. The sector is becoming more digital especially in financial technology or FinTech.

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.

Major employers in Greater Manchester include:

Insurance Broker
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 office-based.

Hours

35 a week minimum

Opportunities

You could go on to train as 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

Office or court-based.

Hours

36 hours a week minimum, frequent unsociable hours.

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

40 hours a week minimum.

Opportunities

You could specialise in a particular area of insurance or 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 a week minimum.

Opportunities

You could 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 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

Varies from offices to music festivals and sports arenas and more.

Hours

37 hours a week minimum. Often unsociable hours with evenings, weekends and time away from home.

Opportunities

You could progress to managing major events or set up your 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 a week minimum, with occasional evening work.

Opportunities

You could go on to qualify as a legal executive or solicitor.

Future jobs

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). There will be apprenticeships available for professions like solicitors and accountancy. Entry level jobs will also be available in telesales, customer support and administration.

Did you know?

The sector needs people with specialised skills, such as accounting, software engineering, sales, management and general digital skills.