Finance and insurance

• Norfolk is home to one of the largest clusters of finance and insurance businesses in Europe¹². Norwich is also one of the largest general insurance centres in Europe including companies like Aviva and Marsh.
• Financial companies are moving towards more digital and virtual services requiring people who are skilled in FinTech (financial technologies), cyber security, AI (artificial intelligence) and big data analytics. AI is increasingly able to do more routine tasks, reducing the number of clerical and customer service assistants.
• There’s demand for computer scientists, data analysts, cyber security professionals, accountants, actuaries and legal professionals.
• The Norwich Business School at UEA is one of the most highly rated business schools in the UK offering accounting, finance and management courses.
• Employers are seeking people who have digital and analytical skills, and logical minds. Watch this short video to learn more: Work in Finance

• Speaking 
• Languages
• Customer awareness
• Leadership 
• Maths
• Advanced digital skills
• ICT skills
• English
• Business knowledge
• Presentation skills
• Analytical skills
• Teamwork

• Computer science 
• Psychology
• Maths 
• English 
• Sociology 
• Law
• Business studies 
• Modern languages
• History 
• Politics 
• Religious studies

• Aviva
• Adrian Flux
• KPMG
• Capita
• Marsh
• Williams Lea
• RBS
• Moneyfacts
• Virgin Money
• Lovewell Blake
• Chadwicks

• Contact centre worker                £17,200-£24,850
• Customer service manager        £19,800-£40,000+
• Finance officer                            £20,050-£31,900
• Sales executive                          £21,000-47,700+
• Investment analyst                     £22,250-£52,250+
• Chartered accountant                £24,100-£53,900+
• Economist                                  £28,500-£61,200+

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good grades in English and maths will help you to get into this sector; advanced digital skills can also help, however this sector is open to a wide range of talents.

Options at 16

A levels – many subjects are useful for getting into this sector, you don’t have to have studied maths to find a role that suits you. Subjects which encourage you to think logically, critically or analytically are helpful.

Apprenticeship - An apprenticeship can lead to work or further study or training; entry requirements vary so check before you apply.

These are just a few for this sector:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Finance assistant
• Investment operations administrator
• Financial services customer adviser

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Payroll administrator
• Advanced credit controller
• Compliance and risk officer
• Insurance practitioner
• Assistant accountant

T level and other vocational qualifications - T levels in accounting and in finance will be on offer from September 2022. If you’re interested in accounting, you can start an AAT course from the age of 16. Business-related qualifications also include finance modules.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - Graduates from any discipline can apply for roles in areas such as financial risk, compliance and accountancy. However, employers typically look for candidates strong numerical skills from degrees such as mathematics, economics or statistics for investment analyst or actuary. Look out for graduate schemes once you’ve graduated – they typically look for a 2:1 and above degree.

Apprenticeship - Competition can be high for some apprenticeships – check entry requirements carefully.

Examples include:

• Financial adviser (level 4)
• Accounting technician (level 4)
• Insurance professional (level 4)
• Financial services professional (level 6)
• Senior compliance and risk specialist (level 6)
• Actuary (level 7)
• Internal audit professional (level 7)

You can also study for an AAT or other accountancy qualification through work-based learning.

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will allow you to demonstrate your skills and qualities. Attending careers fairs and keeping up with current affairs in business and finance may also help.