What are examples of "front office" financial services jobs?

Question

I hear that's where the money is!

Answer 1

In one sentence:  the jobs with the most income are the highest pressure positions demanding a higher education as well.

I work for a large bank with three major areas:

In the retail banking area (branches), the front office/front line staff are the tellers, loan officers/mortgage specialists and financial advisers (mutual fund specialists).  Tellers are the lowest paid and are considered entry level positions.

In the investment banking area, the front office are the investment representatives and investment advisers.  Investment representatives work in the discount brokerage part that is considered entry level if you have the minimum qualifications.  You do not provide investment advice and receive a salary only.  As an investment adviser however, you do provide advice and at the very least a degree in business and/or economics is preferred along with the minimum industry designations.  Compared to the entry level retail banking area these two positions pay more.  The investment adviser is on commission as well so if he is good at what he does his annual earnings can be in the 6 digits.   The dropout/burnout rate is high for an investment adviser as a lot is expected from him.



In the wholesale banking area (bank to bank dealings), the traders and salespersons are considered to be the front office.  In this area the highest salaries are paid.  You are also expected to achieve very high results.  Most don't last more than two years.  You must have a mathematics and/or economics bachelor's/undergraduate degree with a very high preference towards a masters/graduate degree along with the industry designations.  Getting in is incredibly tough even with above average marks.  (The back office in this area is a quicker way in).

Answer 2

in an investment giant, 2 examples would be (a) mergers & acquisitions and (b) syndicate. both are part of investment banking.

Answer 3

Bank teller

Various types of "receptionists" at accounting firms, investment banks, financial planning firms, tax advisory firms, etc. (paraplanner, paralegal, etc).  These may or may not require academic certificates.

You may also consider entry-level back-office positions, which you may get after starting professional certificate training.  I think there is more money --and better job prospects --with back-office than front-office, tho.