Financial Careers: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Controller
A controller exerts control over use of company funds and has a leading role in budgeting, reporting and the analysis of results. The job can have much broader, strategic responsibilities.
A controller exerts control over use of company funds and has a leading role in budgeting, reporting and the analysis of results. The job can have much broader, strategic responsibilities.
Big Four Public Accounting Firms
The Big Four are the top public accounting firms in size and prestige. They audit the largest corporations and nonprofits, offer consulting services, and have much to recommend as employers.
The Big Four are the top public accounting firms in size and prestige. They audit the largest corporations and nonprofits, offer consulting services, and have much to recommend as employers.
Financial Advisor
Financial advisor careers offer a past-paced work environment and high earnings potential. Read on for the basics on what's entailed and how to enter the field.
Financial advisor careers offer a past-paced work environment and high earnings potential. Read on for the basics on what's entailed and how to enter the field.
Job Titles
How job titles in financial services relate to pay, advancement and career opportunity.
How job titles in financial services relate to pay, advancement and career opportunity.
Risk Management
The importance of the risk management function is growing in tandem with the complexity of the financial system. Get the basics here on risk manager careers.
The importance of the risk management function is growing in tandem with the complexity of the financial system. Get the basics here on risk manager careers.
Top 10 Investment Banking Firms
Here are the 2013 North American Investment Banking Prestige rankings from Vault.com, based on a survey of industry professionals.
Here are the 2013 North American Investment Banking Prestige rankings from Vault.com, based on a survey of industry professionals.
CPA
A CPA license, while required for only a select few career paths in finance, can open doors and enhance your credibility as someone who has quantitative skills and a professional outlook.
A CPA license, while required for only a select few career paths in finance, can open doors and enhance your credibility as someone who has quantitative skills and a professional outlook.
Why Financial Services?
Leading reasons why financial services careers are an attractive option for ambitious people.
Leading reasons why financial services careers are an attractive option for ambitious people.
Jobs in Banking
Are you interested in a banking job? Banking is a core function within the financial services industry and banks are among the leading employers within the financial field. Here is a list of the principal job categories and employers within it.
Are you interested in a banking job? Banking is a core function within the financial services industry and banks are among the leading employers within the financial field. Here is a list of the principal job categories and employers within it.
Financial Engineering
Financial engineering applies advanced mathematical techniques to problems like the design of complex securities and the development of trading and investment strategies. Also known as mathematical finance, financial mathematics, quantitative finance or computational finance, financial engineering is the focus of specialized master's degree programs.
Financial engineering applies advanced mathematical techniques to problems like the design of complex securities and the development of trading and investment strategies. Also known as mathematical finance, financial mathematics, quantitative finance or computational finance, financial engineering is the focus of specialized master's degree programs.
The Financial Services Industry
Financial careers and the financial services industry are exciting and rewarding options for high energy people. Look here for an overview of what the financial field encompasses and how it might be the right path for you.
Financial careers and the financial services industry are exciting and rewarding options for high energy people. Look here for an overview of what the financial field encompasses and how it might be the right path for you.
Loan Officer
A loan officer works for a bank, credit union or other financial institution that extends loans to individuals or business. A loan officer assists prospective borrowers in applying for loans and assessing their creditworthiness.
A loan officer works for a bank, credit union or other financial institution that extends loans to individuals or business. A loan officer assists prospective borrowers in applying for loans and assessing their creditworthiness.
Bank Teller
With the current upward trend in bank branches, job prospects for bank tellers are generally favorable. Becoming a teller is a common entry-level route into the banking industry.
With the current upward trend in bank branches, job prospects for bank tellers are generally favorable. Becoming a teller is a common entry-level route into the banking industry.
Public Accounting Firms
Public accounting firms are vital cogs in the financial system and highly-regarded training grounds for professionals throughout the financial services industry, as well as in other industries.
Public accounting firms are vital cogs in the financial system and highly-regarded training grounds for professionals throughout the financial services industry, as well as in other industries.
Best Places for Financial Advisors
The annual Financial Advisor Satisfaction Survey from J.D. Power and Associates offers useful insights into how financial advisors view their firms and where they prefer to work.
The annual Financial Advisor Satisfaction Survey from J.D. Power and Associates offers useful insights into how financial advisors view their firms and where they prefer to work.
Live to Work
Is your job the center of your life? Is career success the key driver of happiness for you? Or, is your job merely a way to earn a living? The answer has crucial implications for your career choices.
Is your job the center of your life? Is career success the key driver of happiness for you? Or, is your job merely a way to earn a living? The answer has crucial implications for your career choices.
Job Titles Matter
Job titles denote respect and authority. An unduly low title can undermine both.
Job titles denote respect and authority. An unduly low title can undermine both.
CFA
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is a credential that can enhance a number of careers paths in finance. Learn about what the CFA entails here.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is a credential that can enhance a number of careers paths in finance. Learn about what the CFA entails here.
Banking
Overview of careers in retail and commercial banking.
