Investment banking and fund management
Newly qualified accountants are drawn to careers in investment banking and investment/fund management. The industry is glamorous, the financial rewards and bonuses are very generous and the opportunities available for talented individuals are in plentiful supply.
Investment banks
Investment banks generate high demand for newly qualified accountants in every discipline. There are a large number of investment banks operating from the UK, primarily based in the City of London, although technological advances have led to increasing relocations to London’s Docklands and West End, as well as further afield.
London remains the leading financial services market in Europe and one of the world’s most important financial centres. An investment bank will offer opportunities in proportion to its size, although increased supply for positions at large banks and high quality culture often make it more difficult to join such a company.
Investment/ fund management
Investment and fund management is one of the most sought-after career routes for newly qualified accountants. Fund managers tend to recruit for specific accounting opportunities as well as occasionally for trainee fund management and equities analysis roles.
Fund managers work on behalf of individuals or corporate clients, investing in equities, bonds and other products to maximise the return and/or long-term growth of portfolio value.
Compliance accountants, financial controllers, management accountants and auditors liaise closely with the front office and fund managers themselves, creating a dynamic working environment and enhancing future cross-transfer prospects.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that skills gained in fund management are easily transferable within financial services and the sector is regarded to be as prestigious and reputable as investment banking. For talented individuals, opportunities are extremely widespread.
