Financial and professional services
It's not just about accountancy and management consulting. Scotland needs financial and professional skills in law, marketing, digital and other exciting sectors.
What impact could you make?
I really enjoy my job. I like talking to different customers every day, being able to help them with whatever they need. In the past year, my confidence has really grown in the job and I've learned a lot. I learn lots in my job every day.Lorena CocozzaCustomer Service Modern Apprentice, HSBC UK
Financial services at a glance
With so many new finance and business apps, both digital and customer service skills are in demand. New technology brings different ways of interacting with customers, saving money and analysing the market.
Employment
In 2024, there were 128,800 people working in financial and professional services across Scotland.
Job availability
Between 2024 and 2027, it's expected that 4,700 people will be needed to fill job openings in Scotland.
Job diversity
There are lots of school initiatives to encourage a diverse range of people to join the sector and help shape the future.
Invest in your future
We’ve pulled out some popular financial and professional services job profiles for you to explore.
Solution architect
Project manager
Business analyst
Actuary
Investment analyst
Bookkeeper
Management consultant
Agricultural consultant
Solicitor
Things you may not know about financial services
By 2025, it’s predicted that more than 38% of all UK retail sales will be made online – that’s £152 billion!
Source: Statista
Scotland has the UK’s highest proportion of green financial job openings. It’s a growing area of the financial and professional services sector.
Source: PwC Green Jobs Barometer
The FinTech sector in Scotland is thriving, with more than 220 firms working across areas including data analytics, cyber security and open banking.
Source: Sectoral Skills Assessment, Financial and Professional Services 2024
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a financial and professional services career.
Accountancy FA
Financial Services FA
business
English
maths
design and manufacture
modern studies
computing and IT
Business Skills FA
people and society
Organisations making a difference
Discover organisations in financial and professional services and how they’re making an impact.
Scottish Financial Enterprise
Scottish Financial Enterprise is the representative body for Scotland’s financial services industry. It supports members ranging from small, local companies to global organisations.
Visit Scottish Financial Enterprise
FinTech Scotland
FinTech Scotland encourages collaboration within the FinTech world. To do this, they connect organisations within the financial sector.
Visit FinTech Scotland
Investment 20/20
Investment 20/20 is part of the Investment Association. It points you towards guidance, trainee programmes and events to help kickstart your future in finance.
Visit Investment 20/20
Future Asset
Future Asset encourages girls at school across Scotland to consider a career in the world of investment.
Visit Future Asset
getinto.finance
getinto.finance is a new way to explore skills, find roles and discover pathways into finance in Scotland.
Visit getinto.finance