Overview of careers in retail and commercial banking.
Management Reporting
A critical function performed by controllers, chief financial officers and their staffs is the development, maintenance and utilization of management reporting systems. While management reporting often focuses on financial data, such as revenues, expenses and profits, it also can include a variety of non-financial metrics that are barometers of the firm's health. Analysis of the data tracked by these systems is a significant part of the value added by people in these functional areas.
A critical function performed by controllers, chief financial officers and their staffs is the development, maintenance and utilization of management reporting systems. While management reporting often focuses on financial data, such as revenues, expenses and profits, it also can include a variety of non-financial metrics that are barometers of the firm's health. Analysis of the data tracked by these systems is a significant part of the value added by people in these functional areas.
Investment Banker
An introduction to the types of work and industry trends in investment banking. The field ranges from securities issuance to mergers and acquisitions to business advisory services.
An introduction to the types of work and industry trends in investment banking. The field ranges from securities issuance to mergers and acquisitions to business advisory services.
Corporate Treasury
Corporate treasury manages daily cash flows and finds the best ways to meet company funding needs. This fast-paced, highly-paid field combines aspects of investment banking and money management.
Corporate treasury manages daily cash flows and finds the best ways to meet company funding needs. This fast-paced, highly-paid field combines aspects of investment banking and money management.
Financial Planner
Financial planners pursue rewarding careers helping clients budget, save and set financial goals. Learn what it takes to enter and succeed in the field.
Financial planners pursue rewarding careers helping clients budget, save and set financial goals. Learn what it takes to enter and succeed in the field.
Insurance Underwriters
Insurance underwriters perform the essential analytic work of evaluating applications for insurance, determining whether policies should be issued (written) and setting premiums and other terms.
Insurance underwriters perform the essential analytic work of evaluating applications for insurance, determining whether policies should be issued (written) and setting premiums and other terms.
Financial Assets
The definition of financial assets, also known as investable assets, a common measure of individual or household wealth.
The definition of financial assets, also known as investable assets, a common measure of individual or household wealth.
Insurance Careers
Insurance offers a variety of career opportunities. Here is a survey of the principal functions and jobs.
Insurance offers a variety of career opportunities. Here is a survey of the principal functions and jobs.
Insurance Claims Adjusters
Insurance claims adjusters play the vital role of studying requests for payouts under insurance policies, then determining whether they should be honored or denied.
Insurance claims adjusters play the vital role of studying requests for payouts under insurance policies, then determining whether they should be honored or denied.
Margin Loans
Margin loans use securities as collateral.
Margin loans use securities as collateral.
How to Dress For Interviews
Today many people, especially the young, come to job interviews dressed unprofessionally and ruin their chances. Here experts in fashion and interviewing offer vital advice on dressing properly.
Today many people, especially the young, come to job interviews dressed unprofessionally and ruin their chances. Here experts in fashion and interviewing offer vital advice on dressing properly.
Information Technology
Financial services companies are among the largest spenders on information technology and employers of IT personnel. Thus, for information technology professionals, the financial services industry is one of the prime destinations for top job opportunities.
Financial services companies are among the largest spenders on information technology and employers of IT personnel. Thus, for information technology professionals, the financial services industry is one of the prime destinations for top job opportunities.
Actuary
Actuarial science is statistical analysis applied to assessing risks. Actuaries are highly paid and particularly vital to the insurance industry, though many other types of firms employ them. Learn about what the job entails, and how to enter the field.
Actuarial science is statistical analysis applied to assessing risks. Actuaries are highly paid and particularly vital to the insurance industry, though many other types of firms employ them. Learn about what the job entails, and how to enter the field.
Sales Assistant
For a financial advisor to manage a large book of business, a skilled sales assistant (and maybe more) is essential. Here are the basics about this important job.
For a financial advisor to manage a large book of business, a skilled sales assistant (and maybe more) is essential. Here are the basics about this important job.
Financial Job Descriptions
Formal job descriptions often do not capture the full spectrum of responsibilities that the job holder is expected to fulfill. This is especially true in the financial services industry.
Formal job descriptions often do not capture the full spectrum of responsibilities that the job holder is expected to fulfill. This is especially true in the financial services industry.
Insurance Sales Agents
Insurance sales agents (insurance agents) sell one or more lines of insurance products, may engage in financial planning and selling various other investment products, much like a financial advisor.
Insurance sales agents (insurance agents) sell one or more lines of insurance products, may engage in financial planning and selling various other investment products, much like a financial advisor.
Goldman Sachs Junior Analyst Program
The Goldman Sachs junior analyst program has been a ticket to a lucrative Wall Street career in investment banking. Faced with cutbacks in the program, prospective applicants are concerned.
The Goldman Sachs junior analyst program has been a ticket to a lucrative Wall Street career in investment banking. Faced with cutbacks in the program, prospective applicants are concerned.
NPV
Calculating NPV is a method for evaluating projects or investments. It is an application of a fundamental concept in economics and finance called the Time Value of Money.
