Information and guidance for young people aged 13-19
BUSINESS, FINANCE AND
CUSTOMER SERVICES
The biggest and best companies in this sector are looking for people with high
motivation and enthusiasm. Some jobs within finance and business demand
commitment, long hours and hard work but the effort can be rewarding. Other
roles require a high level of customer service and sometimes shift work.
What is happening?
Skills & qualities
• Around 44,000 people work in finance and business
services in Suffolk. Around 10,000 of those work in
finance and insurance industries1.
• Ipswich is a regional hub for the finance sector with
some of the largest insurance companies employing
over 1,000 people.
• The future looks positive for professional services
such as finance and accountancy. Environmental
accounting is a growth area.
Useful subjects
• Fewer jobs for administrative staff due to cuts in
services and technology taking over some roles.
• Areas with demand for skills include sales and
customer service, HR, legal, ecommerce, logistics
administration, actuarial work and IT.
• Employers are seeking people who are good
communicators, have strong IT skills, pay attention to
detail and are able to focus on and meet customers’
needs. They are also looking for people who have a
sound understanding of how business works.
What could you earn?*
Financial director
£61,100
Human resources officer
£28,400
Chartered accountant
£37,700
Business research professional
£31,900
• Modern language skills in demand especially for
companies who operate or trade internationally.
Finance officer
£23,600
Office manager
£28,200
• Many graduate opportunities in this sector and the
number of women is growing too.
Contact centre worker
£16,700
• There are supported apprenticeships, traineeships,
internships and other forms of training available to
young people aged 16 – 24 in Suffolk.
Local employers
• AXA
• KPMG
• Attwells
Solicitors
• Ipswich Building
Society
On the web
• Willis
www.cipd.co.uk
www.directions.org.uk
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
• Hastings Direct
• Morrison Utilities
• Lovewell Blake
Services Ltd
• Ansaback
• Servest Group
• Scrutton Bland
1 Business Register of Employment Survey 2013 * Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2014.
Average full-time (median) salary rounded to the nearest £100. Doesn’t include self employed.
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