Finance

The Finance cluster is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses manage their finances wisely. People in this field help families buy homes, assist businesses with loans, help people save for retirement, and make sure companies spend their money in innovative ways. They work with banks, investment companies, insurance companies, and all kinds of businesses.

Finance workers do many different jobs. Some help people open bank accounts and cash checks. Others help businesses secure loans to expand and hire more employees. Some analyze stock markets and guide people on how to invest their money. Others help families plan for major purchases, such as a house or college.

Why This Field Is Growing:

More people need help understanding complex financial decisions
New technology is creating digital banking and investment apps
Small businesses need help managing their finances as they grow
People are living longer and need help planning for retirement
Online shopping and digital payments are creating new financial services

Cool Technology in Finance:

Mobile banking apps that let you deposit checks by taking pictures
Artificial intelligence that helps detect fraud and protect people's money
Cryptocurrency and digital money systems
Robo-advisors that use computers to help people invest
Blockchain technology that makes financial transactions more secure

In Virginia, this cluster employs over 200,000 people! Jobs for financial analysts, loan officers, and financial planners are expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.

Finance Office

Bank Teller

What They Do: Bank tellers are the friendly faces you see when you go to a bank. They assist customers with their financial transactions by handling deposits, withdrawals, and other banking services. They're like money helpers who ensure everyone's cash is safe and their accounts are accurate.

Daily Tasks:

Help customers deposit and withdraw money from their accounts
Cash checks and count money carefully
Help people open new bank accounts
Explain different bank services to customers
Use computers to update account information
Balance cash drawers to make sure all money is accounted for
Answer questions about account balances and transactions
Follow safety rules to protect customers' money and information

What's Cool About This Job: You get to help people with their financial goals and learn about different banking services. You're often the first person to help someone open their very first bank account!

Financial Analyst

What They Do: Financial analysts are like financial detectives who study numbers and data to help businesses and people make smart money decisions. They research companies, analyze market trends, and create reports that help others make informed decisions about where to invest their money.

Daily Tasks:

Study company financial reports and earnings
Use computer programs to analyze financial data
Create charts and graphs to show financial trends
Research different investment opportunities
Write reports explaining their findings to clients
Meet with business leaders to discuss financial strategies
Track stock market performance and economic news
Help predict how investments might perform in the future

What's Cool About This Job: You get to be like a financial fortune teller, using math and research to predict what might happen with money and investments. Your work helps people and companies make millions of dollars in smart decisions!

Loan Officer

What They Do: Loan officers help people and businesses get loans for essential purchases like houses, cars, and business equipment. They're like financial matchmakers who connect people who need money with banks that can lend it to them.

Daily Tasks:

Meet with people who want to borrow money
Review financial documents like pay stubs and tax returns
Check credit scores and financial histories
Explain different loan options and interest rates
Help people fill out loan applications
Work with underwriters to get loans approved
Calculate monthly payment amounts
Follow up with customers throughout the loan process

What's Cool About This Job: You help people achieve their dreams by getting the money they need for homes, cars, and businesses. You might help a family buy their first house or help someone start their own company!

Start in Middle School:

Take math classes and work on becoming comfortable with numbers
Learn basic computer skills and use spreadsheets
Practice sound money management with allowance or part-time jobs
Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment
Join clubs that involve budgeting or fundraising
Learn about different types of banks and financial institutions

Continue in High School:

Take advanced math classes, including algebra and statistics
Join DECA or Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Take business, economics, or accounting CTE courses
Get part-time jobs at banks, credit unions, or businesses
Take dual enrollment classes in business or economics
Learn to use Microsoft Excel and other computer programs
Get experience handling money through jobs or volunteer work
Job shadow financial professionals at local banks or businesses
Participate in stock market simulation games or competitions
Take personal finance classes to understand money management
Visit Virginia colleges with strong business and finance programs

Technical Training (1-2 years):

Jobs: Bank Tellers, Accounting Clerks, Bill Collectors, Customer Service Representatives
Average Salary: $30,000 - $43,000

Community College (2 years):

Jobs: Loan Processors, Insurance Sales Agents, Bookkeepers, Financial Assistants
Average Salary: $43,000 - $55,000

Four-Year College:

Jobs: Accountants, Loan Officers, Financial Analysts, Budget Analysts
Average Salary: $65,000 - $80,000

Advanced Degrees:

Jobs: Financial Managers, Investment Advisors, Chief Financial Officers, Financial Planners
Average Salary: $90,000 - $140,000+

Try It Out!

Visit a local bank or credit union and ask for a tour
Start a savings account and track your money for a month
Shadow someone who works at a bank, accounting firm, or financial company
Join your school's business club or DECA chapter
Play online financial literacy games or stock market simulations
Help a family member create a budget for a purchase

Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is home to more than 100 banks and credit unions? The finance industry contributes over $15 billion to Virginia's economy each year!