Calculating NPV is a method for evaluating projects or investments. It is an application of a fundamental concept in economics and finance called the Time Value of Money.
FINRA
FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, has succeeded the NASD in testing and certifying various securities industry professionals. Learn about the major exams here.
FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, has succeeded the NASD in testing and certifying various securities industry professionals. Learn about the major exams here.
Merrill Lynch
An overview of career opportunities at Merrill Lynch, a leading brokerage, asset management, investment banking and securities trading firm now owned by Bank of America. Merrill Lynch remains one of the storied names on Wall Street, and its alumni are leaders in other firms.
An overview of career opportunities at Merrill Lynch, a leading brokerage, asset management, investment banking and securities trading firm now owned by Bank of America. Merrill Lynch remains one of the storied names on Wall Street, and its alumni are leaders in other firms.
Risk Management Certifications
As risk management grows in importance, some employers seek new hires with certain formal certifications, and may prompt existing employees to earn these credentials as well.
As risk management grows in importance, some employers seek new hires with certain formal certifications, and may prompt existing employees to earn these credentials as well.
Financial Advisor Pay
Financial advisor pay has evolved in recent years. Traditionally based on commissions, which provided an incentive to maximize clients' transactions (and conflicts of interest), today asset-based fees are increasingly common. Financial advisors who act more as passive order-takers (as in discount brokerage firms) tend to be paid straight salary plus bonus like other employees.
Financial advisor pay has evolved in recent years. Traditionally based on commissions, which provided an incentive to maximize clients' transactions (and conflicts of interest), today asset-based fees are increasingly common. Financial advisors who act more as passive order-takers (as in discount brokerage firms) tend to be paid straight salary plus bonus like other employees.
CFA Review Courses
Becoming a CFA involves passing a long exam, and the CFA Institute offers self-study materials. Some prefer additional classroom instruction and/or study guides. Here is a survey of the options.
Becoming a CFA involves passing a long exam, and the CFA Institute offers self-study materials. Some prefer additional classroom instruction and/or study guides. Here is a survey of the options.
Mutual Funds Accounting
Mutual funds accounting involves portfolio valuation, net asset value (NAV) calculation and client record keeping. It is a complex process that is vital to the operation of mutual fund companies.
Mutual funds accounting involves portfolio valuation, net asset value (NAV) calculation and client record keeping. It is a complex process that is vital to the operation of mutual fund companies.
Compliance
The compliance function has a central role in financial services, and offers attractive career opportunities for people with legal, accounting and/or auditing backgrounds.
The compliance function has a central role in financial services, and offers attractive career opportunities for people with legal, accounting and/or auditing backgrounds.
Deloitte
Deloitte (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu) is a Big 4 public accounting and consulting firm. The world's largest professional services firm by revenue, it has aggressive hiring plans for 2011-2012.
Deloitte (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu) is a Big 4 public accounting and consulting firm. The world's largest professional services firm by revenue, it has aggressive hiring plans for 2011-2012.
Branch Operations Manager
Branch operations managers are responsible for all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a brokerage office running, such as building maintenance, communications and technology. Some firms call them branch service managers.
Branch operations managers are responsible for all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a brokerage office running, such as building maintenance, communications and technology. Some firms call them branch service managers.
Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a Big Four public accounting firm. Here is a quick overview of its major lines of business and job opportunities.
Ernst & Young is a Big Four public accounting firm. Here is a quick overview of its major lines of business and job opportunities.
KPMG
KPMG, whose home office is in The Netherlands, is a member of the Big 4 group of leading public accounting firms.
KPMG, whose home office is in The Netherlands, is a member of the Big 4 group of leading public accounting firms.
Institutional Client
Definition of institutional business and institutional clients, in the context of financial services.
Definition of institutional business and institutional clients, in the context of financial services.
Private Banking
A definition of private banking, also sometimes called high net worth banking. Also describes the role of a private banker.
A definition of private banking, also sometimes called high net worth banking. Also describes the role of a private banker.
IRR
IRR, or Internal Rate of Return, is derived from NPV analysis and is used to analyze projects and investments.
IRR, or Internal Rate of Return, is derived from NPV analysis and is used to analyze projects and investments.
Accountants and Auditors
Accountants and auditors are responsible for financial reporting, financial record keeping and the filing of tax returns. Here is a survey of the main branches of the field, compensation data and employment outlook.
Accountants and auditors are responsible for financial reporting, financial record keeping and the filing of tax returns. Here is a survey of the main branches of the field, compensation data and employment outlook.
CFP
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential is gaining utility beyond the scope of people who are full time financial planners. Learn the basics about the CFP here.
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential is gaining utility beyond the scope of people who are full time financial planners. Learn the basics about the CFP here.
Good Customer Service
At the core of good customer service is unrelenting client focus in the management of the company.
At the core of good customer service is unrelenting client focus in the management of the company.
