Financial Services Career Pathways
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, and provide solutions for businesses and individuals. They ensure that financial records are accurate, that financial and data risks are evaluated, and that taxes are paid properly so a business can run efficiently.
Banking is a popular field in the finance industry. Banks provide services such as storing funds, managing credit, and orchestrating financial transactions for individuals, small businesses, and corporations.
Financial Analysis:
Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
Careers in finance involve the management of money and how either an individual, company, or government agency obtains and strategically spends its funding.
Visit our financial services education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana finance training programs.
Accounting/Auditing
In-demand Specialties:
Corporate accounting
Government accounting
IT auditing
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is needed to start an accounting career. Completing certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), can help increase employability.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in accounting/auditing include accountant/auditor, carbon capture accounting specialist, and cost estimator. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $68,000
MT Growth Rate: 15%
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Median Salary: $73,000 (nationally)
Growth Rate: 23% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $74,400
MT Growth Rate: 14%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Accounting software like QuickBooks
Customer relationship management software like Salesforce
Data modeling and analysis
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software like Microsoft Dynamics
Payroll and tax preparation software such as Workforce and ATX Total Tax Office
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Soft Skills
Analytical
Critical-thinking
Communication
Detail-oriented
Organizational skills
Strong math skills
Education:
To work in the banking industry a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or similar field is usually required. Credentials such as the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) from the Association for Financial Professionals may be required for career advancement opportunities.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in banking include loan officer, treasurer and controller, and financial manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Banking
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $66,000
MT Growth Rate: 10%
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Median MT Salary: $95,000
Growth Rate: 6% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $126,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Accounting software like QuickBooks
Analytical or scientific software like SAS
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software like Microsoft Dynamics
Financial analysis software like Delphi Technology
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Customer service
Detail-oriented
Interpersonal skills
Organizational skills
Strong math skills
Financial Analysis
Education:
Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a similar field of study. Obtaining a certification like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can help increase employability and opportunities for advancement.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in financial analysis include financial risk manager, fundraising manager, personal financial advisor, and supply chain manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $79,000
Growth Rate: 9% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $92,000
MT Growth Rate: 19%
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Median MT Salary: $97,000
MT Growth Rate: 20%
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Median MT Salary: $99,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Customer relationship management software like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Data mining software like Google Analytics
Financial analysis software like Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Detail-oriented
Empathy
Problem-solving
Strong math skills
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.