How To Get Into Finance

A career in finance can be rewarding, varied and well-paid — but breaking in can feel daunting if you're not sure where to start. The good news is there are many routes in, and you don't always need a finance degree. This guide explains the main paths into finance, the qualifications that help, the skills that matter, and practical steps to get your foot in the door — in plain language. Whether you're a student, a graduate or changing careers, Learnsignal's professional qualifications like ACCA, CIMA and AAT are designed to help you get there.

What does "a career in finance" actually mean?

"Finance" covers a huge range of roles, and understanding the breadth helps you target the right path. It includes accountancy (preparing and auditing accounts, tax, advisory), corporate finance (managing a company's money, planning and analysis), investment and markets (banking, asset management, trading), banking (retail and commercial), and specialist areas like risk, insurance and financial planning. These roles differ a lot in their day-to-day work, so a useful first step is to get a sense of which part of finance appeals to you — the steady, structured world of accountancy, the fast pace of markets, or the analytical focus of corporate finance.

The main routes in

There are several well-trodden paths into finance:

• Professional qualifications. For accountancy and many finance roles, a professional qualification (such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA or AAT) is the classic route — and crucially, you can often study while you work. AAT is a popular entry point that doesn't require a degree.
• University degree. A degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related subject is a common starting point, especially for graduate schemes — though many employers accept degrees in any subject.
• Apprenticeships and school-leaver programmes. Increasingly popular, these let you earn while you learn and work towards a qualification without going to university.
• Entry-level roles. Starting in a junior position — such as an accounts assistant or finance administrator — and building experience and qualifications from there.

There's no single "right" way in — the best route depends on your starting point, circumstances and the area you're aiming for.

The skills that matter

Finance employers look for a mix of technical and personal skills. On the technical side: numeracy and comfort with numbers, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and increasingly data and technology skills (including spreadsheets and, more and more, familiarity with AI tools). On the personal side: communication (finance professionals must explain numbers to non-specialists), problem-solving, integrity, and commercial awareness — understanding how businesses actually make money. The good news is that many of these skills can be developed, and professional qualifications build the technical foundation directly.

Practical steps to get in

If you're trying to break into finance, a few concrete steps help:

• Pick a direction — research the different areas and roles, and identify what appeals.
• Start a relevant qualification — beginning a recognised qualification (like AAT, ACCA or CIMA) signals commitment and builds the knowledge employers want.
• Gain experience — through internships, work placements, part-time roles or even volunteering to handle finances for a club or charity.
• Build your network — connect with people in the field, attend events, and use LinkedIn.
• Tailor your applications — highlight relevant skills and your genuine interest in finance.

Why qualifications help so much

For most finance careers — and accountancy in particular — a professional qualification is one of the most powerful things you can have. It proves your knowledge, is recognised and respected by employers, and often lets you study while you earn. It can also open doors that a degree alone won't, and it's frequently the key to progressing into higher-paid, more senior roles. Starting a qualification is one of the clearest ways to show you're serious about a finance career.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a degree to work in finance?

Not always. While some graduate schemes ask for a degree, many finance and accountancy roles are open through professional qualifications like AAT, ACCA or CIMA, or through apprenticeships — routes that often don't require a degree and let you earn while you learn.

What's the best route into finance?

There's no single best route — it depends on your starting point and goals. For accountancy, a professional qualification studied alongside work is a very common and effective path. Apprenticeships and entry-level roles are great for getting in without a degree.

Can I get into finance from another career?

Yes. Many people move into finance later, bringing useful transferable skills. Starting a recognised qualification and gaining some relevant experience are the clearest ways to make the switch credible to employers.

Build your finance career with Learnsignal

Whatever route you take, the right qualification makes a real difference. Learnsignal's tutor-led courses — including AAT for getting started, and ACCA and CIMA for professional progression — are built around flexible, supported study that fits around work, helping you break into finance and build a lasting career.