Branch Manager
A branch manager heads a brokerage office, supervising financial advisors and other personnel. The vast majority of branch managers have prior experience as financial advisors.
A branch manager heads a brokerage office, supervising financial advisors and other personnel. The vast majority of branch managers have prior experience as financial advisors.
Book of Business
Book of business is a common phrase referring to a client list.
Book of business is a common phrase referring to a client list.
Signing Bonuses
Signing bonuses are used to entice high value recruits. Normally a lump sum paid at the start of employment, they also may include deferred performance-linked payouts.
Signing bonuses are used to entice high value recruits. Normally a lump sum paid at the start of employment, they also may include deferred performance-linked payouts.
Insurance Claims Examiners
Insurance claims examiners perform a role similar to insurance claims adjusters, scrutinizing claims for insurance payouts and assessing what, if anything, the client should receive.
Insurance claims examiners perform a role similar to insurance claims adjusters, scrutinizing claims for insurance payouts and assessing what, if anything, the client should receive.
CGMA
The CGMA is a new designation that is supposed to indicate experience in management accounting.
The CGMA is a new designation that is supposed to indicate experience in management accounting.
Securities Trader
Securities traders pursue a fast paced and often highly paying career at the center of the securities markets.
Securities traders pursue a fast paced and often highly paying career at the center of the securities markets.
Payout Grid
The payout grid drives compensation for financial advisors, capturing the complex interplay of factors such as total sales, specific product sales and asset gathering. Here is an overview.
The payout grid drives compensation for financial advisors, capturing the complex interplay of factors such as total sales, specific product sales and asset gathering. Here is an overview.
Top Wealth Management Firms
Here are the leading wealth management firms, ranked by the profits attributable to this function. The stability of earnings related to wealth management is causing several major firms to reconsider their commitment to riskier and more volatile lines of business.
Here are the leading wealth management firms, ranked by the profits attributable to this function. The stability of earnings related to wealth management is causing several major firms to reconsider their commitment to riskier and more volatile lines of business.
Geographic Pay Differentials
Companies with far-flung operations often have salary scales that vary by location, to reflect regional variations in the cost of living and in general wage rates.
Companies with far-flung operations often have salary scales that vary by location, to reflect regional variations in the cost of living and in general wage rates.
Lawyers in Finance
The heavily regulated financial services industry has large legal and compliance staffs. Legal backgrounds are also valuable for a large number of other financial career paths as well.
The heavily regulated financial services industry has large legal and compliance staffs. Legal backgrounds are also valuable for a large number of other financial career paths as well.
Financial Advisor Training
Formal financial advisor training programs are being scaled back, so becoming a trainee financial advisor poses more challenges for people looking to enter this career path. Here are some tips.
Formal financial advisor training programs are being scaled back, so becoming a trainee financial advisor poses more challenges for people looking to enter this career path. Here are some tips.
Trends in Branch Banking
The banking industry goes through cycles of opening and closing branches. This has huge implications for staffing levels.
The banking industry goes through cycles of opening and closing branches. This has huge implications for staffing levels.
Training for Financial Careers
Here is a handy summary and overview of the most important training needed for financial careers, including degrees, certifications and categories of experience.
Here is a handy summary and overview of the most important training needed for financial careers, including degrees, certifications and categories of experience.
Largest Family Offices
Here is a listing of the largest family offices in the U.S., among those that serve multiple families.
Here is a listing of the largest family offices in the U.S., among those that serve multiple families.
Psychology and Finance
The study of psychology has many applications in finance and in career management. Read on for a sampling of the principal ways that psychology can be used.
The study of psychology has many applications in finance and in career management. Read on for a sampling of the principal ways that psychology can be used.
Series 7
Passing the Series 7 exam is the basic certification for financial advisors and investment advisors. Learn the essentials here about what the exam entails.
Passing the Series 7 exam is the basic certification for financial advisors and investment advisors. Learn the essentials here about what the exam entails.
Risk Aversion
Risk aversion is a major factor in investor psychology, and thus a vital topic for financial professionals. Learn the basic concepts here, as well as their significance.
Risk aversion is a major factor in investor psychology, and thus a vital topic for financial professionals. Learn the basic concepts here, as well as their significance.
Compensation in Financial Services
Compensation in financial services tends to follow different norms than elsewhere in the economy. Here are some key facts to know.
Compensation in financial services tends to follow different norms than elsewhere in the economy. Here are some key facts to know.
Best Financial Companies
Here is a short list of financial services firms are regularly honored in lists of the best places to work.
Here is a short list of financial services firms are regularly honored in lists of the best places to work.
Financial Advisor Career Paths
Financial advisors can find future careers in general management, as product or market segment specialists, or in money management. Some financial advisors find these attractive options.
Financial advisors can find future careers in general management, as product or market segment specialists, or in money management. Some financial advisors find these attractive options.
Contingent Job Offers
Contingent job offers have strings attached. They may be withdrawn based on various facts about you that may come to light later. Before accepting a job, be careful to understand these contingencies.
