Here’s information on finance jobs in Buffalo, NY, formatted in HTML:
Buffalo, New York, while not Wall Street, boasts a surprisingly robust and growing finance sector. The city offers diverse opportunities ranging from traditional banking and investment management to insurance and corporate finance roles. Job seekers can find positions suitable for entry-level candidates just starting their careers to seasoned professionals looking for new challenges.
Key Sectors and Employers: Several industries contribute to Buffalo’s financial landscape. Prominent among them are:
- Banking: Major national and regional banks such as M&T Bank (headquartered in Buffalo), KeyBank, and Citizens Bank have a significant presence, offering roles in retail banking, commercial lending, wealth management, and operations.
- Insurance: The insurance industry is well-represented with companies like Independent Health and BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York providing opportunities in actuarial science, underwriting, claims processing, and financial analysis.
- Investment Management: Several wealth management firms and investment advisory groups operate in Buffalo, offering roles for financial advisors, portfolio managers, and investment analysts. Look for firms specializing in serving high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients.
- Corporate Finance: Larger corporations in the Buffalo Niagara region, across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, have internal finance departments. These departments hire accountants, financial analysts, controllers, and other finance professionals to manage their financial planning, reporting, and treasury functions.
Job Types and Skills: The specific roles available vary, but common finance jobs in Buffalo include:
- Financial Analyst: Analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing recommendations to improve financial performance. Requires strong analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and knowledge of financial modeling.
- Accountant: Maintaining financial records, preparing tax returns, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Requires a strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and experience with accounting software.
- Financial Advisor: Helping individuals and families plan for their financial future, including retirement planning, investment management, and insurance needs. Requires strong interpersonal skills, sales skills, and knowledge of financial products.
- Loan Officer: Evaluating loan applications and approving or denying loans based on creditworthiness. Requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of lending practices, and customer service skills.
- Actuary: Assessing and managing risk, particularly in the insurance industry. Requires strong mathematical and statistical skills, as well as knowledge of actuarial principles.
Job Market Outlook: The job market for finance professionals in Buffalo is generally stable, with moderate growth projected. Factors driving demand include the continued growth of the regional economy, an aging population needing financial planning services, and increasing regulatory complexity in the financial industry. Networking with local finance professionals and utilizing online job boards are essential for finding opportunities. Professional certifications such as the CFA, CPA, or CFP can significantly enhance career prospects.
Salary Expectations: Salaries for finance jobs in Buffalo are generally competitive with national averages, though often slightly lower than in major metropolitan areas like New York City. However, the lower cost of living in Buffalo can offset this difference, making it an attractive location for finance professionals seeking a balance between career opportunities and quality of life.