Finance is the study of how investors allocate their assets over time under conditions of certainty and uncertainty. People who work in finance measure risk vs. profit to determine whether an investment is good or not. Finance can be broken into three different subcategories: public finance (government), corporate finance (private sector), and personal finance (individuals).
For anyone who plans to enter the job market in this field, a strong knowledge base in English and math, along with active listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills, are a must.
Finance workers are found in industries throughout the economy, but the largest numbers are found in government; professional and business services; and the finance, banking, and insurance industries. Jobs in finance include accountants and auditors, personal financial advisors, loan officers, financial analysts, real estate appraisers, and credit analysts. Accountants and auditors make up the largest number of jobs in finance and is one of the occupations adding the most number of new jobs in the U.S. — over 190,000 — by 2020.
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High school students should meet with an advisor/guidance counselor to create an appropriate career action plan that may include high school classes in: Accounting Government Math Personal Finance
(Sources: O*Net 2012 and Arizona Tech Prep 2011)
Occupation
Annual Entry-Level Wage Range*
Accountants and Auditors $39,610 - $46,020
Typical Training Required Bachelor’s Degree**
Loan Officers $32,420 - $40,440 On-the-Job or Community College Training Personal Financial Advisors $31,760 - $38,200 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011
Program
Bachelor’s Degree**
** For students seeking a bachelor’s degree, the Maricopa Community Colleges offer courses that transfer to all three of Arizona’s public universities.
College/Skill Center
Program
College/Skill Center
FINANCE Accounting, continued Bank Account Management: Customer Service Rio Salado Accounting – Specialized Para-Professional* Paradise Valley Banking and Finance Estrella Mountain, Phoenix Accounting Associate* Maricopa Skill Center Certified Residential Appraiser Mesa Accounting Paraprofessional* Glendale Home Inspection Mesa Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk* Maricopa Skill Center Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Mesa Bookkeeper/Account Clerk* Maricopa Skill Center Real Estate Mesa, Phoenix Bookkeeping* Scottsdale Real Estate: Prelicense Phoenix Microcomputer Accounting* Paradise Valley Residential Appraisal Trainee Mesa Payroll Clerk* Maricopa Skill Center * Also in Business, Marketing & Government ACCOUNTING Accounting* Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Phoenix, Rio Salado, South Mountain,
Career Guide | maricopa.edu
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