Contingent job offers have strings attached. They may be withdrawn based on various facts about you that may come to light later. Before accepting a job, be careful to understand these contingencies.
Assistant Vice President
Assistant Vice President is an even more prevalent title in many financial services firms than Vice President.
Assistant Vice President is an even more prevalent title in many financial services firms than Vice President.
Series 65
The Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam tests knowledge of state securities laws as well as basic competency in investment vehicles and strategies.
The Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam tests knowledge of state securities laws as well as basic competency in investment vehicles and strategies.
Capital Budget
A capital budget sets a plan for spending on capital assets that will produce income or support business operations over a number of years.
A capital budget sets a plan for spending on capital assets that will produce income or support business operations over a number of years.
Pay for Financial Jobs
Drawing from data collected by the federal government, here are some comparisons of pay by industry (including government) for representative job categories within the financial field.
Drawing from data collected by the federal government, here are some comparisons of pay by industry (including government) for representative job categories within the financial field.
Insurance Investigators
Insurance investigators are in-house private detectives whose special skills are utilized in processing claims where fraud or criminal conduct is suspected.
Insurance investigators are in-house private detectives whose special skills are utilized in processing claims where fraud or criminal conduct is suspected.
Retail Client
The definition of retail business and retail clients, in the context of financial services.
The definition of retail business and retail clients, in the context of financial services.
Kabbage
Kabbage is a new firm that makes cash advances to small online merchants in anticipation of sales receipts. The company offers an interesting case study in the application of advanced data analytics to risk assessment and lending decisions.
Kabbage is a new firm that makes cash advances to small online merchants in anticipation of sales receipts. The company offers an interesting case study in the application of advanced data analytics to risk assessment and lending decisions.
Securities Underwriting
Securities underwriting is one of the primary functions and principal career paths within investment banking. Here is some important background information on this special field.
Securities underwriting is one of the primary functions and principal career paths within investment banking. Here is some important background information on this special field.
MBA
How important is an MBA for financial careers? Is it really necessary? What doors can it open for you? How vital is your choice of school? What is your expected return on investment?
How important is an MBA for financial careers? Is it really necessary? What doors can it open for you? How vital is your choice of school? What is your expected return on investment?
The 80-20 Rule
The 80-20 rule is a popular and often useful guide to time management and resource management. In brief, selective investment of time, effort and money can produce outsize returns.
The 80-20 rule is a popular and often useful guide to time management and resource management. In brief, selective investment of time, effort and money can produce outsize returns.
Wayne Rogers
A profile of Wayne Rogers, best known for his role in the TV series M*A*S*H, with particular focus on what spurred his career transition from actor to investor and investment manager. How he managed his own career path can offer valuable lessons for you, no matter what your specific line of work may be.
A profile of Wayne Rogers, best known for his role in the TV series M*A*S*H, with particular focus on what spurred his career transition from actor to investor and investment manager. How he managed his own career path can offer valuable lessons for you, no matter what your specific line of work may be.
Primerica
Primerica is a leading life insurer with the largest sales force in the industry. It also trains far more agents than its competitors.
Primerica is a leading life insurer with the largest sales force in the industry. It also trains far more agents than its competitors.
Branch Sales Manager
Branch sales managers usually are former financial advisors and are responsible for guiding an office towards targets set for revenues, clients, assets and other metrics.
Branch sales managers usually are former financial advisors and are responsible for guiding an office towards targets set for revenues, clients, assets and other metrics.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers, based in London, is one of the Big 4 public accounting firms.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, based in London, is one of the Big 4 public accounting firms.
Resume Buzzwords to Avoid
Lazy resume and personal profile writing that utilizes tired buzzwords and cliches are bound to turn most readers against you. Avoid these buzzwords and phrases, in writing and in interviews.
Lazy resume and personal profile writing that utilizes tired buzzwords and cliches are bound to turn most readers against you. Avoid these buzzwords and phrases, in writing and in interviews.
Family Offices
Family offices are specialized financial services firms that cater to the needs of extremely wealthy clients.
Family offices are specialized financial services firms that cater to the needs of extremely wealthy clients.
Series 63
The Series 63 exam demonstrates knowledge about state securities laws and regulations. Most states require financial advisors and investment advisors to hold this qualification.
The Series 63 exam demonstrates knowledge about state securities laws and regulations. Most states require financial advisors and investment advisors to hold this qualification.
Up or Out Policy
Up or Out Policy Overview: Some consulting firms manage their staffs according to an "up or out" policy
Up or Out Policy Overview: Some consulting firms manage their staffs according to an "up or out" policy
Edward Jones
Edward Jones has one the largest forces of financial advisors. The firm encourages individual entrepreneurship and features one-advisor offices that approximate a franchising model.
Edward Jones has one the largest forces of financial advisors. The firm encourages individual entrepreneurship and features one-advisor offices that approximate a franchising model.
