Occupation

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Human Advantage 73%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.1 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

Also Known As: Account Administrator, Account Manager, Account Specialist, Bank and Savings Securities Trader, Banker, Banker Associate, Block Trader, Bond Broker +91 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
  2. Monitor markets or positions.
  3. Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
  4. Keep accurate records of transactions.
  5. Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
  6. Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
  7. Report all positions or trading results.
  8. Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.
  9. Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.
  10. Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.
  11. Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.
  12. Review all securities transactions to ensure accuracy of information and conformance to governing agency regulations.
  13. Devise trading, option, or hedge strategies.
  14. Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.
  15. Track and analyze factors that affect price movement, such as trade policies, weather conditions, political developments, or supply and demand changes.
  16. Inform other traders, managers, or customers of market conditions, including volume, price, competition, or dynamics.
  17. Offer advice on the purchase or sale of particular securities.
  18. Contact prospective customers to present information and explain available services.
  19. Explain stock market terms or trading practices to clients.
  20. Calculate costs for billings or commissions.
  21. Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.
  22. Supply the latest price quotes on any security, as well as information on the activities or financial positions of the corporations issuing these securities.

Supplemental Tasks (4)

  1. Supervise support staff and ensure proper execution of contracts.
  2. Relay buy or sell orders to securities exchanges or to firm trading departments.
  3. Evaluate costs and revenue of agreements to determine continued profitability.
  4. Sell services or equipment, such as trusts, investments, or check processing services.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
55%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
27%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
6%
Some College Courses
6%
Master's Degree
4%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
1%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
1%

Relevant College Majors

  • Finance, General CIP 52.0801Financial markets, investment, and corporate finance.
  • Administrative and Secretarial Science CIP 52.0401Business operations and financial administration.

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • C++
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • Salesforce software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX

Software (73)

  • ADP/Vantra VOLTS
  • AIQ Systems TradingExpert Pro
  • AnalyzerXL
  • Aspen Graphics Technical Analysis Software
  • Bloomberg Professional
  • BondDesk Group Trader WorkStation
  • CQG Integrated Client
  • CSI Complex Systems ClientTrade
  • CableSoft LiveWire Trader
  • Calypso Technology Calypso Asset Management
  • Charles River Development Charles River Investment Management System
  • Citi The Yield Book Calculator
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Database management software
  • Derivicom FinOptions XL
  • Email software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Financial needs analysis software
  • Fixed income alternative trading systems ATS
  • Fund accounting software
  • FundCount Web
  • Graphics software
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Notes
  • Imagine Software Imagine Trading System
  • Knight BondPoint
  • Leading Market Technologies EXPO
  • LinkedIn
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Multiple trading transaction systems
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • Oracle Siebel CRM
  • Project management software
  • Realm Business Solutions INSIGHT for ARGUS
  • Redi Enterprise Development Redi ERM
  • Regulatory agency compliance software
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Sales analysis software
  • Scheduling software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • SunGard MicroHedge
  • Telvent DTN ProphetX
  • Thomson Reuters Tradeweb
  • Tradeweb Markets Tradeweb
  • Trading Blox
  • Triple Point Commodity XL
  • Web browser software
  • Web-based information systems
  • Web-based trading systems
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (11)

  • 10-key calculators
  • Computer data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Mobile computing devices
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers
  • Photocopying equipment
  • Tablet computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Financial Strategy & Investments Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Zone 4
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents You are here
Zone 5
Mathematicians 78% match

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