The Best Jobs in Fintech: Part II

Welcome back to our series on some of the best jobs in fintech. Last time we spoke about just some of the career paths in the rapidly growing fintech industry, which means it's time to get into the second part of the list. Let’s begin.

Financial Analyst

If we want to get technical (pun intended) here, fintech exists as a sector of the overall financial industry, and while artificial intelligence can perform many of the tasks of a financial analyst, most firms like to have some actual human beings on hand. As such, working in fintech as a financial analyst is a viable career option.

As a financial analyst, you’ll take on the key responsibility of analyzing your firm’s financial statements and making informed decisions based on your findings. A financial analyst will also be asked to accurately predict future performance, devise budgets, monitor a firm’s financial plan, and create various reports.

These days, most companies require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or economics. You may also be asked to complete a certification exam through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in order to apply or upon being hired. Keep in mind that this is one of those situations where the more credentials you have, the higher your earning potential is. For example, you’ll earn a larger salary with an MBA and certification than you would with a bachelor’s in accounting.

App Developer

Any firm that wants to be competitive in the world of fintech needs to have a mobile app, and if you’re an app developer, that’s where you come in! The majority of fintech consumers are tech-savvy individuals in their 20s and 30s, which means they’re looking for a fintech app that provides security, ease of access, and perhaps a futuristic look. If you’ve got a unique vision for a great, cutting-edge mobile app, you’ll be in high demand.

Being an effective app developer is a whole lot more than just designing and creating the app. You’ll constantly be testing, identifying problems through troubleshooting, fixing bugs, and providing important updates, all while understanding the needs of your firm and how they relate to the app.

Most firms are looking for app developers with a bachelor’s degree in software development or a related field. You’ll also need to demonstrate strong analytical skills, an understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, and knowledge of programming languages including JavaScript and C++.

Cybersecurity Specialist

One of the top concerns for fintech firms and their clients is security. Everyone knows that criminals are always on the lookout for more money, and digital financial services are a big target. That’s why cybersecurity specialists are in such high demand these days. In fact, as the fintech industry grows, the demand for cybersecurity roles will only increase, as over time those nefarious cybercriminals will try to devise new ways to steal our money!

You’re going to need to stay on your toes as a cybersecurity specialist. From monitoring security access and identifying any breaches, to testing and auditing your firm’s security system, your job is all about protecting the company and its clients from cybercrime. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists are often tasked with training employees of the organization to identify any phishing or otherwise fraudulent emails.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required to land a job as a cybersecurity specialist. If you go ahead and earn your CISP (Certified Information Security Professional) certification it will help distinguish you from other applicants, and you can also expect to make a higher salary.

Product Manager

The fintech industry is extremely competitive. Every company is looking for new ways to set themselves apart from the others and gain new customers. The best way to break away from the pack is to offer customers something that they really want, and that the competition doesn’t have. This is where the product manager comes in.

Product managers, or product owners, meticulously plan out a product’s lifecycle based on factors such as consumer demand and the company’s overall objectives. This includes working closely with the sales and marketing teams, as well as with engineers and developers. The product manager must oversee a number of moving parts in order to realize their vision for a product.

Most employers are looking for applicants who possess a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, or a related field. Those who are interested in a career in product management might also want to get their certification, and there are a number of ways to go about that. Your current employer might even pay for certification, so if that’s the case, you should definitely take advantage of that. Plus, you can add that cool little “CPM” to your title once you’re certified. I don’t think you can add it to your cool vanity plates though.

And with that, we’ve reached the end of our epic journey through some of the best jobs in fintech. As you can see, there are many exciting career options at a variety of experience and education levels, which means there’s something for just about anybody. The fintech industry is going to continue to grow through the foreseeable future, so if it’s something you’re interested in, now’s the time to make your move.