Private Equity Funds
Private equity investing does not involve the public securities markets. Instead, private equity firms finance private companies, and arrange private placements for public companies.
Private equity investing does not involve the public securities markets. Instead, private equity firms finance private companies, and arrange private placements for public companies.
Brokerage Operations
Brokerage operations concerns moving cash and securities to settle trades, plus the associated record keeping for clients and brokerage firms alike.
Brokerage operations concerns moving cash and securities to settle trades, plus the associated record keeping for clients and brokerage firms alike.
Series 66
Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Examination is the equivalent of taking both the Series 63 and Series 65 exams.
Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Examination is the equivalent of taking both the Series 63 and Series 65 exams.
Financial Internships
Financial internships are highly prized educational experiences and resume-enhancers. They also open doors to the best full-time entry-level positions in the industry.
Financial internships are highly prized educational experiences and resume-enhancers. They also open doors to the best full-time entry-level positions in the industry.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is a powerhouse in investment banking, asset management and in financial services for ultra-wealthy individuals. A spot in its internship program is highly prized.
Goldman Sachs is a powerhouse in investment banking, asset management and in financial services for ultra-wealthy individuals. A spot in its internship program is highly prized.
Stock Loan
Lending shares of stock to facilitate short sales. Stock loan tends to be a highly profitable function.
Lending shares of stock to facilitate short sales. Stock loan tends to be a highly profitable function.
Protocol for Broker Recruiting
The Protocol for Broker Recruiting comes into play when brokers and financial advisors switch firms, setting boundaries on inducing clients or other employees to follow.
The Protocol for Broker Recruiting comes into play when brokers and financial advisors switch firms, setting boundaries on inducing clients or other employees to follow.
Bank of America
Bank of America is a leading destination for careers in banking due to its nationwide footprint and extensive branch network. B of A also is a leader in securities brokerage and investment banking through its Merrill Lynch subsidiary. Read about the employment outlook at Bank of America.
Bank of America is a leading destination for careers in banking due to its nationwide footprint and extensive branch network. B of A also is a leader in securities brokerage and investment banking through its Merrill Lynch subsidiary. Read about the employment outlook at Bank of America.
Big Four Consulting
Large public accounting firms, most notably the Big Four, have large consulting practices that rival their audit and tax business in terms of size and prestige.
Large public accounting firms, most notably the Big Four, have large consulting practices that rival their audit and tax business in terms of size and prestige.
Mark to Market Accounting
Mark to market accounting, also called fair value accounting, is the long established norm in much of the financial services industry, especially among securities firms. It has become a matter of intense debate in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.
Mark to market accounting, also called fair value accounting, is the long established norm in much of the financial services industry, especially among securities firms. It has become a matter of intense debate in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.
Merrill Edge
Combining and expanding upon online services offered separately by Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, Merrill Edge represents an important strategic move by the combined firms. Learn why here.
Combining and expanding upon online services offered separately by Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, Merrill Edge represents an important strategic move by the combined firms. Learn why here.
Family Office Statistics
The family office sector, while serving a highly desirable demographic, nonetheless faces a number of serious challenges to its business model. Here is a digest of key statistics related to the sector.
The family office sector, while serving a highly desirable demographic, nonetheless faces a number of serious challenges to its business model. Here is a digest of key statistics related to the sector.
Jobs in Accounting
Are you interested in an accounting job? Accounting is a vital function within private industry, nonprofits and government alike. It also is a major category of employment within the financial field. Here is a list of the principal job categories related to accounting, the employers within it, and the training necessary.
Are you interested in an accounting job? Accounting is a vital function within private industry, nonprofits and government alike. It also is a major category of employment within the financial field. Here is a list of the principal job categories related to accounting, the employers within it, and the training necessary.
Payday Loans
Payday loans are short term loans used by people who live from paycheck to paycheck. They tend to be a high cost source of financing, opening opportunities for new entrants with lower fee structures.
Payday loans are short term loans used by people who live from paycheck to paycheck. They tend to be a high cost source of financing, opening opportunities for new entrants with lower fee structures.
Performance Reviews
Performance reviews absorb a great deal of time and effort, yet large majorities find the process unsatisfactory. Innovative financial firms should be considering bold steps to reform the review process, involving human resources professionals, other managers and members of staff.
Performance reviews absorb a great deal of time and effort, yet large majorities find the process unsatisfactory. Innovative financial firms should be considering bold steps to reform the review process, involving human resources professionals, other managers and members of staff.
Private Equity Fees
Private equity funds charge a variety fees to investors and portfolio companies alike. Here is a summary of the most common types of such fees.
Private equity funds charge a variety fees to investors and portfolio companies alike. Here is a summary of the most common types of such fees.
Repo
A repo, or repurchase agreement, facilitates lending between financial institutions.
A repo, or repurchase agreement, facilitates lending between financial institutions.
Financial Advisor Credentials
Beyond regulatory requirements, financial advisors can gain from holding other credentials, qualifications and certifications that are discussed here.
