The world of finance offers many different job profiles. We show a selection of possible career paths here.
Auditors
Tasks
Auditors…
...check the annual financial statements of companies
...carry out special business audits (e.g. foundation or merger audits).
…advise clients on tax and economic issues (e.g. company formations, IPOs, white-collar crime)
...assess the creditworthiness of companies
Employer
Auditors work…
...in the practices of auditors or tax advisors
…in auditing or tax consulting firms
...in cooperative auditing associations and auditing bodies of savings bank and giro associations
Courses of study/career entry
– usually a degree in economics or law
– The aim is then to be admitted to the auditing exam (requirement, for example, of working for three to four years as an audit assistant in an auditing firm)
Starting salary as an audit assistant
33,000 to 45,000 € gross/year
Compliance Officer
Tasks
Data protection scandals and corruption scandals – this creates a need for compliance specialists
increased in recent years.
Compliance Officer…
...maintain an overview of relevant national and international laws and regulations and thus reduce liability risks
…develop codes of conduct and guidelines for companies
...create a system of rules and values for the company, including rules of conduct and training measures for employees
...identify rule violations and respond to them
Employer
Compliance officers work...
…mostly in larger or medium-sized companies
…in the public sector
...at management consultancies
Courses of study/career entry
– usually a degree in economics or law
– ideally practical experience in management as well as in the areas of internal auditing, law and information technology
Starting salary
40,000 to 50,000 € gross/year
Controllers
Tasks
Controllers…
...are internal management consultants and the interface between management and operational areas
...plan and control certain processes, ensure transparency of business processes and monitor compliance with goals
...working with numbers (e.g. cost, performance and investment accounting, business calculation techniques)
Employer
Controllers work...
...in larger or medium-sized companies
Courses of study/career entry
– Usually studied economics with a focus on controlling
– but graduates of scientific and technical subjects with appropriate specialization are also welcome
– Companies often offer special trainee programs
Starting salary
36,000 and 45,000 € gross/year
Treasurer (or Cash Manager)
Tasks
Treasurer…
...control a company's liquidity
...manage the company assets and keep an eye on current or future investments
...analyze income and expenses and control payments
... who are employed by banks conduct financial transactions with other banks or securities transactions with the Bundesbank
employer
Treasurers work...
...in small to large companies
...at banks, insurance companies and financial service providers
Courses of study/career entry
- Usually studied economics with a focus on controlling, financing or banking
– several years of professional experience in the area or company
Starting salary
40,000 to 50,000 € gross/year
Internal Auditor (Audit Manager)
Tasks
Internal auditors…
...analyze the profitability of structures and processes (e.g. investments) and identify business risks at an early stage
...also deal with annual financial statements, sales and marketing
Employer
Internal auditors work…
…at accounting firms
...at companies from business, technology and industry
Courses of study/career entry
– Usually a degree in economics or law with a focus on accounting, auditing or controlling
– ideally two to three years of professional experience in the area of auditing
Starting salary:
40,000 to 60,000 € gross/year
Risk manager
Tasks
Risk manager…
...play through various scenarios and analyze the possible risks for a company
...recommend measures, e.g. B. taking out insurance
... who work for insurance companies create e.g. B. Analyzes of the financial, asset and risk situation of policyholders
... who work at banks or savings banks assess customers' creditworthiness and analyze the risks of securities, stocks, funds and options
employer
Risk managers work...
...at banks, insurance companies and financial service providers
...in larger companies in the areas of engineering, energy and utilities and software development
Courses of study/career entry
– usually a degree in economics, but also mathematics, business mathematics or computer science
– ideally already experience in the areas of risk management and controlling
Starting salary:
40,000 to 50,000 € gross/year
Related articles:
- Banks & insurance short portraits
- Money regulator wanted
- Get in please!
- We asked – careers in retail
The world of finance offers many different job profiles. We show a selection of possible career paths here. Auditor tasks Auditors... ...audit the annual financial statements of companies ...carry out special business audits (e.g. founding or merger audits) ...advise clients on tax and economic issues (e.g. company formations, IPOs, white-collar crime) ...assess the creditworthiness of companies Employers Auditors work... ...in practices of auditors or
