Whether you’re an experienced professional in financial services or someone eager to break into the field, Westchester presents a landscape of new opportunities and in-demand positions in the sector.
There are a variety of roles in financial services, such as associate banker, financial manager, and private client banker, to name a few. Notably, the role of financial manager has ranked among the top 10 in terms of job growth by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Financial managers in Westchester make an average salary of $95,000 a year, according to Indeed. Entry-level positions such as associate bankers can make around $58,000 a year.
Within Westchester, there are several financial services roles available for qualified candidates. The JPMorgan Chase & Co. branch in Westchester has open positions for associate bankers, private client bankers, and more.
“Associate bankers and private client bankers are the folks that will help customers navigate our firm and get the resources they need to achieve their financial goals and dreams,” says G. Wayne Elliott, the market director of consumer banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Hiring in Financial Services
When hiring for roles like associate banker, Elliott says they look for people who have great customer service skills and ultimately want to help people. They also like to have a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives, says Brian Huff, the market executive and executive director at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
“Some of the most successful people in the banker associate role, or in general, are innovative people, they’re problem solvers,” Huff says. “We want people that have the ability to grow and meet the client’s needs of today and tomorrow.”
“At Webster, we maintain a values-driven culture,” Cheng says. “An advantage of working at Webster, a regional bank with national capabilities, is that we hear from our colleagues that they’re able to make a meaningful impact in their role. Our large presence in the Northeast gives colleagues a direct line to work with the community in providing various financial offerings to meet their needs.”
Opportunity to Grow
While a bachelor’s degree is required for many careers in financial services, there is room for growth and movement within the industry, says Huff. At JPMorgan Chase & Co., all employees go through onboarding to get training for their positions. Employees looking to change jobs or move up within the firm can benefit from long-term training and education programs.
“My master’s was supported by the firm,” Elliott says. “We have a tremendous training program that allows people to go from an entry-level position to senior executives.”
Beyond supporting education, Elliot and Huff say their careers in financial services provide a good work-life balance. They also say that many people who work for the firm volunteer for other organizations and try to give back to the community when they can.
“Not only are we helping people save money for retirement and send their kids to college, but we’re also volunteering in nonprofit organizations and doing financial seminars,” says Elliot.
Career Resources
In addition to exploring job openings at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mastercard, Webster Bank, and other firms, people interested in financial services can also find valuable resources through the Westchester County Association (WCA). Huff is a member of the WCA Business Roundtable and works to bridge the gap between the community and the financial services industry.
“We’re always looking, discussing, and trying ways to get that talent,” Huff says. “It’s a critical challenge for our business and other employers in Westchester.”
Webster Bank also offers internal programs for professional development. Employees have access to an on-demand library of self-guided training to build both soft and hard skills, Cheng says.
“Webster is deeply committed to developing future leaders of our company,” Cheng says. “We offer two hands-on experiences that give students and recent graduates broad exposure to the industry.”
For recent college graduates, Webster Bank has a banking rotational program. Depending on the business track, which can last from 18-24 months, the graduates have an opportunity to work across a business track that interests them and rotate through the various departments within that track.
“Financial services is a dynamic industry that offers great opportunities to further your career by learning new skills or expanding existing ones,” Cheng says. “No matter your area of expertise — IT, customer service, finance, or sales — the financial services industry has a role for you.”