Beyond regulatory requirements, financial advisors can gain from holding other credentials, qualifications and certifications that are discussed here.
Raymond James
Raymond James is a full-service brokerage firm notable for a highly flexible approach to hiring financial advisors, with options ranging from employee to independent contractor relationships.
Raymond James is a full-service brokerage firm notable for a highly flexible approach to hiring financial advisors, with options ranging from employee to independent contractor relationships.
Peer to Peer Lending
Peer to peer lending (P2P) uses online platforms to bring borrowers and lenders together, bypassing the banks. Crowd funding is a related phenomenon discussed here.
Peer to peer lending (P2P) uses online platforms to bring borrowers and lenders together, bypassing the banks. Crowd funding is a related phenomenon discussed here.
CFO
CFO is a common abbreviation for Chief Financial Officer. The plural CFOs also can refer to Critical Few Objectives.
CFO is a common abbreviation for Chief Financial Officer. The plural CFOs also can refer to Critical Few Objectives.
Mobile Banking
Prepaid mobile phone (cell phone) credits are a common payment mechanism in developing countries with poor banking, mail and transport networks.
Prepaid mobile phone (cell phone) credits are a common payment mechanism in developing countries with poor banking, mail and transport networks.
Arrest Records
Advances in background searches are making it very hard to hide incidents from your past. Getting an arrest record officially expunged may be needed to preserve your employability.
Advances in background searches are making it very hard to hide incidents from your past. Getting an arrest record officially expunged may be needed to preserve your employability.
Insurance Appraisers
Insurance appraisers are experts in the valuation of property, such as automobiles, and give key expert input in the settling of insurance claims.
Insurance appraisers are experts in the valuation of property, such as automobiles, and give key expert input in the settling of insurance claims.
Changing Jobs
Important advice about advancing your career through changing jobs.
Important advice about advancing your career through changing jobs.
Product Management
Product management is a central interdisciplinary function in many companies, often a fast-paced and exciting job that opens doors to other career options.
Product management is a central interdisciplinary function in many companies, often a fast-paced and exciting job that opens doors to other career options.
First Vice President
As the Vice President title became too common, financial services firms began creating variants like First Vice President to stratify this management layer further.
As the Vice President title became too common, financial services firms began creating variants like First Vice President to stratify this management layer further.
Jim Cramer
Who is Jim Cramer: Why work in financial services? Jim Cramer entered the financial services industry
Who is Jim Cramer: Why work in financial services? Jim Cramer entered the financial services industry
Quant
A quant lends expertise in advanced mathematical techniques to problems in finance, trading and investing.
A quant lends expertise in advanced mathematical techniques to problems in finance, trading and investing.
Invoice Discounting
Invoice discounting spurs fast payment of bills by customers. It also is a device to extend credit to suppliers.
Invoice discounting spurs fast payment of bills by customers. It also is a device to extend credit to suppliers.
Networking
Networking is vital for finding jobs and advancing. It also is a key way to increase your knowledge and get help with job-related issues and problems. Learn how here.
Networking is vital for finding jobs and advancing. It also is a key way to increase your knowledge and get help with job-related issues and problems. Learn how here.
Public Relations
Public relations is a vital and fast-paced function, with high visibility and access to senior executives. The field requires communications, interpersonal and persuasive skills.
Public relations is a vital and fast-paced function, with high visibility and access to senior executives. The field requires communications, interpersonal and persuasive skills.
Take Advantage of Layoffs
Surprisingly, periods of layoffs can offer great opportunities. Read here about how to take advantage of layoffs in your career management strategy.
Surprisingly, periods of layoffs can offer great opportunities. Read here about how to take advantage of layoffs in your career management strategy.
Freeconomics
Freeconomics is a new term describing an old marketing strategy, the selective giving away of free or heavily discounted merchandise or services in hopes of stimulating more sales in the future.
Freeconomics is a new term describing an old marketing strategy, the selective giving away of free or heavily discounted merchandise or services in hopes of stimulating more sales in the future.
Director
Director is a title used by a variety of financial and non-financial firms for people in middle management, in addition to members of their boards of directors.
Director is a title used by a variety of financial and non-financial firms for people in middle management, in addition to members of their boards of directors.
Rating Agencies
Credit rating agencies are key players in the financial markets, assessing the ability of corporate and governmental borrowers to incur and service debt, and the interest rate cost that they face. They are major employers and trainers of people in the field of securities research and securities analysis.
Credit rating agencies are key players in the financial markets, assessing the ability of corporate and governmental borrowers to incur and service debt, and the interest rate cost that they face. They are major employers and trainers of people in the field of securities research and securities analysis.
Vice President
Vice President is a common job title in the financial services industry. Here is what it means.
Vice President is a common job title in the financial services industry. Here is what it means.
Pay by Commissions
Financial advisors are traditionally paid on commissions. Here is a detailed discussion of what that means.
Financial advisors are traditionally paid on commissions. Here is a detailed discussion of what that means.
Private Client
One of various terms for a wealthy client.
One of various terms for a wealthy client.
CFP Review Courses
One can prepare for the CFP exam for Certified Financial Planners through self-study, but formal CFP review courses (CFP test prep) have advantages. Here are tips for choosing among courses.
One can prepare for the CFP exam for Certified Financial Planners through self-study, but formal CFP review courses (CFP test prep) have advantages. Here are tips for choosing among courses.
Leveraged Loan
A leveraged loan is one extended to a borrower that is already highly-indebted or to a non-investment grade corporation.
A leveraged loan is one extended to a borrower that is already highly-indebted or to a non-investment grade corporation.
Senior Executive Vice President
When financial services firms wish to create a hierarchy of Executive Vice Presidents, they may designate some as Senior Executive Vice Presidents.
When financial services firms wish to create a hierarchy of Executive Vice Presidents, they may designate some as Senior Executive Vice Presidents.
Mastering Financial Jargon
Mastering financial jargon is an important way to make it immediately clear to other people in the field that you are an expert, and to make favorable impressions in a hurry.
Mastering financial jargon is an important way to make it immediately clear to other people in the field that you are an expert, and to make favorable impressions in a hurry.
Financial Advisor Newsletters
Another way for Financial advisors and financial planners to promote their practices and increase client contact and loyalty is through the writing of newsletters. A well crafted newsletter can induce existing clients to deepen their relationships, and also project a professional image that draws new clients.
Another way for Financial advisors and financial planners to promote their practices and increase client contact and loyalty is through the writing of newsletters. A well crafted newsletter can induce existing clients to deepen their relationships, and also project a professional image that draws new clients.
Managing Expectations
Managing expectations is a key to success. Doing it successfully is a delicate balancing act, avoiding both over-promising and setting unduly low expectations that are easily exceeded.
Managing expectations is a key to success. Doing it successfully is a delicate balancing act, avoiding both over-promising and setting unduly low expectations that are easily exceeded.
FTSE
The FTSE indexes track the price movements of the largest companies (by market value) on the London Stock Exchange.
The FTSE indexes track the price movements of the largest companies (by market value) on the London Stock Exchange.
Management Science
The financial services industry is a leading employer of management science professionals, people who apply advanced mathematical techniques to the analysis and solution of business problems.
The financial services industry is a leading employer of management science professionals, people who apply advanced mathematical techniques to the analysis and solution of business problems.
Senior Vice President
As Vice Presidents proliferated, financial services firms looked to create further distinctions among them. Senior Vice President is one example.
As Vice Presidents proliferated, financial services firms looked to create further distinctions among them. Senior Vice President is one example.
JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is one of the top tier nationwide banks, which also has major securities operations.
JPMorgan Chase is one of the top tier nationwide banks, which also has major securities operations.
Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual is a leading life insurance company based in Milwaukee. It is renowned for high satisfaction among clients and salespeople, and a highly-regarded sales internship program.
Northwestern Mutual is a leading life insurance company based in Milwaukee. It is renowned for high satisfaction among clients and salespeople, and a highly-regarded sales internship program.
Stock Research
Stock research and securities analysis involves the study of companies and their securities, producing recommendations on the desirability of investing in them.
Stock research and securities analysis involves the study of companies and their securities, producing recommendations on the desirability of investing in them.
Money Manager
Money managers, investment managers and asset managers are highly-compensated financial professionals, with a fast-paced and stimulating work environment.
Money managers, investment managers and asset managers are highly-compensated financial professionals, with a fast-paced and stimulating work environment.
Legacy Systems
Legacy systems are obsolete technology, but many major financial firms still run critical functions on them. IT pros with outdated skills are, ironically, vital to their maintenance.
Legacy systems are obsolete technology, but many major financial firms still run critical functions on them. IT pros with outdated skills are, ironically, vital to their maintenance.
The Kovel Rule
The Kovel Rule is a legal principle that extends lawyer-client confidentiality to include other sources of expert advice, most notably accountants. The IRS has been moving aggressively to limit the applicability of the Kovel Rule.
The Kovel Rule is a legal principle that extends lawyer-client confidentiality to include other sources of expert advice, most notably accountants. The IRS has been moving aggressively to limit the applicability of the Kovel Rule.
Best Executive MBA Programs
Is your employer offering to send you to an Executive MBA (EMBA) program? Here is a recent survey of the best ones.
Is your employer offering to send you to an Executive MBA (EMBA) program? Here is a recent survey of the best ones.
Wall Street
: The phrase "Wall Street" has become increasingly imprecise over the years. Originally, it referred
: The phrase "Wall Street" has become increasingly imprecise over the years. Originally, it referred
Risk Measurement
Given that risk management is a crucial function, growing in importance, in the financial services industry, familiarity with some of the basic measurements is vital. Here is an overview.
Given that risk management is a crucial function, growing in importance, in the financial services industry, familiarity with some of the basic measurements is vital. Here is an overview.